Located near the classic jiri to Everest Base Camp, Pikey Peak Trek is a new trekking route in the Solukhumbu region with an off the beaten path experience.

When you stand on top of Pikey Peak, you cannot agree more with Sir Edmund. He had said that it was the most exceptional viewpoint in Nepal. On a clear day, you can see all eight 8000 meter peaks of Nepal from Pikey Peak.

These peaks Everest (8848 m), Kanchenjunga (8586m), Makalu (8463m), Lhotse (8414m), and Cho Oyu (8201) are visible on the East and to the west, Manaslu (8163), Annapurna 1 (8091), and even Dhaulagiri 1 (8167).

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Pikey Peak, unlike the well known Everest Base Camp Trek, has panoramic views of the Himalayas throughout the trek. Typically, the closer you go to the mountains on a journey, the less you see of the peaks as they are so huge they block out views of each other.

Sunrise provides incredible photo opportunities as the mountains reflect off their gleaming snow white peaks.

Pikey Peak is also less crowded as it is relatively new.

Alongside local Sherpa communities, Tamang, Chhetri, Gurung, and Rai villages provide an excellent opportunity to learn about the lives of Nepal’s other ethnic groups.

You taste a range of local cuisines and see unique flora and animals. Still largely underdeveloped, the region is considered one of the most important natural and biological diversity sites.

There are numerous monuments along the trail, including stupas and the ubiquitous colorful Tibetan prayer flags.

Pikey Peak is divided into two summits. The difference in height between the two is only 20 meters. However, the view of the mountains from Pikey I is slightly superior.

Since it is a relatively new trek, it is hard to find information. This post will offer you all the required information to plan a perfect Pikey Peak Trek. 

When to go to Pikey Peak?

Pikey peak can be trekked throughout the year. The best seasons are undoubtedly Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to December).

Trekking along this route is feasible in winter (Mid December to February) and rainy season (July to August) with proper winter gear. 

However, it is advisable to avoid this journey during the rainy season, as it can get extremely wet in this area.

Physical requirements for Pikey Peak

It’s not enough to turn up with your gear and guidebook if you want to go Pikey Peak, even if it’s just for a one time trip.

Pikey Peak is 4065 meters which although seems challenging does not have the same dangers of altitude sickness with proper acclimatization.

You must be physically and emotionally prepared to attain the height and distance.

A few weeks before the walk, jogging, running, swimming, and leg exercises would be excellent physical training to prepare yourself for the trek.

It would be helpful to take a Pikey Peak Trek Map and read the Pikey Peak guide before you go.

If you don’t have previous hiking experience, I recommend you to book your tour with a renowned trekking agency of Nepal.

Pikey Peak Trek Itinerary

As far as your preferred itinerary goes, you have a lot of possibilities. The number of days will be determined by your availability.

The shortest can be four days if you fly in and out of Phaplu Airport and six days if you take a jeep excursion.

You can also add it to other treks and continue on the Lukla where the Everest Basecamp, 3 passes and Gokyo Lakes Treks start.

The best route for this hike is as follows:

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Phaplu – 8 hours

Day 2: Trekking from Phaplu to Jun Beshi – 7 hours

Day 3: Jun Beshi to Jasmane Bhanjyang – 7 hours

Day 4: Hike to Pikey Peak in the morning, then down to Liding for a short drive to Phaplu – 6 hours

Day 5: Drive from Phaplu to Kathmandu – 8 hours

If you don’t want to endure a day long jeep excursion, Phaplu has a functioning airport where you can fly into. Tara Air operates daily flights from Kathmandu to Phaplu airport.

You should book flights as soon as possible though because inclement weather can lead to frequent flight cancellations later.

Early booking during trekking season can help you acquire tickets since the high number of tourists and trekkers entering the nation can lead to a shortage of available aircraft seats.

The Pikey Peak trek detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Phaplu

Driving distance: 263km.

Duration: 8 hours of drive

Your journey begins with a trip from Kathmandu to Dhap Bazaar. You continue along the Sunkoshi River’s banks until you reach Ghurmi Village.

Along the trip, you can relax and take in the scenery of Nepal’s ever-changing terrain as you drive through lush forests, terraced rice fields, and several rushing rivers.

Finally, you arrive at Dhap Bazaar- the border of Okhaldhunga and Solukhumbu district, where you can stroll through the markets and have some lunch.

Continuing, you get to Sigane past Dhap, where you will see the peaks of the Numbur Himal range.

The route from Sigane parallels a construction road for the first couple of hours. Japre is the first village you arrive at an altitude of (2920 m).

Shortly after, you halt for the night at Phaplu in a tea house at Mountain Lodge.

Day 2: Trek from Phaplu to Junbesi Camp (Altitude 3640 meters)

Walking duration: 7 hours

Starting our trek at Phaplu, you continue on the trail to Bhulbhule, which climbs to a grassy ridge. You’ll also get a good view of the Everest range from here.

The trail splits shortly after, and you turn right to Pikey Peak. You will pass a lengthy Mani Stone Wall and some old yak homes.

The trail follows the hillside beneath Taklung Danda, passing through a lovely woodland track. Arriving at Junbesi Camp, you will spend the night in another Mountain Lodge.

Day 3: Trek from Junbesi to Jasmine Bhanjyang

Walking distance: 7 hours

The morning is a walk along the Sunkoshi river and a fantastic view of the mountains along with the wine in winter, the paths will be covered with snow with a cold breeze if you reach in spring.

There are many rhododendron trees along a level path (which you can see in bloom if trekking in the spring). The flowers color the entire route in shades of bright red and yellow.

You climb to the Lamjura pass while passing through dense forests of rhododendrons, magnolia, maple, and birch. You can find small tea houses along the way.

The mountainside is of multiple colors in early spring when the rhododendrons bloom. You can hear the many animal and bird sounds deep in the forest while walking to Lamjura pass.

Then, you slowly walk steep uphill for two hours, passing by jasmine flowers as you reach Jasmine Bhanjyang, where you will stay the night.

Day 4: Jasmine Bhanjyang – Pikey Peak – Junbesi – Phaplu

Trek from Jasmine Bhanjyang to Pikey Peak (Altitude 4065 meters) and trek from Pikey Peak to Junbesi and a short drive to Phaplu (Altitude 2380 meters)

You will begin your trek to Pikey Peak’s famed viewpoint this morning. Mt. Everest (8848m), Number Chuli (6959m), Thamserku (6608m), Kangtega (6685m), Khatang (6853m), Kanchenjunga (8586m), Manaslu (8163m), Dhaulagiri (8167m), Gaurishankar (7134m), Dorje Lakpa (6966m), and Langtang can all be seen in the sunrise.

After taking in the views, you descend to the Junbesi Valley, then to the Lamjura valley before reaching Junbesi. You can rest in the tea houses along the way. Then you walk down along the dense rhododendron forest.

There are many Mani walls and Chortens along this section of track, and you can go to see a historic monastery at Junbesi.

Continuing along the Junbesi Khola, you descend onto a dusty track until reaching a steel suspension bridge. The village of Beni Ghat is reached after crossing the bridge.

Before reaching Phaplu, you’ll continue your trek along a trail full of picturesque delights with a fantastic view of Everest throughout the way, along with the Rhododendron forests.

You can rest along the way and get beautiful pictures of the colorful forest with majestic mountains in the background.

You can try local cuisine and drink while participating in a traditional Sherpa cultural dance performance in traditional Sherpa outfits at Phaplu. You will spend your last night in another Mountain Lodge.

Day 5: Drive from Phaplu to Kathmandu (1350 meters)

Driving distance 270km, 8 hours drive

A standard sumo jeep will take you from Phaplu back to Kathmandu. Or, you can take a 30-minute flight from Phaplu to Kathmandu.

Note: You can also extend the trip to Lake Dudh Kunda if you can spare another 4 extra days. Dudh Kunda is a sacred lake on the lap of Mt Numbur.

You can look for hotels in Kathmandu to stay the night. Meanwhile, you can stroll around the historical and religious sites such as Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, etc. You can also try local cuisines around the area.

Permits for the Pikey Peak

Surprisingly, no permits are required for this journey. Simply purchase bus or airplane tickets to Phaplu and begin your journey.

As there are no significant conservation areas or national parks on the trekking trail, you save $50 (the typical entry fee for other trekking journeys that include courses that go through national parks or conservation areas).

Nonetheless, the lower Everest highlands are home to some Flora and Fauna’s incredible wildlife.

The trail follows along the bank of the Sunkoshi river throughout. The route covers dense rhododendron forests as you go along. These give a beautiful shade of bright red and yellow, which is captured beautifully in pictures.

The trekking track winds through dense pine, maple, chestnut, and haze forest, passing through moss-covered pastures home to various Himalayan birds and animals.

Guides for Pikey Peak

Unlike several other Nepalese treks, Guide is not compulsory for this trek. Locals promote this walk and construct a path thanks to an engaged community.

The locals are warm and provide you with the correct trails, and the tea houses along the way provide a perfect spot for resting and enjoying the view.

There are enough signs to traverse the route on your own, but you are recommended for hiring a guide to support the local economy and have a safe trip.

Food and Accommodation

There are plenty of teahouses throughout the way. Basic food like any other trail in Nepal is available. Chapati, Dal Bhat, Chowmin, Tibetan bread, Tea and coffee, Thukpa are commonly available food.

Budget

The budget includes food and local transportation from Kathmandu to Pikey Peak and to Kathmandu.

If you plan to complete this journey on your own, it will cost you approximately $30 a day for a day.

Hiring a guide with a full board package from a local trekking organization will cost you at least around $850 to $1000.

Note: If you are planning to do this independently, then a jeep ticket can be purchased from Chahabil near Bouddha in Kathmandu

Conclusion

If you just have a look in Nepal and want to go on a trek that is off the main road, the Pikey Peak Trek is the one to go on. It is a beautiful short trek that offers you a magnificent view of Mount Everest and other majestic mountains.

This is an easy level of trek that can be planned during any season. With proper gears and equipment, this trek can be easily covered during any time of the year.

Without a doubt, it is one of Nepal’s top teahouses. This walk will quickly become popular with its natural beauty and breathtaking view.

The route offers a trail along the bank of the Sunkoshi river. You will pass through luscious rhododendron forests, which color the entire scene in shades of red and yellow.

So go ahead and do it now, before it gets too busy with tens of thousands of hikers! Try it while it’s still one of the Himalayas’ best-kept secrets!

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