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9 days
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Everest
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Moderate
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4,065 m
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From 1 person
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Trekking
Highlights
- Sunrise over Everest, Makalu and Kanchenjunga from Pikey Peak (4,065 m)
- Quiet trails through lower Solukhumbu, away from the busy Everest routes
- Junbesi, one of the most beautiful Sherpa villages in the region
- Monasteries, mani walls and prayer flags along the way
- Rhododendron forests that bloom in spring
- A short, lower-altitude alternative to the classic Everest treks
Overview
The Pikey Peak Trek is a short trek in lower Solukhumbu, away from the busy Everest trails. From Dhap Bazaar the route passes Sherpa villages and rhododendron forest to the yak pastures below Pikey Peak (4,065 m), a sacred hill for the local Sherpa community.
At sunrise the summit gives a wide view of the Himalaya, from Everest and Makalu to Kanchenjunga in clear weather. The trek then descends to Junbesi, one of the most attractive Sherpa villages in the region, where a full day allows a visit to Thubten Chholing Monastery, before ending in Phaplu.
Know before you go
Best time to go
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons, with stable weather and clear mountain views. In spring the rhododendron forests are in bloom.
Because the route stays at a lower altitude, winter (December to February) is also a good option, with clear days and quiet trails, though nights are cold. The monsoon (June to August) brings rain and cloud, and we do not recommend it.
Difficulty and fitness
Pikey Peak is an easy to moderate trek that suits most reasonably fit walkers. Days are four to six hours, and the high point at Pikey Peak (4,065 m) is reached with an early-morning climb from base camp for sunrise.
The altitude is well below that of the classic Everest treks, so the risk of altitude sickness is small, but a steady pace and plenty of water still help. Regular walks and some hill training before the trip will make it more enjoyable.
Permits
No national park permit is needed for Pikey Peak. You only need a local area permit for the trek.
We arrange all permits for you before the trip. See Includes/Excludes for what is covered in the price.
Itinerary
Welcome to Nepal. On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Later in the day your guide gives a trek briefing, checks your equipment and answers any questions. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
A long drive of seven to eight hours takes you east out of the Kathmandu Valley through hills and terraced farmland to Dhap Bazaar. It is a full day on the road, but the countryside views make it a good introduction to rural Nepal. Overnight in a teahouse in Dhap Bazaar (2,850 m).
The trail leads through forest and traditional Sherpa villages via Sigane, a quiet route with few other trekkers. The walk ends in the village of Jhapre, where you can experience local Sherpa hospitality. Overnight in a teahouse in Jhapre (2,820 m).
Today you climb through rhododendron forest, especially colourful in spring, up to the open yak pastures below Pikey Peak. The afternoon is free to rest and enjoy the mountain views. Overnight in a teahouse in Pikey Base Camp (3,640 m).
An early start brings you to the top of Pikey Peak (4,065 m) for sunrise, with a wide panorama of the Himalaya including Everest. After time on the summit, you descend to the attractive village of Junbesi. Overnight in a teahouse in Junbesi (2,700 m).
A relaxed day based in Junbesi. A walk of about four hours there and back takes you to Thubten Chholing, a large and active Tibetan Buddhist monastery near the village. The rest of the day is free to explore Junbesi or simply rest. Overnight in a teahouse in Junbesi (2,700 m).
Leaving Junbesi, the trail descends through villages, farmland and forest and crosses a suspension bridge before a final stretch to Phaplu, the end of the trek. The walk takes around four hours, leaving the afternoon free to rest. Overnight in a lodge in Phaplu (2,413 m).
A long drive of around nine to ten hours takes you back through the hills to Kathmandu, where you are transferred to your hotel. The evening is free to relax or explore the city. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
Your trip ends today. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few free hours for last-minute shopping or a final stroll, before a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.
