Pikey Peak Trek – 7 Days

The Pikey Peak Trek is a less-traveled route in the lower Everest region of Nepal. It is the best alternative to crowded routes as it provides a blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion that the other crowded routes in the Khumbu Valley offer, but in a more peaceful environment. From the beginning to the journey’s end, the trek offers a unique blend of natural and cultural attractions. Here are the attractions trekkers can see during the Pikey Peak trek:

Snow-capped peaks

The journey to the Pikey Peak provides you with a chance to see breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks throughout the adventure. The panorama of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Thamserku, Nuptse, and Kangtega will accompany you throughout the trek. The peaks are awe-inspiring, especially during sunrise and sunset when they paint the mountains with eye-appalling colors.

Rhododendron Forest

The trek to Pikey passes through the rhododendron forest, making the route eye-appealing with different colors, especially during the Spring season. The red, pink, white, and carmine red all over the trekking path will appeal to anyone’s eye.

Sherpa Culture

The journey to Pikey takes place within the Khumbu region, a home to the Sherpa indigenous people. Thus, you can expect to experience the locals’ warm culture and hospitality and witness their traditions during their adventure. Similarly, you’ll stay in local tea houses where you can witness the locals’ way of living along with their unique culture.

Buddhist Monasteries

The Everest region is home to several Buddhist monasteries, reflecting the local population’s adherence to Buddhism. Throughout the expedition, you can see ancient monasteries, including the prominent Thupten Choling monastery. Moreover, the monasteries at each step, with prayer wheels and flags, will provide you with a spiritual atmosphere.

Rare flora and fauna

The trek to Pikey Peak takes place within the Sagarmatha National Park area, where you can glimpse rare flora and fauna on your trek. If you trek during Spring, you’ll walk through the forest and the rhododendron blossoms. Besides, you’ll also see other wildflowers like primroses and magnolias, as well as ancient forests of oak, pine, and juniper. Although the national park is home to rare wild animals, their sightings require luck and patience.

Pikey Peak is one of the key attractions of the Lower Khumbu region of Nepal. It lies in the Solukhumbu district of Nepal. It is one of Kathmandu’s nearest trekking and peak climbing spots. Pikey Peak is named after the deity very famous in the Sherpa Clan. Every year during July, local people celebrate a unique festival dedicating their worship to their god Pikey Hlapchen Karbu, also known as the eastern Chyabu Pikey.

The history of Pikey Peak is linked with Sir Edmund Hillary, the first climber to reach the peak in 1953 A.D. He was pleasantly surprised by the beauty and views he saw from the peak, which made Pikey Peak his best trekking destination till his last day.

The Pikey Peak trek offers a great blend of affordability and local culture, which is evidenced in the area’s food and accommodation. Trekkers stay and have a meal in a tea house, which the local family runs. Here is the detailed information about the food and accommodation along the trek to Pikey Peak:

Food

Nutritious food is necessary during your Pikey Peak Trek. It helps to keep you energized for the trek. However, the available resources are quite limited. Since it is in a remote Khumbu region, you may not be able to buy packed foods at a higher altitude.

With us, will get three daily meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Every meal you have during this trek will be organic and homemade.

You can choose from a wide range of breakfast menu items, such as porridge, oatmeal, bread, toast, rotis, chapatis, soups, stews, sandwiches, and cornflakes.

You will also be served tea mixed with honey, ginger, and lemon during breakfast. You can also have energy drinks or coffee, which costs you extra. Still, we don’t recommend consuming caffeine-based products as it increases the risk of altitude sickness. 

You can choose from the local Nepali dishes of Dal Bhat, vegetable curry, pickle, cucumber, and yogurt for lunch and dinner. We don’t recommend eating meat in higher altitudes, as it might be stale, and can cause health issues.

Accommodation

On the journey to Pikey Peak, will trek in high-altitude remote locations where tea houses are the primary accommodation option. You will sleep in a small twin bedroom, where so you must share your room with another trekker. The tea house provides pillows, blankets, bedsheets, and mattresses to keep you warm.

Toilets and sinks are also shared among all guests. Similarly, you will not get a hot shower in the bathrooms, but can be arranged if you pay extra. However, you’ll not find showerheads; instead, you have to take a bath from a bucket and mug. Additionally, you will also have to pay extra for services like internet, phone calls, charging devices, etc.

Altitude sickness is the major concern while trekking to Pikey Peak. Since the trek duration toof Pikey Peak is only five to seven days, and you need to hike above 4,000 m, which means there won’t be much time for acclimatization. So during the Pikey Peak trek, the trekkers won’t be able to get used to those altitudes and oxygen levels. This automatically raises the risk of altitude sickness.

The symptoms of altitude sickness include fatigue, headache, dizziness, and hardness of breath. In the cases of altitude sickness, trekkers can avoid the risk by following the tips:

Ascent Gradually

Ascending gradually is one of the best ways to avoid altitude sickness. Consider ascending and taking breaks from time to time while walking at higher elevations, significantly above 3,000m. Similarly, avoid rapid ascent and try to cover longer distances at a time

Additionally, by giving your body time to adjust to the changed temperature, you significantly lower the risk of developing symptoms of altitude sickness. 

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is crucial for fighting altitude-related issues and for performing overall body functions. Drink plenty of water during the trek, and carry a refillable water bottle and water purification tablet, as consuming water directly from a tap or any other resource is unhealthy. Moreover, avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they lead to dehydration and increase the risk of altitude sickness.

Acclimatization

While the trek to Pikey Peak doesn’t really require an additional acclimatization day, including one is recommended. Acclimatization is the process of your body adapting to the lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. Thus, it lets you adapt to a changed temperature without feeling discomfort at a higher elevation.

Proper Nutrition

Consuming proper nutrition with a well-balanced diet helps to reduce altitude sickness. It also supports the trekker’s body’s ability to adapt to high altitude. Healthy food enhances oxygen utilization, boosts energy levels, promotes hydration, and supports immune function. Likewise, your body burns more calories at high altitude. So, we recommend you to consume a diet rich in carbohydrates, as they are a more efficient source of energy in low-oxygen environments.

Descend

If trekkers experience symptoms like fatigue, loss of appetite, breathing problems, dizziness, and headache, they are likely to suffer from altitude sickness. As soon as you experience these symptoms, stop trekking and stay at the point until you feel better. If you don’t feel good even after taking a rest, it’s better to descend and follow whatever your guide suggests. Also, don’t push your body if you feel discomfort, as listening to your body is crucial.

Located in the Solukhumbu region in Nepal, the Twin Pikey Peaks are part of the Mahabharat range at an elevation of 4,065 m/ 13,337 ft. The peak is unique due to its twin summit, named as Twin Pikey Peaks. The name Pikey means sky over nature, derived from the Sherpa language. The peaks are known for offering spectacular sunrise and sunset views over the peaks of Mount Ghaurishankar, Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, and many unnamed peaks in their surroundings.

The trek to Twin Pikey Peaks is one of Nepal’s must-do adventures, favored by Sir Edmund Hillary, which makes it particularly fascinating. The route to the peaks is mesmerizing and offers a rejuvenating experience on an off-beaten path.

Pikey Peak trekking is a fantastic trekking site in the Everest region. Since you will be trekking around the Everest region, you must issue some important permits.

Sagarmatha National Park / Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit: You have to issue either Sagarmatha National Park or Gaurishankar Conservation Area permit

Cost of Permit: Rs 3,000 per person.

One of the good aspects of the Pikey Peak Trek is that it doesn’t require a trekking permit. This helps trekkers to reduce the overall expenses of the trek. Unlike treks in the Annapurna and Everest region, there are no TIMS cards, national park fees, or conservation area permits needed for the trek to Pikey Peak. So, you can start your trek without needing to arrange or purchase any official documentation before beginning the trek.

Furthermore, the absence of a permit requirement makes Pikey Peak one of the more accessible and hassle-free trekking options in Nepal. Similarly, there’s no stress to manage the paperwork, allowing you to immerse yourself in the experience itself fully.

The trek to Pikey Peak offers a peaceful experience due to its less crowded trail. The trail to Pikey is underrated, thus, known by fewer people. It is away from popular trekking destinations, providing calm and closeness with mother nature. Trekkers to the Pikey Peak walk through quiet forests, open meadows, and small settlements where the sound of birds and the smell of nature will provide accompaniment.

If you are willing to connect with nature without distraction and want to get away from the hustle and bustle of urban areas, the trek to Pikey Peak is the ideal option for you.Additionally, it is the best, less crowded alternative to witness the majesty of Mount Everest.

The Pikey Peak Trek starts in Dhap and goes via the villages of Jhapre, Junbensi, and Phaplu.

Newly discovered Pikey Peak is a fantastic journey through the lower Everest region, providing various route options. One of the significant and most common routes to the peak begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Dhap and ends in Phaplu. From Kathmandu, the scenic drive takes 8-10 hours on the first day through terraced farmlands, green hills, and the countryside of Nepal. On the second day, the trekking begins from Dhap to Jhapre through a gentle walk with a view of Numbur Himal and Mt.Everest from a distance, taking 4-5 hours.

Day three is one of the prominent days that takes you to Pikey Base Camp. As you walk through stunning fields, rhododendron forests, and meadows, you witness rolling hills and mountain peaks. On the fourth day, you’ll take a morning hike to Pikey Peak and witness the breathtaking panorama of the golden sunrise view. Afterward, descend to Loding. Likewise, day five takes you down to Junbesi, visiting Chholing monastery and walking through traditional settlements with terraced fields. On the sixth day, you’ll descend to Phaplu and back to Kathmandu on the seventh day.

A journey to Pikey Peak requires effective transportation planning. Dhap is the starting point of the trek, and Phaplu is the ending point of the trek. However, the adventure offers multiple transportation options for getting to and from the Pikey Peak Trek, including:

Getting to Pikey Peak (Kathmandu to Dhap)

Dhap is accessible by road from Kathmandu, and you can get there by Jeep or bus. It takes 8-10 hours, covering 255 km, to get to Dhap from Kathmandu via the route to Dhulikhel and Ghurmi. The private jeep to Dhap costs around NPR 20,000-25,000, whereas the shared Jeep costs NPR 1,500-2,000 per pax. Likewise, local or tourist buses are also available, costing from NPR 700-1,200 per person.

Returning from Pikey Peak (Phaplu to Kathmandu)

The trek to Pikey Peak concludes at Phaplu, a town in the Solukhumbu region. Flight, Jeep, and bus are the transportation options to return. A flight from Phaplu or Rumjatar airport to Kathmandu is possible, but the airports don’t have regular scheduled flights.

Furthermore, the cost for the plane ticket is NPR 4,500-7,000 per person, and it takes 30 minutes to get from Phaplu airport to Kathmandu’s airport. Similarly, the Jeep costs NPR 20,000-25,000 for private and NPR 1,500-2,000 for shared, taking 8-9 hours. Moreover, a public bus costs NPR 800-1,200 per person and takes 10-12 hours.

Travel insurance is essential for any high-altitude trek in Nepal, including for Pikey Peak, as it ensures safety and security. Trekking in Pikey involves hiking through rough sections and remote areas. Unavoidable circumstances like accidents, altitude sickness, and unpredictable weather can happen anytime during the trek. In such cases, travel insurance protects you by ensuring timely service or providing compensation if something goes wrong.

Consider buying travel insurance from your own country, as you may not find one in Nepal. When choosing insurance for the trek to Pikey Peak, ensure it covers high altitude coverage, medical expenses, helicopter rescue for immediate help if something goes wrong, trip cancellation, and loss or delay. Moreover, buy from a reputable travel insurance company that offers trekking-specific policies and ensure 24/7 assistance.

Pikey Peak trek is a thrilling adventure, yet, it isn’t without any challenges, demanding good physical fitness. Before venturing on the journey, preparing physically and mentally is crucial. Preparing before a month of the journey helps to handle the physical demands of trekking, reduce the chances of injuries, and avoid altitude sickness. Here is the way how you can prepare for the trek:

• Began training 6-8 weeks before starting the actual trek.
• Focus on cardio exercise to improve stamina and lung capacity.
• Build leg strength, including squats and lunges, to walk uphill and downhill.
• Practice short hiking by carrying a backpack to help the shoulders and back to get used to the load.
• Improve core strength by trying planks and yoga, as they help balance and stability on rough trails.
• Stretch regularly to improve flexibility.

Packing wisely is crucial for the Pikey Peak trek. Here is an essential packing list to prepare you for varied weather and trails:

Clothing

• Base Layers
• Insulating layers
• Outer Layers
• Trekking T-shirt and pants
• Gloves
• Hat

Footwear

• Trekking boots
• Socks

Gear and Equipment

• Duffle and day backpack
• Sleeping bag
• Headlamp
• Trekking poles
• sunglasses with UV protection
• Refillable water bottle

Personal accessories

• Toiletries
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Snacks
• First Aid Kit

Other essentials

• Maps
• Passport copies
• Camera and other electrical item
• Power bank
• Cash