Pikey Peak: The Lower Everest Trek in Solukhumbu region. A sacred place called Pikey Peak is situated in Nepal’s Solukhumbu region. It offers amazing panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain range, including Mount Everest, from its elevation of about 4,065 meters – Pikey Peak, a lesser-known trek that provides an exceptional view of Tibetan Sherpa culture and breathtaking surroundings. The Sherpas are widely recognized for their warmth and perpetually sincere smiles. The area is full of historical structures like stupas and the ubiquitous, vibrant prayer flags.
Many believe that Pikey Peak offers one of Nepal’s top viewpoints for seeing Mount Everest. That’s a strong claim, but Sir Edmund Hillary said it was one of his favorites. You pass through lovely meadows and forests on the Pikey Peak Trek and views of several massive mountain ranges blanketed in snow. The Mt. Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Annapurna, Gaurishankar, Lhotse, Nuptse, Numbur, Sishapangma, Thamserku, and Mera peaks can all be seen in breathtaking clarity. The finest times of day to observe and properly appreciate these views are at sunrise and sunset. Your journey begins with a route that crosses the Himalayas and enters the secluded Solu Khumbu Region. To Pikey Peak (4065m), the path passes through rhododendron woods, which are at their prettiest in the spring when they are in full bloom with pink blooms.
PIKEY PEAK HIGHLIGHTS
- A less-traveled path that is rich in culture and scenic beauty.
- Hike Pikey Peak for a spectacular sunrise or sunset.
- Watch the dawn over Mt. Everest and six more impressive peaks that are higher than 8000 meters.
- Discover why Sir Edmund Hillary deemed this to be one of Everest’s greatest vistas.
- A tranquil journey in the Solu Khumbu area with fewer other hikers and the tranquility of fresh mountain air.
- Close experience with traditional Tamang, Magar, and Sherpa cultures.
- Visit the Thupten Choling Buddhist Monastery from the 19th century.
- Beautiful views of the dawn and sunset
- Discover prayer flags, mani walls, and chortens.
HOW TO GET THERE?
1. A Road Trip
The most popular option is to take a beautiful drive from Kathmandu to Dhap or Phaplu, where the trek begins. The driving time is between 8 and 10 hours, depending on the traffic and the state of the roads. On this route, you can take a shared public bus or hire a private vehicle. If you have more time or want to save money, you can opt for the drive option.
2. Flight
Pikey Peak treks begin with a short, 30-minute flight from Kathmandu to Phaplu. Take a quick domestic flight from Kathmandu to Phaplu Airport. The route is often flown by Summit Air, Tara Air, and Nepal Airlines. The flight duration is around 35 to 40 minutes. However, there are no regular flights to Phaplu, only two times a week. It’s better to fly into and out of Phaplu, where the journey begins if you’re short on time or wish to choose a shorter route.
TREK DIFFICULTY AND PREPARATION:
In comparison to other treks in the Everest area, the Pikey Peak Trek is classified as being somewhat tricky. The trekking route is mostly off the usual path, and there are few difficult or steep inclines. There is no specific training required, and even inexperienced trekkers can opt for this trek. The usual daily trekking hours are similarly 5 to 6 hours. The maximum height reached during the 6-7 day trip is 4065m. Regular physical activity, as well as additional activities like jogging, cycling, and swimming, might help you gain greater stamina for the trek.
ACCOMMODATION: TEAHOUSES AND HOMESTAY
In the Everest area, the Pikey Peak Trekking route is still not widely known. Since the trekking route is in such a remote area, the majority of the lodging options are lodges or locally owned and operated homestays. Two-bed bedrooms with a set of blankets and pillows are available for you here. All visitors often share the restrooms. Staying at these homestays and tiny lodges is the ideal opportunity to interact with the locals and get a close-up look at their culture and way of life.
ORGANIC FOOD
Packaged meals are hardly accessible due to the area’s remoteness. The local vegetation will be a part of everyday meals. The typical meal for guests is dal, bhat, and curry. Vegetables are often cultivated close to home without the use of chemicals, thus being organic. Consequently, the trip is reviving for your stomach as well. The greatest treatment for altitude sickness is also recognized to be these local foods. Enjoy delicious seasonal food, which includes organic veggies, wild mushrooms, and traditional meals that are well-cooked and reflect the tastes of the season. Enjoying these local delicacies gives your trekking adventure an exquisite touch.
RURAL LIFESTYLE
Pikey Peak, in contrast to other well-known hiking routes, offers a genuine view of rural Nepal. You’ll pass through traditional villages and terraced farmlands as you travel the route, where people make their livelihood amidst stunning views.
Peaceful moments and opportunities for spiritual meditation can be experienced when visiting calm monasteries and praying flags flapping in the wind. The people you encounter will make an everlasting impression on you, reminding you of the beauty of a simpler existence through their simplicity and resilience.
TREKKING IN DIFFERENT SEASONS
Like the majority of treks in Nepal, the Pikey Peak Trek is ideal during the spring and fall, when the weather is known to be lovely and steady and the landscape to be beautiful.
SPRING
As the king of the seasons, spring is also known as the flower-blooming season. It is during this time that you can go trekking in the Himalayas and see vivid rhododendrons. With the beautiful weather, rhododendron woods are ablaze with pink, scarlet, and white blossoms, and the mountains shine against deep blue skies.
AUTUMN
Fall is the best season for trekking since there are fewer chances of rain, and the landscape is greener due to the growth of numerous crops. It is also a joyful period in Nepal since Dashain and Tihar, two of the nation’s most significant holidays, fall around this time.
WINTER
Pikey Peak Trekking is also feasible in the winter. However, not all hikers may find the freezing temperatures to be suitable. But the views can be breathtaking, particularly when the mountains are covered with snow. If you intend to hike Pikey Peak in the winter, be sure to confirm whether there are any teahouses at higher altitudes.
MONSOON
June through August is the monsoon season in Nepal. It is wise to prepare for consistent rain throughout the month. Rain showers, which can range from gentle drizzles to intense downpours, might happen at any moment. The monsoon season is distinguished by its overcast and foggy weather. Views of the mountains and the surroundings can frequently be obscured by clouds. The Solu-Khumbu area is transformed into a lush wonderland in monsoon. You’ll be surrounded by beautiful green forests that are painted with a brilliant palette of flora as you make your way down the winding routes.
The hills and valleys are given fresh life during the monsoon season by a symphony of trickling waterfalls, blooming wildflowers, and sparkling leaves. You are drawn further into the healing spirit of nature with each step.
PERMIT
Pikey Peak Trek requires TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Permits, the same as many other treks in Nepal. The Pikey Peak Trek does not require any further permissions besides TIMS.
ITINERARY AND ROUTE
If you have limited time and are physically fit, we can create a 4-5 day itinerary for you, but a more relaxing trip of 6-7 days allows you to hike without much physical demand and trek without stress while enjoying some of the best landscape by including some extra days on the Pikey Peak trek with a well-organized itinerary that allows you to walk at your own pace while soaking up the vacation with peace of mind and no rush.
OUTLINE ITINERARY:
Short Pikey Peak Trek (Flight OPtion) – 5 DAYS
Day 1: Kathmandu to Phaplu by flight and trekking to Ghunsa. (Flights on Mon & Fri)
Day 2: Trek to Pikey Peak Base Camp
Day 3: Pikey Peak Base Camp to Junbesi trekking. Visit Thupten Chholing Monastery
Day 4: Junbesi to Phaplu or Salleri trekking.
Day 5: Phaplu to Kathmandu by flight or ground transportation.
Pikey Peak Trek (Drive Option) – 6 DAYS
Day 01: Drive to Dhap from Kathmandu. 8/9 hrs drivev(240km)km
Day 02: Trek to Jhapre (2820 m) 5-6 hrs walk
Day 03: Trek to Pikey Peak Base Camp (3540m), 5 to 6 hrs walk.
Day 04: Trek to Junbesi via Pikey Peak (4065)
Day 05: Trek to Salleri (2960 m)
Day 06: Drive to Kathmandu (275km)
The pleasant, short trek to Pikey Peak offers everything you could hope for. A blessing in and of itself is having the gorgeous mountain ranges as a background for the entire trip. When the trip is accompanied by rich natural diversity and distinctive cultural appeal, it becomes even more enjoyable and intriguing. You cannot miss out on the serene Pikey Peak Trek, one of Nepal’s top mountain treks.