Pikey Peak Trek
Pikey Peak Trek

Pikey Peak Trek - 10 Days

Tour Info

trip code

E-004

Starting Point/ End Point

Kathmandu

Accommodations

Lodge/Tea House

Max Altitude

4,065m (Pikey Peak Summit)

Duration

10 days

country

Nepal

Trip grade

Moderate

Activities

Trekking

Best Season

March, April, May, September, October, November

Overview

Pikey Peak Trek serves as an introduction to the Mid-Himalayan landscape of Nepal. This trek offers you a mix of wide mountain views and local cultural sights, making it a good combination of both tourism and trekking. The route passes through varied terrain, including forests, meadows, and traditional settlements, giving trekkers a sense of the natural and cultural diversity of the region. Along the way, you can experience local life through interactions with communities and visits to monasteries, making it a journey that blends outdoor adventure with cultural insight.

Details 

The trek provides you with a manageable Himalayan journey that combines mountain views with rich culture. The itinerary includes tourism in major UNESCO sites in Kathmandu, in addition to trekking. This trek is a good choice if you want a wide Himalayan viewpoint without needing to commit to a long or high-risk expedition. From Pikey Peak, you can see several major mountains at once, including Everest, Kanchenjunga, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Gaurishankar, and Langtang.

The route stays within a moderate altitude range, making it accessible for most trekkers while still offering strong panoramic views. It is also an apt choice for those seeking cultural exposure in a quieter region. The area is inhabited by Sherpa, Magar, and Tamang communities, along with significant Buddhist sites comprising regional monasteries. Landscapes include forests, meadows, and traditional villages-a well-rounded experience that includes natural beauty and local culture with relatively easier conditions of trekking.

Highlights

  • Visit four UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. 

  • Drive from Kathmandu to Pattale following major river corridors: Sunkoshi River and Tama Koshi River.

  • Trekking through settlements such as Dhap Bazaar, Japre, Jase Bhanjyang, Taktor, and Junbesi.

  • Trek to Pikey Peak at 4,065 m, the highest point of the itinerary.

  • The mountain views include Everest, Numbur Himal, Thamserku, Kangtega, Khatang, Kanchenjunga, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Gaurishankar, Dorje Lakpa, and Langtang.

  • Forest trails with rhododendron zones, mani walls, and yak houses.

  • Opportunity to visit Thupten Choling Monastery, one of the larger monasteries in the region.

  • Cultural exposure to the Sherpa, Magar, and Tamang communities within the local villages.

  • Final trek section following the Junbesi Khola and crossing a steel suspension bridge before arriving at Phaplu.

  • Fly back to Kathmandu from Phaplu or drive there (about 280 kilometers).

Itinerary

Day 01: Arriving in Kathmandu and Preparing for Trekking

When you arrive in Kathmandu, we take you to a three or four-star hotel for a quick check-in and some time to relax. This day is reserved for trek preparation, including but not limited to organizing gear, reviewing the itinerary, and briefing on safety and trekking. You can spend the rest of the day as you please. This includes roaming the streets, visiting the alleys, and doing just about anything you want. 

  • Max Elevation: 1400 meters (Kathmandu)

  • Travel Distance: 6 to 8 kilometers

  • Travel Hours: 20 to 30 minutes (depending on hotel location in Kathmandu)

  • Accommodation: 3 / 4-star hotel

  • Meal: Dinner

Day 02: Full Day Guided Tour

You then proceed on a full-day guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with a professional guide using a private vehicle after breakfast. Sites Visited:

Swayambhunath Stupa: A hilltop site with panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley, housing myriad monkeys and serving as a significant religious landmark.

Pashupatinath Temple: One of the biggest Hindu temple complexes on the bank of the Bagmati River, featuring pagoda-style architecture, numerous shrines, and religious statues.

Boudhanath Stupa: This is a major Buddhist site with a large stupa, prayer wheels, and surrounding pilgrimage activity.Bhaktapur Durbar Square: A historical palace complex comprising temples, traditional architecture, and cultural heritage sites.Free time in the afternoon in Thamel to visit local shops and bazaars.

  • Max Elevation: 1,450 meters (Swayambhu Stupa, highest point in the Kathmandu sightseeing tour)

  • Travel Distance: 25 to 30 kilometers (total driving between sites)

  • Travel Hours: 6 to 7 hours

  • Accommodation: 3 /4 -star hotel

  • Meal: Breakfast

 

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Dhap/Pattale

After an early morning breakfast, you drive about 240km from Kathmandu to Pattale, passing the Sunkoshi and Tama Koshi Rivers. This drive also includes stops for lunch and short breaks, along with the view of terraced fields, settlements, and forested areas. The road passes through the rhododendron forests and rural villages before reaching Dhap and continuing to Pattale Danda. Driving duration is 8 to 9 hours. Additionally, you also have the option of taking short flights from Manthali or Kathmandu to Phaplu. 

  • Max Elevation: 1,450 meters (Pattale Danda)

  • Travel Distance: 240 kilometers (Kathmandu to Pattale via Dhap)

  • Travel Hours: 8 to 9 hours

  • Accommodation: Tea house/lodge 

  • Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 04: Trek from Dhap Bazaar to Japre

The fourth day of this tourism and trekking begins from Dhap Bazaar, and during the trek, you follow the trails through rural settlements and forested areas. You pass through Sigane, the starting point of the Pikey Peak trek. This trail includes road sections under construction for the first couple of hours. Following this, you reach Japre, a small village that features a small Buddhist monastery and a stupa. The walking distance for this day is roughly 14 km, and you require roughly 4 to 5 hrs of trekking to reach here. Once you reach this destination, you stop for an overnight stay. 

  • Max Elevation: 2,200 meters (Highest Point Between Dhap Bazaar and Japre)

  • Travel Distance: 14 kilometers (Dhap Bazaar to Japre)

  • Travel Hours: 4 to 5 hours

  • Accommodation: Tea house/lodge 

  • Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 05: Trek from Jhapre to Pikey Base Camp

Your trek continues on the fifth day through the forests and grassy ridges as you pass yak houses and a long mani wall. Then you pass through a few hillside and rhododendron forests before reaching Pikey Peak Base Camp. The trekking destination for this day is roughly 13.72km with an estimated duration of 5 to 6 hours. During the trek, you can experience a moderate climb with panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan region. Once you reach the base camp, you head towards a lodge or a guest house for an overnight stay. 

  • Max Elevation: 3,000 meters (Highest Point Between Jhapre and Pikey Base Camp)

  • Travel Distance: 13.72 kilometers (Jhapre to Pikey Base Camp)

  • Travel Hours: 5 to 6 hours

  • Accommodation: Tea house/lodge 

  • Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 06: Trek to Pikey Peak (4065m), Hike to Jase Bhanjyang (3520m)

The day begins with an ascent to Pikey Peak. From here, you can view multiple Himalayan ranges. Once you reach the peak, you then descend towards Jase Bhanjyang for an overnight stay. Do note that ascending to Pikey peak is relatively hard when compared to the rest of the journey. That said, the view and the sense of accomplishment are well worth the difficulties. The total trekking distance for this day is roughly 5.9km, and it takes around 4 to 5 hours for completion. Once you reach Jase Bhanjyang, you stop for an overnight stay at a tea house or a lodge.

  • Max Elevation: 4,065 meters (Highest Point Between Pikey Base Camp and Jase Bhanjyang)

  • Travel Distance: 5.9 kilometers (Pikey Base Camp to Jase Bhanjyang)

  • Travel Hours: 4 to 5 hours

  • Accommodation: Tea house/lodge

  • Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 07: Trek from Jase Bhanjyang to Junbesi(2680 meters)

You pass through the forested areas, open meadows, and a few small villages on the tourism and trekking experience for the seventh day. The destination for this day is Junbesi, and to reach here, you trek on a wide dirt road. Total trekking distance for this day is 11.02 km, and the estimated duration is roughly 5 to 6 hours. You reach the destination fairly early and therefore, have time to roam and explore the surroundings. The day ends with an overnight stay at a local tea house or a lodge.

  • Max Elevation: 3,520 meters (Highest Point Between Jase Bhanjyang and Junbesi)

  • Travel Distance: 11.02 kilometers (Jase Bhanjyang to Junbesi)

  • Travel Hours: 5 to 6 hours

  • Accommodation: Tea house/lodge

  • Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8:Detour to Thupten Choling Monastery Or Hike To another Everest View Point

You have two options for trekking and tourism on this day. You can either head towards a nearby monastery or visit another one of the Everest View points. If you choose the viewpoint, you need to hike for around 2 to 3 hours through the forest trails or ridgelines with observation points over the valley. The route provides moderate trekking with panoramic mountain views.

On the other hand, if you choose to go to the Thupten Chholing Monasteries, you need to ascend towards the peak of the valley. The monastery is home to the majority of female monks, and they enjoy the hospitality there. Following this, you head back to Junbesi for an overnight stay.

  • Max Elevation: 2,920 meters (Highest Point Between Junbesi and Thupten Choling Monastery / Everest Viewpoint)

  • Travel Distance: 6 kilometers (Round trip from Junbesi)

  • Travel Hours: 2 to 3 hours

  • Accommodation: Tea house/lodge

  • Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Trek from Junbesi to Phaplu (2380 meters)

The trek follows the Junbesi Khola, crossing a steel suspension bridge before reaching Beni Ghat. Following this, you continue through forested and open areas, covering 13.26 km with an estimated duration of 5 to 6 hours. Once you reach Phaplu, you can participate in local cultural activities. The day ends with an overnight stay at a local lodge or a tea house. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

  • Max Elevation: 2,680 meters (Highest Point Between Junbesi and Phaplu)

  • Travel Distance: 13.26 kilometers

  • Travel Hours: 5 to 6 hours

  • Accommodation: Tea house/lodge

  • Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Drive from Phaplu to Kathmandu

On this day, you return to Kathmandu from Phaplu. You catch a long drive that measures around 280 km and takes approximately 8 to 9 hours. The route traces its way back via rural settlements and rivers down to 1,350 meters. Once you reach Kathmandu, you can go souvenir shopping and roam the local alleys. Otherwise, you can just rest at your 3 or 4-star hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

  • Max Elevation:  2,380 meters (Phaplu)

  • Travel Distance: 280 kilometers

  • Travel Hours: 8 to 9 hours

  • Accommodation: 3 /4 star hotel 

  • Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: A visit to Thupten Choling Monastery can be added as an additional day to the itinerary. This involves a round-trip hike from Junbesi to the monastery and back, taking approximately 5 to 6 hours. 

Trek Route

Pikey Peak Trek Route Map | Ever Nepal

Packing List for Pikey Peak Trek

The Pikey Peak trek is through woods, old villages, changing temperature through and viewpoints in the high Himalayas. Having on hand light, easy-to-carry equipment makes it more comfortable for you to walk safely throughout the day in warm temperatures or early morning when the mountains are cold.

1. Clothes to Carry

  • Dry-fit trekking t-shirts
  • Fleece or sweater
  • Waterproof jacket (or poncho)
  • Trekking trousers
  • Thermal inner layers
  • Comfortable nightwear
  • Additional socks and underwear

2. Head & Face Protection

  • Woolen cap
  • Sun cap or hat
  • UV sunglasses
  • Sunscreen lotion
  • Lip moisturizer
  • Neck scarf or buff

3. Footwear

  • Comfortable hiking boots
  • Floppy shoes or sandals
  • Wool or thermal socks
  • Optional gaiters for winter/monsoon period

4. Hygiene Items

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Wet wipes and tissues
  • Small soap/shampoo bottles
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Moisturizing cream
  • Quick-dry towel

5. Trekking Essentials

  • Trekking poles
  • Day backpack
  • Duffle bag if using porter service
  • Water bottle/hydration pack
  • Sleeping bag is ideal for winter
  • Torch or headlamp

6. Health & Safety

  • Personal medications
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Altitude sickness tablets
  • Pain relief medicine
  • Patches of blisters or tape
  • Antiseptic cream

7. Extra Useful Items

  • Mobile phone and charger
  • Power bank
  • Camera
  • Snacks and chocolates
  • Notebook or travel journal
  • Rain cover for backpack

8. Specific gear for Women

While you are on the Pikey Peak Trek; women tourists can bring some additional personal necessities to ensure their comfort in variable weather conditions in the Everest region of Mount Everest.

9. Comfortable undergarments

  • Sports bra
  • A sanitary pad/tampon
  • Travel-size hygiene care products and shampoo
  • Moisturizer and sunscreen
  • Skin cleanser
  • Fleece headband
  • Wear leggings or tight thermal

Documents

As with all trips, there are a number of documents that the Pikey Peak Trek participant will need during the trek, for permits, identification and safety purposes. The required documents are mentioned below:

  1. Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit (GCAP): This permit is necessary if entering areas of the lower Everest and Rolwaling region that are a part of the Pikey Peak area of the Conservation Area. Can be purchased from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu. Foreign nationals must pay NPR 3,000 (approximately USD 23) as permit fee.
  2. TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System): This card registers the trekker and records his/her safety during the trek. It can be obtained at the tourist offices or through the trekking agency in Kathmandu. Independent trekkers have to pay NPR 2000 ($15) while those who hike with agencies pay NPR 1000 ($7).
  3. Passport: Original passport with 6 months' validity from Nepal on the arrival date is required for foreign tourists. Will be needed for permit applications and identification throughout the trip.
  4. Passport-Size Photos: Permit and registration will require a minimum of 2 to 4 passport size pictures that are very recent. It can be helpful to bring an extra pair on board when travelling.
  5. Travel Insurance: It is highly recommended to have insurance for the Pikey Peak Trek. Trekking insurance, medical care and evacuation in emergencies, particularly when conditions are poor or unforeseen health originates in a remote location should be incorporated within the policy.

What's included

  • One night accommodation in Kathmandu at a hotel on a bed and breakfast plan after the trek.

  • Airport transfers and shuttle services between the hotel and the bus park.

  • Meals throughout the trip, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and one cup of tea or coffee.

  • Transportation from Kathmandu to Pattalle and from Salleri back to Kathmandu via shared jeep.

  • Services of a licensed English-speaking trekking guide.All costs associated with guides, such as wages, insurance, accommodation, food, and required gear.Food, lodging, and hot drinks throughout the hike.Provision of a trekking pole and a first aid kit held by the guide

  • All required permits, including TIMS and trekking paperwork.Payment of all government and local taxes and official charges.

  • A farewell dinner at the conclusion of the trek.

What's excluded

  • Domestic or international airfare.

  • Visa fees.

  • Personal travel and medical insurance.

  • Individual expenses such as shopping, bar bills, hot showers, phone calls, laundry, snacks, and internet.

  • Personal trekking gear and clothing.

  • Additional accommodation in Kathmandu beyond the included nights.

  • Emergency costs, including helicopter evacuation in case of need.

  • Tours in Pokhara or entrance fees at Kathmandu or Pokhara.

  • Advice for guides and porters.

  • Any additional costs not explicitly stated in the “Cost Includes” section.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Pikey Peak located?

The Pikey Peak is located in the lower Everest region of Nepal, Solukhumbu district. The trek provides with broad Himalayan vistas which include Mount Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, and many of the other famous peaks, and the forest landscapes and serene Sherpa villages along the way.

How difficult is the Pikey Peak Trek?

The hike is considered from moderate to low level for fitness and is good for beginners. It offers some gentle climbing, woodland strolls, and a couple of steep, uphill sections near the top; but it is no technical climb and a previous mountaineering experience is not required.

What is the best season for Pikey Peak Trek?

The best time of year to go on this trek is in spring or autumn as the weather is fairly predictable and mountain views are crisp. Rhododendron forests are a beautiful sight in spring and dry trails and the high visibility to see across the Himalayan range is excellent in the autumn.

How many days does the trek usually take?

The length of a Pikey Peak Trek is dictated by the route and transportation plans, not to mention acclimatization methods, and the typical trek lasts anywhere in the vicinity of 6 to 10 days. Some trekkers visit cultural villages and monasteries around them, during the trek in order to prolong the experience.

Is altitude sickness common on this trek?

The altitude sickness is relatively less common as compared to higher trekking expeditions in the Everest region as Pikey Peak is not that tall. But a few, some may still experience minor symptoms, so a proper hydration, gradual climb all throughout the trip is advised.

What type of accommodation is available?

During the trek, the accommodation is in principle the teashops and lodges owned by the local families of the villages. The rooms are simple and comfortable, and most offer a warm meal, basic bedding and the kind hospitality of a local along the way.

Can beginners do the Pikey Peak Trek?

Yes, the trek is easy to do for beginners if prepared physically. This trek is less busy than other popular trails in the Himalaya range, and less difficult than other treks in the range. So, it is suitable for first timers in Nepal who are planning to trek in Nepal.

Is a guide necessary for this trek?

A guide, although not mandatory, will be beneficial for navigation, local communication, and the best understanding of culture and villages from the trail. Guides also make the entire trekking process safe, organized and fun.

What kind of food is available during the trek?

A teahouse is a place to get common food items eaten by trekking parties: dal bhat, noodles, fried rice, soups, tea, egg and potato. In some lodges you can get Tibetan bread and pancakes and simple snacks as well depending on your location and time of the year.

Why is Pikey Peak famous among trekkers?

Whether it is the stunning panorama of the sunrise on Pikey Peak over Himalayas or the calm of the hilly trekking trails, far removed from the tourist crowds, Pikey Peak offers something for everyone. Additionally, the trail offers a rich cultural experience, with numerous opportunities to visit the Sherpa villages, monasteries, and traditional mountain lifestyles.

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