Pikey Peak Trek - 7 days

As you arrive closer to the Tribhuvan International Airport, you’ll be mesmerized by the views of snow-capped mountains and green hills in the backdrop. Upon arrival, head to the terminal after completing all the customs formalities. You’ll be welcomed by our representatives from Third Rock Adventures, who will transfer you to the hotel in Thamel.

Thamel is the tourist hub of Kathmandu valley, located about 5 km from the airport. After settling in at the hotel, you can either stay back to relax or can head out for a cultural sightseeing tour. You will be taken to the nearest UNESCO World Heritage site, Kathmandu Durbar Square. Walking down the alleyways, you’ll come across many ancient temples and statues. Visit the museum there, which was once the long-reigning Shah dynasty’s palace.

If time permits, visit the Swayambhunath temple located in the city's western outskirts on a hilltop. The stupa offers mesmeric wide-angle views of the entire city. After enjoying the sunset, head back to the streets of Thamel and enjoy a welcome dinner with authentic Nepali food.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

You will begin your day early in the morning as you have to take a drive from Kathmandu to Dhap. Stack up on snacks, energy drinks, and chocolate bars for the long drive. The route takes you to the north of Kathmandu on the Japanese-built BP Highway. The first half of the drive is smooth as the road is mostly blacktopped. The Sun Koshi river flows rapidly below the route. You might even spot some adventure groups enjoying rafting in the river.

The drive becomes exhilarating but focusing on the views of the terraced fields of crops, small huts, and houses will keep you occupied. The winding road then takes you to Okhaldhunga. The gradual climb takes you to Dhap, which is our trekking point.

After getting refreshed and munching on some food in Dhap, you will begin your trek to Sigane or Japre village. The trial starts with the first leg at a lush village filled with rhododendron and sub-alpine flowers. Then the view of the steep valley with terrace rice fields and vegetables comes into sight. The mountains open up as you reach Sigane village. The Sherpa homeland of Japre welcomes you with views of Numbur Himal and Mt. Everest. You will settle for the night at Japre. As it has been a long drive and trek, you will fall asleep quickly after a warm glass of local tea.

Overnight stay in Japre village.

Today is one of the most exciting days of the entire trip as you will be heading to the Pikey Peak Base Camp. You will begin your day early in the morning, then head up to the grassy ridge at Bhulbhule. From there, you take a right to Pikey Peak. There is an old herders house and a mani stonewall that you will come across.

Traversing below Taklaung Danda through a lush rhododendron forest, you will eventually reach Pikey Peak Base Camp. The views of the Everest range of mountains look amazing from here and will keep you wondering what you might witness the next day!

As this is a relatively new trekking trail, you will find most of the path deserted and nature all to yourself. The local Sherpa community is constructing a few tea houses to promote internal and external tourism. The tea houses are very modest and with only basic facilities. After settling down, you can head out and enjoy the views, click some pictures. The peak is only a couple of hours away from the base camp; however, the weather is generally unclear in the evening. Hence, we prefer to do the climb early in the morning the next day. Enjoy some local meals and drinks in the evening.

Overnight stay in Pikey Peak Base Camp.

Finally, the wait is over! You will be heading to the much-awaited Pikey Peak summit on this day. Wake up early in the morning before dawn to enjoy the amazing views and begin the trek from behind the tea house. The path initially takes a gradual sloppy climb. Pikey Peak’s weather is cold during the winter seasons, with the snow partly covering the trail. However, it is generally an easy climb rest of the time.

In a short while, you will come across prayer flags decorating the ridge. You have reached the Pikey Peak summit! All that you have heard about this place is true as you are offered amazing Himalayan views. At an elevation of 4,065m/13,336ft, this is perhaps the best vantage point from which the Everest range and Annapurna range views can be seen. You can see up close views of Mt Everest (8848.86m/ 29,031.7ft), Kangchenjunga (8,586m/ 28,169ft), Lhotse (8,516m/27,940ft), Makalu (8,485m/ 27,838ft), and Cho Oyu (8,188m/ 26,864ft). You can see the views beyond 800km on a clear day comprising Annapurna (8,091m/ 26,545ft), Manaslu (8,156m/ 26,781ft), and Dhaulagiri (8,167m/ 26,795ft). As the sun rays fall upon the mountains, they turn golden and glittery.

You will then follow the trail downhill to the rhododendron forests and reach Jase Bhanjyang. Continue the beautiful trail to Lamjura where you can rest for a quick lunch. The trail then slowly descends to the valley through lush rhododendron forests and in about a few hours, you will reach Junbesi. If you have time, you can visit the old monastery there and also admire the stunning views of Numbur Chuli peak.

Overnight stay in Junbesi.

Today is the last day of this trek. You can expect to reach Salleri from Junbesi in about 5 hours. The trail is comparatively easier as you descend down to Phalpu. This village is a gateway village in the lower Solu Khumbu and starting points for many treks in the Everest region. On this day you can expect to catch sight of Mt. Everest, Makalu, and surrounding peaks. En route, you can visit Chiwong Gompa perched on a cliff overlooking the valley. Continue the trail to Phalpu and complete the continuous uphill walk to Salleri.

Overnight stay in Salleri.

Finally, the day has arrived for us to get back to Kathmandu. Salleri is about 335km away from Kathmandu and it should take only 8 hours to reach Kathmandu. The bus ride, although long and exhilarating at times, is exciting, with serene views. Once you make a stop for lunch along the way, then proceed on to the Arniko Highway. In a couple of hours, you will reach Dhulikhel and into the Kathmandu valley.

After a long ride, you might want to take a couple of hours of rest at your hotel. In the evening, head out to the streets of Thamel to enjoy the night market. You can visit a local pub or restaurant to relish intercontinental cuisine or authentic Nepali dish. You can also visit the souvenir shops to collect the famous Pashmina shawls, Dhaka hats, and thangka paintings to take back home.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

It is time to bid farewell to the beautiful country Nepal as you will be driven to the international airport after breakfast. Depending upon your departure time, you can head to the local souvenir shop to pick up some items as memory if you missed it out the other day.

As our representatives bid you farewell in the terminal, you will reminisce about the amazing time you had with the locals and the views of the Khumbu Himalayas seen from Pikey Peak. If you wish to extend your trip here in Nepal or stay a couple of days more in Kathmandu for some Yoga and meditation practices, consult with us. If you wish to opt for a similar trek like the Mardi Himal Trek in the near future, please contact us.