Pikey Peak Trek

How difficult is Pikey Peak Trek

The Pikey Peak Trek typically covers a distance of 50-60 kilometers (31-37 miles). This means trekkers need to walk about 8-10 km daily for around 7-8 days on the round trip. The trek starts at 1,800 meters (5,900 ft.) and reaches its highest point, which stands at approximately 4,065 meters (13,337 ft.) above sea level at Pikey Peak.

The maximum elevation that you will stay overnight is at 3,640 m (Pikey Base Camp) meters which is equal to 11942 ft. And the maximum elevation you will trek is 4065 meters. Since the maximum elevation above 4000m, is considered moderate difficult. Altitude sickness is rare, but there may be some breathing difficulties due to the thinner atmosphere.

Undoubtedly, compared to other famous routes of the Himalayas, Pikey Peak View Trek will not feel like a grind. However, do not think that it will be entirely an easy stroll. There may be a few uphills, particularly towards Base Camp and the summit ascent. The morning hikes to the viewpoint may also require extra effort on your part because of the low temperatures and thin atmosphere. Nevertheless, if you prepare properly for it, you can successfully complete the trekking route of Pikey Peak.

How long does the Pikey Peak Trek take?

Pikey peak considered a short, scenic and moderate trek route. The trek starts from Dhap – 8 hours driving distance from Kathmandu. From there, the trek takes you to Jhapre and the Pikey Base Camp through lush green forests filled with rhododendrons, listening to birdsong and waterfalls and beautiful local village settlements along the journey.

The trek follows a different descent route through Junbesi, a beautiful Sherpa village after conquering Pikey Peak (4,065m). You’ll then visit Thuptenchholing Monastery before reaching Phaplu – your exit point, then drive back to Kathmandu.

We have designed this Pikey Peak trek so people can experience the full beauty of the region’s flora and fauna, local culture and tradition as well as majestic views of giant eight-thousanders such as: Everest (8,848.86 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), Makalu (8,463 m), etc.

Preparation for the Pikey Peak Trek

Proper preparation will not only make the Pikey Peak Trek an even better experience but also ensure you stay safe along the way. Ideally, you should start preparing by getting a little physically fit several weeks before the planned date of the trip. All you need is some additional walking or a bit of cardiovascular exercise to prepare for the challenge that lies ahead.

In terms of preparing the pack for your Pikey Peak Trek Itinerary, layering will be key as temperatures may change when climbing up the mountain. A good pair of trekking boots, quality sleeping bag, and warm clothes are a must, as well as some smaller items such as sunscreen, water bottle, and medications.

Similarly, mental preparation is equally important before the Pikey Peak View Trek. One must be prepared mentally to handle any unpredictable changes in weather as mountainous weather is known for its erratic nature that could change its mind at every five minutes. In addition, one must be prepared for teahouse accommodations that may not be luxurious and may only provide basic amenities.

One must know how to acclimatize themselves during the Pikey Peak Trek. All one needs to do is maintain a reasonable pace, hydrate himself/herself well, and take heed to his/her body’s reactions. In truth, the best way to go about the trek is to hire a guide or join a group that would do the planning for you.

Cultural Festival

Apart from enjoying the scenic view of the Himalayas during the trek, you can have an opportunity to explore the local culture and take part in different festivals that happen while walking along the trail.

In the area there are some Sherpa ethnic groups who practice Tibetan Buddhism. You can experience some cultural events during the Pikey Peak Trek Itinerary, such as Mani Rimdu and Dumji, depending on the time of year when you choose the holiday.

While walking along the trail of Pikey Peak View Trek you can visit such villages as Junbesi, where you will feel that the culture remains very authentic. If you are lucky, you might come across the celebration of locals.

Apart from attending the festival, you can also be impressed by the culture even during your trekking as prayer flags, mani walls, and monasteries can be seen everywhere.

It is better to be respectful to the local customs at any point of time, especially if you want to participate in festivals. Try to ask for permission before taking pictures.

Language and Communication

Communication is never an issue while undertaking the Pikey Peak Trek as most individuals in the trekking zones understand basic English. Additionally, guides and porters offer effective communication making the trip a little easier.

Locals in the villages located along the Pikey Peak Trek Itinerary speak either Nepali or Sherpa. Communication could sometimes be hard, but locals tend to be quite friendly. Basic body language and a smile work better than words in many instances.

The Pikey Peak View Trek is a less frequented trail as compared to other trekking routes. As a result, individuals might face some difficulties communicating with locals as English is not commonly spoken. Learning basic words such as ‘Namaste’ and ‘Dhanyabad’ helps you to communicate effectively.

Having a guide on the Pikey Peak Trek ensures that communication and cultural insight are easy. Overall, communication is never a difficult task and the journey is made easier by hiring a guide.

Practicalities for the trek to Pikey Peak?

When heading to Pikey Peak for the Everest view, there are something to keep in mind. The area is rural, far from the city and at altitude of 4,065 meters (13,337 ft.). The facilities may not match your expectations, the trails seem difficult, the surroundings get quiet and you feel exhausted from the long walk to reach your destination. During these challenging moments, you need to stay positive and remind yourself why you’re doing this trek.

The further you go, the more surprise await you. Because you are passing through the diverse landscape of Nepal which leads you toward the Himalayas. Crystal clear streams flow beside the trail, colorful flowers bloom along the path, birds singing, local people doing their daily activities in a way different than your regions.

For the better experience, pack all the necessary items and keep your expectation realistic about materialistic comfort. The price pay to the agency ensures accommodation in local tea-house along the trail where you will get a local food in meals. Guides and porters handles transportation and logistics seamless. Sagarmatha National Park permits and TIMS are included. Before booking, read the company’s policy carefully – what’s included and what’s not. Bring the sufficient local currency, because the ATM’s often are out of service on these areas.

If you are all ready to go for Pikey Peak trek for the magnificent Everest view, please contact us at [email protected]. We would be happy to help and ensure you have the best possible experience on your Pikey Peak Trek.

Visa and Permit

If you are considering the Pikey Peak Trek, then you definitely should be aware that you require some permits in order to legally enter the area. But don’t worry, acquiring a tourist visa for Nepal is an easy task because it is often acquired directly at the airport of Kathmandu.

As far as the Pikey Peak Trek Itinerary is concerned, there is no extensive list of permits you will need, unlike Everest Base Camp. The most important thing in this case is Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit (GCAP). You will have to pay for this because the trekking trail crosses the protected areas where such money will be used for conservation purposes.

It is also required that you have a local permit depending on the route you take while trekking in Pikey Peak. This is usually taken care of before even starting on the adventure, in Kathmandu. For those going through a trekking agency like our Epic Trek Nepal, you will not need to worry about this because they handle all the paperwork for you.

Remember to always keep all your documents in hand while on Pikey Peak, as you might be asked for them at various checkpoints on the way. Making sure you tick all the important boxes beforehand means you’ll have a smooth trip!

Mobile Network, Internet & Charging Facilities

Network connectivity will be accessible at almost all points throughout the Pikey Peak Trek route, although there may not be a constant and reliable signal. You should expect a relatively stable signal in lower locations such as Dhap and Jhapre. The network connection will deteriorate gradually as you hike up the itinerary for the Pikey Peak Trek.

The Pikey Peak View Trek provides a very remote and tranquil landscape. So you should not anticipate high-speed internet connectivity in all places. Some tea houses will provide WiFi services, albeit at a slower speed and additional cost.

Most lodges will have charging services during the Pikey Peak Trek. You should consider carrying a power bank or spare batteries, particularly for your camera and phone.

In preparation for this trek, you should buy a local SIM card from carriers such as NTC and Ncell. Despite having limited connectivity, disconnection and immersion in the natural surroundings are some of the memorable aspects of the trekking experience.

Trip Extension on the Pikey Peak View Trek

The Pikey Peak Trek is also one of those trekking routes which allow you some flexibility when it comes to seeing more places. If you feel like extending your trip a little bit further, you may consider exploring some other hiking tracks and cultural destinations from the lower regions of Mount Everest.

One of the most recommended extras on the itinerary of the Pikey Peak Trek is the trip to Thuptencholing Monastery located near Junbesi. This is an absolutely calm location and offers you a lot of opportunities to learn more about Buddhist culture.

The Pikey Peak View Trek can be extended to reach the village of Salleri or combined with other treks in the Solu area. This way, you will see even more hidden villages and stunning terraced landscapes, making your trek all the more diverse.

An extra day spent at the village of Junbesi is always rewarding. It could probably be considered among the most picturesque villages on the entire trek. You will definitely appreciate the authentic architecture and welcoming atmosphere typical of the Sherpa community. Should you require a more extended trek, then this hike could be combined with other trekking routes in the area.

Don’t on this Trip

The Pikey Peak Trek is a fairly relaxed and enjoyable trekking experience but, there are certain things that must not be done for the safety of everyone involved and respect for the local community. Firstly, rushing is a big no-no for the Pikey Peak Trek. Climbing faster than necessary is guaranteed to exhaust you and even cause altitude sickness.

Another thing that must absolutely be avoided during the Pikey Peak Trek Itinerary is leaving any garbage on the way. As mentioned above, the trails pass through amazing nature, which means we all have an obligation to protect it from garbage. Be responsible for your waste!

Finally, when going on the Pikey Peak View Trek, you need to treat the local community with proper respect. Do not simply enter monasteries and houses without permission. Try to dress a little modestly, too.

You can’t rely on the availability of the internet or signal when going on a trip to the Pikey Peak Trekking. Hence, it is better to be prepared and have enough money to take along since there is no ATM at all once you start your trekking journey.

In the end, it is also advised not to overload yourself with unnecessary luggage because carrying such a huge backpack might become a burden. These simple pieces of advice will ensure a successful and fruitful journey!

Health and Safety

Health and safety should be considered when going through a Pikey Peak Trek. Although the hike itself is moderate, altitude becomes significant. In addition, you will go above 4,000 meters. Thus, you have to take necessary steps for safety.

Maintain a consistent rhythm while walking according to the Pikey Peak Trek Itinerary. Never hurry and let your body adjust accordingly. Ensure that you stay hydrated, maintain good nutrition, and sleep well daily.

Pikey Peak View Trek rarely leads to extreme forms of altitude sickness. However, it is possible that mild headaches or fatigue may happen. Should you experience such effects, report them to your guide and pay attention to them. The best way to cope with this problem is to descend to a lesser elevation.

Changes in weather can happen anytime while undertaking the Pikey Peak Trek. Bring warm clothes and waterproof gear. Wearing trekking boots lessens the probability of getting hurt due to uneven paths.

Villages along the route have basic health clinics, yet their capabilities are limited. Thus, it would be best if you brought your first-aid kit during the hike.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance becomes something which you should definitely buy while considering the Pikey Peak Trek. While trekking is not considered as very risky activity by most other standards, anything may occur on the mountain. It is just safer to get yourself some travel insurance to feel relaxed and concentrate on enjoying trekking.

It is crucial to find some good policy covering high-altitude trekking, especially up to an altitude of 4,500 meters. It is necessary because during the trip you will be reaching the peak, which is over 4,000 meters above the sea level. Another thing you will surely want to cover is your emergency evacuation from the site.

Medical assistance is rather scarce when in the most remote areas on the Pikey Peak View Trek. In case you happen to have some health-related problems, a rescue helicopter will be your only chance to be taken to hospital. The reason behind purchasing travel insurance is simply avoiding those outrageous fees associated with rescuing tourists in difficult circumstances.

Another point worth considering is whether your travel insurance includes delays, cancellations, or losses of luggage due to various reasons. The climate in Nepal tends to change rather abruptly and unexpectedly, hence delays in traveling by both plane and road vehicles is not unheard of. Having your documentation on hand before beginning the trekking is also a smart idea.