Trip Overview
The summit of Pikey Peak is at an altitude of 4,065m. This is an incredible panoramic viewpoint of the Himalayan range. From the summit you can see Mount Everest, Mount Numbur and Mount Lhotse.
Many say that the view of Mount Everest from Pikey Peak is one of the best in Nepal. That’s a bold statement, but Sir Edmund Hillary himself claimed it to be his favorite, and we’re inclined to agree. This trek can be done in three full-on days, or a more leisurely six.
Planning Your Trek If you’re looking for a short trek in the Everest region near Kathmandu, this is a great (less discovered) route. If you’re feeling very fit or are just short on time, this can be done in 3-4 days. But, a more
leisurely 6-day trek allows for a physical workout without the stress, and a chance to visit a number of Buddhist sites (monasteries, gompas, and stupas). Both itineraries provide amazing views of the Numbur Himal range and Everest. But is it the best view of Everest in Nepal? You’ll have to see for yourself.
Take your time enjoying the unmatched scenery by adding a few more days on the Pikey Peak trek. This itinerary allows for a more leisurely pace and is well suited to trekkers who don’t want the extra physical challenge that the 3-day option requires.
Flexible Itineraries
There are a number of different trekking routes and local trails in the lower Everest region which involve reaching Pikey Peak. The most common durations (starting and ending in Kathmandu) are from five to seven days. Based on what you’re looking for, we can put together a custom trip based on how many days you have.
Accessing this Trek
All variations of the Pikey Peak trek start with a short, 30-minute flight or long drive (6-8 hours) from Kathmandu. Nepal Airlines, Tara Air, and Summit Air fly the route regularly.
Choosing Whether to Fly or Drive
If you’re short on time or want to opt for a shorter itinerary, it’s best to fly both in and out of Phaplu, the starting point for the trek. If you have more time or want to save on costs, you can drive to Phaplu by jeep or bus (if you’re on a shoestring budget). It’s a very scenic drive that takes around 7 hours but be warned that driving is the most
‘adventurous’ option: roads in Nepal are not well-maintained can be quite bumpy and services will be limited along the way. (There’s not a significant difference in time traveling via public or private transport, it’s more the comfort level.)
Plan your trip to Nepal
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip. When To Go As with most treks in Nepal, Pikey Peak is incredible during the spring, fall, and also the winter months given its lower elevation. It’s best, however, to avoid this trek during the monsoon as it can get very wet inthis region.
Short Itinerary
Day 01:
Arrival in Kathmandu 4593 ft (1400 m)
Day 02:
Drive to Dhap, Trek to Japre 9580 ft (2920 m) 4 hours
Day 03:
Trek from Japre to Pikey Base Camp 11,942 ft (3640 m) 6-7 hours
Day 04:
Sunrise at Pikey Peak, Trek to Loding 8,251 ft (2515 m) 8-9 hours
Day 05:
Trek from Loding to Junbesi, Visit Thubtenchoeling Monastery 4-5 hours
Day 06:
Trek from Junbesi to Taksindu 9711 ft (2960 m) 5-6 hours
Day 07:
Trek from Taksindu to Phaplu, Visit Chiwong Monastery 8067 ft (2459 m) 5-6 hours
Day 08:
Drive from Phaplu to Kathmandu 4593 ft (1400 m) 9-10 hours
Day 09:
Departure
DETAILED ITINERARY
You’ll start the day with a long (8-9 hour) drive from Kathmandu to Dhap. From a ridgeline south of Dhap, you’ll start the trek, and as you near Sigane, the mountains that you will get to know very well come into view — the peaks of the Numbur Himal section of the Himalayan Range.
After Japre, the trail climbs up to a grassy ridge at Bhulbhule. There’s a single lodge with no name and nice views of the Everest range from here. Soon after Bhulbhule, the trail splits and you’ll turn right to Pikey Peak. You’ll pass some old yak houses and a long mani stone wall. The trail then contours the hillside below Taklung Danda and goes through a beautiful forested trail.
Starting early in the morning, you’ll follow a gradual trail to the summit, covered with prayer flags. The views are breathtaking! If the weather is clear, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views from Annapurna to Kanchenjunga.
You’ll start the day by heading down the ridgeline for breakfast at Jase Bhanjyang. Leaving there, there are a few options for the descent to Junbesi. The most likely is a stunning shortcut trail that leaves the ridge shortly after Jase and descends steeply through spectacular old growth forest to Taktor. This path meets the Everest Base Camp trail coming from Jiri. The tea houses from here are a little more developed, and you’re likely to meet a few other tourists for the first time.
This morning, hit the trail bound for Taksindu. Cross the river at the bottom of town and climb through the forest up to Salung, from where there are views of Mount Everest (8848 m/ 29,028 ft), Chamlang (7319 m/ 2,4012 ft) and Makalu (8481 m/ 27,824 ft), weather permitting. There are also gorgeous views out across the valley to Chiwong Monastery and down towards Phaplu.
Today, leave the main trekking route again and take a beautiful path down to Phaplu through the forest. There’s also the option of hiking up to Chiwong Gompa, perched high on a cliff overlooking the valley. This monastery was founded in 1923 and has magnificent celebrations for the Mani Rimdu festival in autumn. Continue on down into Phaplu and celebrate the completion of a great trek at your cozy tea house.
Today we bid farewell to the mountains and board our vehicle for the drive back into the Kathmandu Valley. In Kathmandu, we take you to any hotel, and the evening is yours to relax after a long drive.
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