Pikey Peak

Pikey Peak

Pikey Peak – One of the Best Viewpoints to See Mount Everest.

Want to see the Himalayas? You don’t need to trek all the way to Everest Base Camp or scale high mountain trails.Just head to Pikey Peak, located in the southern part of Solukhumbu. Sitting at an altitude of 4,065 meters, it’s a remarkable spot that offers a sweeping view of several of the world’s highest peaks all rising above 8,000 meters.

The Pikey Peak route, in contrast to the well-known Everest Base Camp Trek, features breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas for the majority of the trek. Typically, as trekkers approach the towering mountains, their perspective narrows because the colossal peaks can obscure one another. However, Pikey Peak offers a distinct viewpoint, allowing trekkers to enjoy the magnificence of the entire Himalayan range throughout their journey.

It’s no surprise that Sir Edmund Hillary once called Pikey Peak “the best place to view Everest.”

Pikey Peak: scenic, peaceful, uncrowded.

The Pikey Peak trail provides an immersive cultural journey, weaving through villages of the Sherpa, Tamang, Chhetri, Gurung, and Rai people, making it a fantastic chance to explore Nepal’s diverse ethnic landscape. Trekkers along this route can savor an array of local dishes and discover distinctive plants and animals in one of Nepal’s most biologically rich but less developed areas.

The route is dotted with cultural landmarks, including ancient stupas and vibrant Tibetan prayer flags that add to the spiritual ambiance of the journey.

Pikey Peak itself is divided into two summits, with only a 20-meter difference in height. However, Pikey offers slightly better panoramic mountain views.

When to go to Pikey Peak?

Pikey Peak is a year-round trekking destination, with the best seasons being Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-December). While the trek is possible in winter (mid-December to February) and even during the monsoon (July-August) with appropriate gear, it’s generally best to avoid the rainy season due to heavy rainfall and slippery trails.

Pikey Peak Trek Itinerary

The best route for this hike is as follows:

Day 1: Drive(8 hours) or Fly(35mins) from Kathmandu to Phaplu.

Day 2: Trekking from Phaplu to Jun Beshi.(7 hours)

Day 3: Jun Beshi to Jasmane Bhanjyang.(7 hours)

Day 4: Hike to Pikey Peak in the morning, then down to Liding for a short drive to Phaplu.(6 hours)

Day 5: Drive(8 hours) or Fly(35mins) from Phaplu to Kathmandu .

How to Reach Pikey Peak

The Pikey Peak trekking route is nestled in the enchanting Lower Khumbu region of Nepal’s Solukhumbu District. The trek begins at Dhap, which is approximately a 7 to 8 hour drive from Kathmandu. Alternatively, you can take a quick 30-minute flight from Kathmandu to Phaplu, making the trail easily accessible. This convenience, combined with breathtaking views of Mount Everest, makes Pikey Peak one of the nearest and most accessible mountain treks from Kathmandu.

About Phaplu Airport, Solukhumbu.

The flight from Kathmandu to Phaplu Airport, located in the Solukhumbu district headquarters, takes just about 35 minutes. Flights to Phaplu operate mainly from Kathmandu and are usually carried out by small, STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) aircraft due to the airport’s short runway and mountainous terrain. Weather conditions can affect flight schedules, so it’s advisable to keep some flexibility in your travel plans. Phaplu Airport provides convenient and quick access to remote trekking regions, saving you hours compared to road travel.

Permits for the Pikey Peak

Surprisingly, no permits are needed for this trek. All you need to do is book a flight to Phaplu, and your adventure can begin. Since the route doesn’t pass through any national parks or conservation zones, you’ll save your permit cost the usual fee charged for treks that do include those protected areas.
That said, the lower Everest region still offers a rich variety of flora and fauna, showcasing the natural beauty of the Himalayas. The trail closely follows the Sunkoshi River, guiding you through vibrant rhododendron forests that burst into bright shades of red and yellow, perfect for capturing stunning photos.

As you continue, the path winds through thick forests of pine, maple, chestnut, and hazel. These moss-draped woodlands are alive with Himalayan birds and wildlife, adding a serene yet wild charm to your journey.

Food and Accommodation

Accommodation: Lodges and Home-Stays

The Pikey Peak Trek is still a hidden gem in the Everest region. Due to its remote location, most accommodations consist of simple lodges or family-run home-stays. Rooms typically have two beds, each equipped with a blanket and pillow, and bathrooms are usually shared among guests. Staying in these cozy lodges and home-stays offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with the locals and experience their culture and daily life firsthand.

Food: Fresh, Local, and Organic

Because of how remote the area is, packaged or processed foods are rarely available. Instead, your meals will mainly feature fresh, locally grown produce. A typical meal includes dal (lentil soup), bhat (rice), and curry simple yet hearty staples. The vegetables are cultivated organically, without pesticides, making your meals not only delicious but also healthy. Eating these traditional dishes also helps ease altitude sickness, making your trek nourishing for both body and soul.

Culture and tradition

The Pikey Peak Trekking route is home to the Sherpa people, who have lived for generations in these remote mountain areas, preserving their distinct culture, traditions, lifestyle, and festivals. Along the trail, you’ll also encounter communities of Tamang and Magar people. The landscape is adorned with colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and dotted with Buddhist gumbas, stupas, and monasteries that reflect the region’s deep spiritual heritage. This rich cultural tapestry adds a special dimension to the trek, offering a rare chance to experience firsthand the lives of those who call these breathtaking yet rugged Himalayan landscapes their home.

Ever plan? Essential Packing List for Pikey Peak Trek

Clothing and Shoes
•    Warm cotton clothes (t-shirt and pants)
•    Lightweight wool T-shirts
•    Fleece jackets 
•    Thermals
•    A sturdy pair of hiking boots 
•    Woolen socks (few of varying thickness)
•    Warm Gloves
•    Sun-hat and Woolen Hats

Accessories
•    Duffle Bags 

Medical Necessities
•    A proper first aid kit 
•    Necessary Medications

Other Necessities
•    A good quality sleeping bag 
•    Climbing pole (optional)
•    Sunscreen 
•    Water bottles and purifiers
•    Sunglasses

For more information about Pikey Peak:

Contact Our Nepal Office:

Touch The Himalaya Treks & Expedition
————- — —– P.O. Box No: 23434, Chhetrapati – J.P Road Marg, Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Telephone: 977-1-5357629 Mob/Viber/WhatsApp: +977 984 161 9019. (Mr. Madan Neupane)

Emails: mail@tthimalaya.com, tthimalaya@gmail.com  

Web: https://www.tthimalaya.com