Overview

Pikey Peak Trek – Wonderful trekking experience to the best vantage point of Everest

Many Trekkers call it as best point to witness Everest. Even Sir Edmund Hillary claimed it as his favorite spot to enjoy Everest.

The name Pikey is derived from local Sherpa Clan deity which represents the sky over the nature.

Pikey Peak Trek is newly introduced trekking route in Khumbu region which allows us to enjoy up-close view of Everest and lower Khumbu region along with magical landscapes. The view of sunrise and sunset over the giant peaks is so magical that it will become your lifetime memory. Apart from majestic Himalayan views, you will get opportunity to discover unique geography and the life it supports. The unique Sherpa Culture and their hospitality is very intriguing. Being a newly discovered trekking route, it offers an off-beat and solitary trekking experience.

7 days Pikey Peak Trek Itinerary is designed to minimize the risk of AMS by limiting the daily gain in altitude. The Pikey Peak trail route is covered with lush forests of rhododendron, oak and pine. You will walk through numerous villages perched on ridge tops surrounded by terraced fields.

From Pikey peak, you will get the grand view of mountain peaks – Dhaulagiri, Everest, Makalu and Kanchenjunga to the far west. The tea house accommodation along the trekking route is simple and offers very basic facilities.

Pikey Peak Trek is suitable for anyone willing to witness the Himalayan peaks and authentic local lifestyle within few days.

Trip Highlights

Scenic Views: Pikey Peak offers stunning panoramic views of some of the world's highest peaks, including Mount Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, Kanchenjunga, and many others. The sunrise and sunset views from the summit are particularly renowned.
Cultural Experience: The trek to Pikey Peak often includes visits to traditional Sherpa villages, providing trekkers with an opportunity to experience the local culture and hospitality. You may encounter Buddhist monasteries, prayer flags, and chortens along the way.
Less Crowded: While Everest Base Camp trek and other popular routes can get quite crowded, Pikey Peak trek is known for being less frequented. This makes it a more peaceful and less commercialized trekking destination.
Diverse Landscapes: The trek to Pikey Peak takes you through diverse landscapes, including rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and charming Sherpa villages. This variety adds to the overall trekking experience.

Day 1 :

Kathmandu to Phaplu

The first time I did this trek I drove from Kathmandu to Phaplu for the experience, particularly as most trekkers go by road. It takes around 8 hours to reach there passing the Sunkoshi River and terraced farmland, with a few rest stops and photo opportunities on the way. This is also the first night in a teahouse, which is what trekking lodges are known as in Nepal.

Day 2 :

Phaplu to Ringmo

Trekking through pine and rhododendron forests it takes 5 or 6 hours to reach Ringmo village. Ringmo is actually located not in the Everest Region but in Dolpo District where the people are similar to the Sherpa in that they are of Tibetan ethnicity but differ as they are of the Bonpo faith. The village sits near the beautiful Phoksundo Lake. Made famous by the 1999 film, Himalaya, this lake sits around 3600 m and is one of the most beautiful in Nepal.

Day 3 :

Ringmo to Junbesi

Again we trek through pine and rhododendron forests and across two rivers – the Ringmo Khola and Junbesi Khola. It takes around 6 hours to reach Junbesi with beautiful views of several mountains including Makalu (8481 m / 27841 ft) and Mount Everest.

Day 4 :

Junbesi to Jasmane Bhanjyang (and a side trip to Thupten Choling Monastery)

Situated at 3020 m / 9900 ft I recommend a side trip to Thupten Choling Monastery. Lying a short walk (An hour or so) from Junbesi village the history of the monastery is interesting, dating back to just after the 1959 invasion of Tibet. Having been repaired a couple of time, most recently after the 2015 earthquake, the monastery is home to hundreds of monks and nuns.

Day 5 :

Morning hike to Pikey and trek down to Loding

From Jasmane Bhanjyang follow the trail passed grazing yaks and yak houses. In fact, in this area, you can find a yak cheese factory, established by the Swiss some decades ago, which supplies a great deal of yak cheese to restaurants and shops in Kathmandu. Pikey Peak’s summit lies at 4065 m / 13336 ft and from the viewpoint, there are amazing views of several towering mountains. These include Everest, Thamserku, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Kantega and many others! After taking in the views from Pikey Peak the trail leads down to Loding where tonight’s teahouse lies.

Day 6 :

Loding to Phaplu

This is the final day of the trek and quite a long day to get back to the road head for the jeep back to Kathmandu.

Day 7 :

Phaplu to Kathmandu Drive

Leaving the mountains behind it takes around 7 or 8 hours to reach Kathmandu.