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11th Jan, 2025 by: Himalayan Magic Treks
A complete Guide for Pikey Peak Trek
The Pikey Peak Trek is a relatively less-trodden trekking route in the Solu-Khumbu region of Nepal, offering stunning views of some of the highest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest. This trek is a great alternative to the more crowded routes like the Everest Base Camp trek, and it provides a cultural and natural experience that is equally enriching.
Here’s a complete guide to the Pikey Peak Trek:
1. Pikey Trek Overview
- Location: Solu-Khumbu region, Nepal
- Duration: 7 to 10 days
- Highest Point: Pikey Peak (4,065 m / 13,335 ft)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best Season: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November)
- Starting Point: Pattale by Jeep ot flight from Kathmandu
- Ending Point: Jiri or Phaplu there are two possiblities
2. Highlights of the Pikey Trek
- Scenic Views: Views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and other peaks.
- Cultural Immersion: Interaction with Sherpa communities and exploration of Buddhist monasteries.
- Beautiful Landscapes: Dense forests, terraced fields, alpine meadows, and serene valleys.
- Less Crowded: Peaceful and relatively quiet compared to other trekking routes in the Everest region.
3. Pikey Trekking Route and Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Pattale (2,800 m)
Day 03: Trek from Pattale to Jhapre (2,850 m)
Day 04: Trek from Jhapre to Dimil (2,900 m)
Day 05: Trek from Dimil to Pikey Base Camp (3,700 m)
Day 06: Trek from Pikey Peak to Junbesi (2,900 m)
Day 07: Trek from Junbesi to Phaplu/Salleri (2,400 m)
Day 08: Drive from Phaplu to Kathmandu
Day 09: Departure from Kathmandu
General Notes
- Fitness and Preparation: This trek is moderate in difficulty. While it doesn’t involve extreme altitudes, it’s essential to be in good physical condition to handle the 5-7 hour trekking days.
- Accommodation: The trek features simple lodge accommodations in the local teahouses. Rooms are basic but comfortable for trekkers.
- Meals: Expect traditional Nepali meals along the way, including dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), momos (dumplings), and noodle dishes.
- Weather: Depending on the time of year, it can be cold at higher altitudes, so pack warm layers, especially for the mornings and evenings.
This 9-day Pikey Peak Trek is a fantastic way to experience the Himalayan region, offering both cultural immersion and spectacular mountain views with less crowd compared to more famous treks
4. Fitness and Difficulty Level
- The Pikey Peak Trek is considered moderate in difficulty, making it suitable for trekkers with moderate physical fitness.
- The trek involves steady uphill and downhill sections, with altitude gains to 4,065 meters (Pikey Peak).
- It’s important to acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness, as you will be trekking above 3,000 meters for several days.
- Regular cardiovascular exercise like walking, jogging, or hiking will help in preparing for the trek.
5. Accommodation
- Most teahouses along the route provide basic facilities like clean rooms, common toilets, and simple meals.
- In some areas, you might have to share rooms with fellow trekkers.
- During the trek, expect to have traditional Nepali food such as dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), momos (dumplings), and various noodle dishes.
6. What to Pack
- Clothing: Lightweight trekking pants, T-shirts, a warm jacket, fleece, waterproof gear, gloves, hats, and layers to protect from cold and sun.
- Footwear: Sturdy trekking boots with good grip and comfortable socks.
- Sleeping Bag: A sleeping bag rated for temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F) would be appropriate for higher altitudes.
- First Aid Kit: Including basic medications, altitude sickness pills, bandages, and antiseptic cream.
- Personal Items: Sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, toiletries, camera, and power bank.
- Water Treatment: Water purification tablets or a water filter to ensure you have access to clean drinking water during the trek.
7. Altitude Sickness
- While the Pikey Peak trek doesn’t reach extremely high altitudes like the Everest Base Camp trek, it’s still important to be cautious of altitude sickness.
- Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue.
- Ensure proper acclimatization by ascending gradually, drinking plenty of water, and resting when needed.
8. Best Time to Go
- Autumn (September to November): The skies are generally clear, providing fantastic views of the mountains. This is the most popular season.
- Spring (March to May): This season brings warmer weather and rhododendron blooms, making it a visually stunning time to trek.
- Winter (December to February): Less crowded but quite cold, with the possibility of snow. Not ideal unless you are an experienced trekker.
- Monsoon (June to August): Not recommended due to heavy rain, which can make the trails slippery and challenging.
9. Permits Required
- TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) Card: Required for all trekkers in Nepal.
- Gaurishanker National Park Permit: As part of the Solu-Khumbu region, the Pikey Peak trek requires this permit, which can be obtained in Kathmandu or Phaplu.
10. How to Get There
- From Kathmandu: You can fly from Kathmandu to Phaplu, which is a small airport (flight duration: 35-40 minutes). Alternatively, you can take a jeep or bus (approximately 8-10 hours).
- Local Transport: Once in Phaplu, you can start the trek to Salleri or other nearby villages.
11. Local Culture
- The Sherpa people are the predominant ethnic group in the region, and you’ll encounter several Buddhist monasteries, prayer flags, stupas, and mani walls along the way.
- Respect for the local culture and traditions is essential, especially when visiting monasteries or interacting with local people.
- The Pikey Peak Trek offers a fantastic alternative to the more crowded Everest Base Camp trek, with a great combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and spectacular Himalayan views. Whether you’re looking for a quieter trekking experience or simply want to explore the Everest region from a different perspective, Pikey Peak is a hidden gem in Nepal.
- The Pikey Peak Trek is considered a moderate level trek in terms of difficulty. Here’s a breakdown of factors that contribute to its difficulty:
1. Altitude
- The highest point of the trek is Pikey Peak, which stands at 4,065 meters (13,335 feet). While this is not as high as the Everest Base Camp trek (which reaches over 5,000 meters), you’ll still be trekking at altitudes where altitude sickness could potentially become a concern.
- The trek includes multiple days of ascending and descending, so it's important to allow proper time for acclimatization.
- Trekking above 3,000 meters (9,840 feet) for several days can still lead to symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness.
2. Trekking Duration
- The trek typically lasts between 7-10 days. The daily trekking hours are usually between 5-7 hours, which is moderate but requires good endurance.
- The overall distance covered is relatively moderate, but long days of walking, with some steep ascents and descents, can make it physically demanding.
3. Terrain and Trails
- The trail is a mix of steep ascents and descents, through forests, rivers, and Sherpa villages.
- There are sections of rocky, uneven paths, and you’ll also pass through dense forests and rhododendron meadows, which can be muddy and slippery during the monsoon season.
- Some sections may require a bit of stamina, especially in the final ascent to Pikey Peak, which involves a steady uphill walk.
4. Weather Conditions
- The weather can be unpredictable, especially at higher altitudes. It could be quite cold in the mornings and evenings, even in the spring and autumn months, so you need to be prepared for varying temperatures.
- Morning fog and cloud cover might reduce visibility, and rain or snow is possible in the higher areas, particularly if trekking during the winter months.
5. Physical Fitness
- Although the trek doesn’t involve extreme altitude or technical climbing, good physical fitness is still necessary. Regular cardiovascular training (such as walking, jogging, or hiking with a backpack) is beneficial to build up stamina for the journey.
- A strong mental attitude to keep going through challenging parts of the trail (especially the long ascents and descents) is also important for a successful trek.
6. Accommodation and Facilities
- Most accommodation along the trail is in basic teahouses. Facilities such as electricity, Wi-Fi, and hot showers may not be readily available, especially in remote areas.
- The teahouses are simple, but they provide comfortable resting spots for trekkers. Some teahouses might have limited food options at higher altitudes.
7. Experience Level
- This trek is ideal for intermediate trekkers who are comfortable with multi-day trekking, walking on uneven trails, and who are prepared for moderate altitude. Beginners should take extra care in preparing for the trek, ensuring that they are in good physical condition.
8. Safety and Health
- The trek is safe, but it’s still essential to take precautions regarding altitude sickness and general health. Trekking with a guide is advisable, especially if you’re unfamiliar with high-altitude trekking.
- It's important to carry a first-aid kit, water purification tablets, and keep hydrated during the trek to help avoid issues like dehydration or sickness.
- While the Pikey Peak Trek is a moderate trek, it is not overly technical or challenging. However, trekkers should be prepared for the altitude, terrain, and the duration of the trek. If you have prior trekking experience and a decent level of physical fitness, you’ll likely find this trek to be a rewarding and enjoyable experience with manageable difficulty.