Pikey Peak Trek

Pikey Peak Trek Difficulty

Pikey peak trek difficulty level is considered as moderate level as compared to other difficult treks like the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, or Langtang Valley Trek, for having the peek and lower Everest region trek. The Pikey Peak trek route is one of the easiest trek in Nepal, making it suitable for novice trekkers and for those having ordinary fitness levels.

Trip Grade: Fitness level, Medical, and Health

When it comes to trekking or traveling, being physically and mentally fit is recommended. To be able to walk comfortably for 5-6 days (as the Pikey Peak trek itinerary is of 6 days) for 6 hours on a daily basis with moderate inclination, being physically fit will raise your excitement about the Pikey Peak trek. If you have any medical issues, it is highly advised that you consult with your doctor beforehand.

Altitude Sickness during Pikey Peak Trekking

Pikey Peak altitude reaches a maximum elevation of 4,065 meters (13,339.89 feet) at Pikey Peak Base Camp. Trekkers can face altitude sickness above the elevation of 2,500 meters, so it is better to be well aware of one’s health condition and early symptoms of altitude sickness to avoid any severe conditions. Therefore, it is advised to ascend gradually, get acclimatized to the Pikey Peak height level and stay hydrated.

Trekking Experience for Pikey Peak Trail

Any trekking experience for Pikey Peak trekking is not required as there is not much climbing to be done. The trekking route is well-maintained and favorable for beginners and mild fitness levels. A normal person can easily trek to the Peak peak Nepal.

Emergency and Evacuation during the Trek

Emergency and evacuation while Pikey Peak trekking is not essentially required as the trekking route is considered a relatively safe route. However, it is better to be safe than sorry during any emergencies. With the experienced guides and their proper evacuation strategies, you are basically in safe hands with Himalayan masters.

Kit and equipment for Pikey Peak Trek Nepal

Kit and equipment required for the Pikey Peak Trek are:

• Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support,
• Breathable clothing,
• Trekking Poles,
• Down jacket for minus degrees Celsius,
• A warm fleece jacket,
• Rain gear,
• Sleeping Bag,
• Small bag as a daypack,
• A first-aid kit,

and so on. Carrying proper clothing and trekking gear is highly suggested for a safe and comfortable trekking experience.

Special training for the Trek

No special training for the Pikey Peak Trek is needed. Prior experience in hiking or trekking could be a plus point though. To ensure smooth and enjoyable trekking memories, regular exercise is highly recommended for boosting cardiovascular endurance. Engaging in activities like hiking, biking, and swimming can significantly improve your endurance.

Best Time for Pikey Peak Trek

The best time for the Pikey Peak trek is spring (February-May), autumn (September-December), and even winter (December-February). The Pikey Peak weather showcases its beauty around the year, but spring and autumn are considered the prime trekking seasons. During the spring, the lower Everest region is filled with vibrant colors of rhododendrons. Pleasant Pikey Peak weather conditions, temperature, and clear skies with magnificent views of the Himalayas, sunrise, and sunset proves to be ideal season for trekking.

However, for those seeking more adventure, winter could be a favorite season for trekking for them. During the winter, Pikey Peak offers a contrasting landscape. The days are normally clear and sunshine, but at the altitudes of Pikey Peak, it could be significantly colder with unpredictable weather conditions. Winter trekkers are blessed with the snow-capped views of vistas having heights over 8,000 meters but need to be physically and mentally prepared for more challenging experiences and sudden weather changes and pack accordingly.

Pikey Peak Trekking permits

You will require three permits for the Pikey Peak Trek, they are: Sagarmatha Natioanl Park Area entry permit, Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit and a Local Area Permit. 

The Sagarmatha National Park Area Permit and Gaurishankar Conservation area permit will cost you $30 per person and the Local Area permit will cost you $17 per person.

Even if the Pikey Peak trek does not require a TIMS card (Trekkers’ Information Management System card), trekkers will still need permits to traverse the region. Sagarmatha National Park entry permit, allowing the trekkers access to the protected area where Pikey Peak resides. Additionally, a Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit (GCAP) is necessary due to the trek’s route. A Local Area Permit is also required which can be obtained locally to complete the necessary authorizations for your Pikey Peak adventure.

Accommodation during Pikey Peak Hike

The Pikey Peak trek route is comparably lesser-known route than the Everest Base Camp trek and Manaslu Circuit Trek or any other trek in the lower Everest region trek. Since the trekking route is not so popular, the only available accommodations are either teahouses or a few small lodges. These aren’t any basic campsites or luxury hotels; they provide with basic two-bed bedrooms with blankets and pillows. Few of them might have hot showers and even attached bathrooms. It can be an amazing opportunity to connect with residents and their culture and experience firsthand the warmth and hospitality of the Nepali people.

Foods found on Pikey Peak Route

Due to the remoteness of the trek’s route, processed and pre-packed food is not readily available, which gives the trekkers a chance to savor the traditional taste of Nepali food. Teahouses here offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food’s menu featuring fresh, locally-grown vegetables – all organic and free of pesticides. Dal Bhat, a lentil soup with rice and curries, provides delicious and nutritious fuel for the trek, from which a famous saying came: “Dal Bhat power 24 hour”.

Electricity and battery recharge service in Pikey Peak Trek route

Electricity and battery recharge during the Pikey Peak trek can be scarce. Teahouses and lodges along the trek might offer limited or solar-powered electricity and charging options. So, it is advised that you carry a power bank.

Internet/ Wi-Fi service in Pikey Peak Trek

Internet connectivity on the Pikey Peak trek can be hard to find. teahouse and lodges may offer weak or nonexistent Wi-Fi service. Even the cell service may be limited or no coverage in a few areas.

Water in Pikey Peak Hike

Reliable sources of water might not be available everywhere. Although some teahouses sell bottled water, it is important to bring a good water filtration system or purification tablets to treat water. Always remember to treat the water that you find on the way before drinking.

Alternative Pikey Peak trekking route

If time is not the problem, we suggest you extend your trek by 3-4 days to witness the beauty and religious importance of Dudhakunda. Dudhkunda is a jewel of the Solukhumbu region, a small, sacred glacial lake, located north of Ringmo in the lap of Mount Numbur. Depending on the Nepali calendar (typically June or July), during the festival month, hundreds of devotees visit Dudhakunda to see its beauty and religious significance. Just imagine the serene reflection of the majestic Himalayas on the lake, infused with spiritual energy during the festival. It would be an incredibly enriching experience.

The route to Dudhakunda starts from Ringmo but is recommended to ask about the latest route and accommodation in the village of Beni with the local teahouse keeper. You will be spending the night and the second night in Beni after returning from Dudhakunda. On the 6th day of the trek, you can take the alternative trek to Dudhakunda from Junbesi too.

Since the route is difficult, mainly during the winter, it is important to take a guide on this route. Another crucial reason for taking a guide is that they will instruct you to be well prepared in case on hut in Beni closes. In such a scenario, being self-sufficient for up to three extra days with a portable stove and food becomes essential. The most significant thing to consider Dudhakunda trek is the view of Everest on the trail from Rigmo to Dudh Khola Lake.

With Himalayan Masters

Booking/airport pickup

You can contact Himalayan Masters via email or WhatsApp for any bookings and airport pickup. We will be available to pick you up from Tribhuvan International Airport and take you to any hotel in Kathmandu and pick you up from the hotel on the 1st day of the journey.

Note: Our package begins only from the day we start our trekking journey to Pikey Peak from Kathmandu. So, any accommodation costs before that will not be included in the package.

Support Team

Himalayan Masters is dedicated to the flexibility and comfort of our clients. Our support team will assist you with all the details required for your travel. Himalayan Masters will arrange both the guide and porters required for the trek. You can contact us through [email protected] or +977-9823636377.

Starting Point/Ending Point

The trek for Pikey Peak trekking will start from Kathmandu. We will take a public bus (a private jeep can be arranged too as per your request) to reach Dhap on the 1st day. On the 2nd day, we will start our trekking from Dhap to Jhapre and Jhapre to Pikey Peak Base camp on the 3rd day. Likewise, on the 4th day, we will hike up to Pikey Peak for sunrise and return to Lamjura Danda. On the 5th day, we will trek back to Junbesi from Lamjura Danda and finally trek back to Phalpu on the 6th day. From there we will take a public vehicle and return to Kathmandu.

How does a typical day on the Pikey Peak hike feel like?

Like every other trek, the Pikey Peak trek wakes you up with the rooster’s crow. The Pikey Peak trek starts with a steaming cup of tea, probably yak butter tea. Stepping just outside your cozy teahouse rooms, you are greeted with a breathtaking panoramic view of snow-capped eight-thousanders colored with golden rising sun.

After having breakfast at around seven to eight in the morning, your trek guide will guide you through the trek. Prayer flags, a clear blue sky, and calming breeze, and a colored forest with vibrant rhododendrons can be seen along the way. After walking for a few hours, you will stop for lunch, either you can request to stop at some point, or your guide will stop somewhere or some teahouse from where you can enjoy the majestic view of the world’s highest peaks. Perhaps, you can have traditional dal, bhat and curry. Here, you can share your trekking experience with fellow trekkers or might even take a power nap. After that, the trek again resumes.

After that, you will walk for a couple of more hours, you arrive at your destination for the night in one of the other teahouses at around three to five o’clock. Here, you will be welcomed with the warmth of burning wood and a delicious dinner prepared from homegrown fresh ingredients. Muscles tired but spirits high, another Pikey Peak day comes to an end.

Pikey Peak Trekking Cost

The Pikey Peak Trek cost $600 per person. The trek cost might fluctuate as per the time of the year you are trekking and your budget. But with Himalayan Masters, you will be covered at around $600 per person for the Pikey Peak Trek.

The trek cost covers all your food and accommodation during the Pikey trek, travel costs excluding the international flight cost, Pikey Peak permit cost, and guide and porter costs required for the trek.

The overall Pikey Peak cost breakdown is given below for your reference:

1. Food: The food including breakfast, lunch, and dinner will cost around 15-20 dollars per day.
2. Accommodation: For accommodation, it will cost around $5-7 per day as per the altitude.
3. Guide and porter: Each day the cost for a guide and porter will cost you around $25-$30 and $15-$20 respectively.
4. Transportation cost: The transportation will cost you around $50-80 dollars in public vehicles. But Himalayan masters will organize a private vehicle for you.
5. Permits: As you will need three permits for the Pikey Peak Trek, the cost will be $30 for Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit, and for the local Area permit will cost you $17 i.e NPR 2000 per person.

Insurance for Pikey Peak Nepal

Traveling or trekking in the mountains can be unpredictable. Sometimes, some unforeseeable accidents might occur that could cause a huge loss, physically and financially. So, it is better to be well prepared beforehand. In that case, doing travel insurance or any other life insurance could be a safe option. Travel insurance covers a few emergencies like helicopter evacuation costs (might cost around USD 1000, more or less) or medical care, ensuring one’s safety. Choose your travel insurance provider carefully, especially for a challenging peak trek such as the Annapurna Circuit Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, or Everest Base Camp Trek.

Additional Expenses on Pikey Peak Trek

Himalayan Masters provides the most affordable way for trekkers who have a limited budget. However, we also provide additional/optional services that might enhance the experience of the trek.

Additional Porter Service

If the trekkers have extra luggage or want to share their load so that he/she can trek more comfortably, they can hire an additional porter. Each porter carries 20-25 kgs of weight.

Per Porter Cost: USD 120

Private Transportation

You can also opt for a shared private jeep service for an additional charge on top of the standard trek cost. This private jeep will pick you up directly from your Kathmandu hotel at 7:00 am and transport you comfortably to Dhap and from Phalpu to Kathmandu. Shared jeeps typically accommodate up to 7 passengers.

Kathmandu to Dhap: USD 250 (one way)

Phalpu to Kathmandu: USD 250 (one way)

Pros of Private Vehicle

• It is cleaner and more comfortable as compared to public transportation.
• It takes a shorter time to reach the destination.
• You can stop at cleaner restaurants for meals between the drive.
• Alternative sightseeing can be done on the way.

Note: If you are prone to any health issues during the trip, it is better to take a private vehicle.

Cons of Private Vehicle

1. Increased Cost:  Taking a private vehicle will likely increase your overall trek budget due to the additional expense compared to public transport.
2. Limited Social Interaction: Public transport offers a chance to connect with fellow trekkers and locals, enriching your travel experience.  A private vehicle limits these interactions, potentially making the journey feel more isolated.
3. Road condition: Sometimes it is better to take a public vehicle considering the road condition, as private drivers might not be quite familiar with the road condition.

Note: If you are a solo traveler, it is better to take a public vehicle.

ATM on the Pikey Peak Trail

As the Pikey Peak trek route is a relatively new trek route located in the lower Everest trek region, it is still developing in its infrastructure, there are no ATMs available along the way. The only ATM is located in Phalpu, on the way back to Kathmandu. So, it is essential to carry enough Nepali Rupees (NPR) for your trek. Or you can enjoy ATM service in Kathmandu itself or on the way to Dhap at the beginning of the trek.