Overview of Pikey Peak Trek
Pikey Peak Trek, known as a lower Everest trek, offers one of the best panoramic viewpoints of the Himalayas, famously praised by Sir Edmund Hillary as his favorite Everest view. From the summit at 4,065 meters, trekkers are treated to breathtaking 360-degree views of Nepal’s major mountain ranges, including all of the country’s highest 8,000-meter peaks—from Everest (8,848m) to Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Manaslu, Annapurna I, and Dhaulagiri. The stunning vista also includes many other snow-covered peaks, such as Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Helambu, and beyond.
The Pikey Peak Trek is a short yet rewarding six-day adventure that offers stunning 360-degree views of Nepal’s major Himalayan ranges, including Everest, Kanchenjunga, Manaslu, and Annapurna. Located at 4,065 meters along the Dudh Koshi River, this lower Everest trek is perfect for those seeking a peaceful, scenic route with rich natural beauty. Along the way, trekkers can also enjoy sightings of local wildlife, diverse flora, and cultural experiences in a less-crowded setting.
Pikey Peak Trekking is not only renowned for its breathtaking Himalayan views but also for its rich cultural and religious diversity. The region is home to Sherpa, Rai, and Tamang communities, each with their own unique traditions, languages, and attire. Predominantly Buddhist, the area features numerous monasteries for both men and women. Along the trail, trekkers may encounter a variety of domestic animals such as yaks, cows, goats, sheep, and jyopchos, as well as wildlife including snow leopards, mountain goats, spotted deer, bears, tigers, monkeys, and a wide range of birds.
How many days does the Pikey Peak Trek take?
The Pikey Peak Trek is a short and scenic adventure that takes just 6 days and 5 nights, making it perfect for those with limited time. It is a moderate trek with well-managed tea houses and facilities along the route. Each day involves 6–7 hours of walking through beautiful landscapes, rhododendron forests, and charming villages. The highlight is reaching Pikey Peak (4,065 m), which offers a stunning 360° view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga, and other Himalayan ranges.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Dhap by local or private jeep (8–9 hours).
Day 2: Trek from Dhap to Jhapre—a scenic walk with open views.
Day 3: Trek to Pikey Peak Base Camp.
Day 4: Hike to Pikey Peak summit (4,065 m) for panoramic views, then trek to Junbesi village.
Day 5: Morning visit to Thubten Chholing Monastery, then trek to Phaplu via Junbesi.
Day 6: Return to Kathmandu by local jeep or flight (25 minutes by air).
Local Lifestyle, Culture, and Religion in Pikey Peak Trek
The Pikey area is mainly inhabited by Sherpa and Tamang communities, known for their rich traditions and warm hospitality. Their lifestyle is deeply rooted in Buddhism, reflected in the presence of ancient monasteries, stupas, Mani walls, prayer wheels, and colorful prayer flags. Locals speak their native languages, wear traditional attire, and celebrate unique festivals throughout the year.
Lodging and Food in Pikey Peak Trek
Along the Pikey Peak trail, there are well-managed tea houses offering clean rooms, warm hospitality, and hygienic meals. Local vegetables and crops are used in the food, and the hosts are friendly and respectful.
Transportation—How do we get to the trek starting and ending places?
The Pikey Peak Trek begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Dhap and ends at Phaplu. You can travel by sharing a local jeep or taking a private jeep or a short 25-minute flight to Phaplu. All options are safe and accessible. We can arrange any mode of transport based on your preference.
Cost of Pikey Peak Trek
The 6-day Pikey Peak Trek costs US$ 390 per person. This price includes a full-board package covering meals, accommodation, transportation, permits, and a guide. A minimum group size of 2 people is required. If you're traveling solo, the price will be slightly higher.
- If you would like a porter to carry your luggage, the cost is US$ 450 per person.
- Additionally, if you require hotel accommodation in Kathmandu for two nights, the cost is US$ 490 per person. We arrange deluxe hotels as tourist standards, and we arrange them according to our clients requests. Any categorized hotel we can book.
Which services and package would you prefer? Feel free to let us know, and we will arrange everything accordingly!
Magnificent Himalayan Views from Pikey Peak Danda
At 4,065 meters, Pikey Peak offers one of the best 360° panoramic views in Nepal. From the summit, you can see a stunning sweep of Himalayan giants, including
- Mt. Everest (8,848 m)
- Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m)
- Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m)
- Mt. Makalu (8,436 m)
- Mt. Cho Oyu (8,201 m)
- Manaslu (8,163 m)
- Annapurna I (8,091 m)
- Langtang & Ganesh Himal ranges
It’s one of the few places where you can witness such a broad range of peaks in a single view.
Packing of Trekking as Trekking Gears
Prepare well for this moderate trek. The weather can be cold, especially at night or at the top of Pikey Hill. Your packing list should be
- Warm clothing (down jacket, fleece, thermal wear)
- Good quality trekking boots
- Sleeping bag for warm enough
- Daypack, water bottles, and snacks
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, sun hat
- Headlamp/torch
- Trekking poles (optional but helpful)
Essential Medicine for the Trek
Due to the remote nature of the trail, medical facilities are extremely limited. We strongly recommend carrying any personal or prescribed medications with you, as they may not be available in the region. Our guides carry a basic first-aid kit with essentials like medication for headaches, fevers, diarrhea, coughs, colds, and bandages, and Diamox for altitude sickness, but it’s best to come prepared. Your health and safety are our top priority.