The Best Short Trek with Great Views of Everest

Pikey Peak Trek is a newly discovered trekking route to the Everest Region . This trek takes you to beautiful areas in Everest inhabited by Sherpa settlements. This trek is also known as the Dal Bhat Trek and is one of the best hilltop destinations that give you panoramic views of the Mount Everest and other neighbouring peaks of the region.

The trek route to Pikey Peak is less travelled than the other areas in the Everest region. But, in recent years, Pikey Peak trek has gained a lot of popularity. The trek is suitable for everyone who wants to explore the highest peak in the world, Mount Everest and the rugged landscapes of the Everest region. Along with this, the trek offers you with some of the magnificent views of the Himalayan ranges such as Mount Dhaulagiri, Kanchanjunga, Lhotse, Makalu and many more.

If you are looking for a short trek near the Everest region, Pikey Peak Trek would be best for you. This trek not only offers you with wonderful mountain views and scenic beauty but also the cultural exploration of the Sherpas living in the Everest region. Lying at the height of 4067 meters, trekking to the Pikey Peak may not be very difficult especially for an experienced trekker. However, we suggest physical exercises before trekking for the beginners.

Our seven days itinerary for Pikey Peak Trek is designed for both experienced as well as beginner trekkers. Pikey Peak Trek is basically a moderate level short trekking destination in the Everest region. So, if you have a time limitation and still want to explore the Everest region, you can join us at Exciting Nepal. Follow this article if you want to know more about your incredible trip to Pikey Peak Trek.

Best Time for Pikey Peak Trek

Trekking to the Pikey Peak is doable in every season but, the different season will offer you with different landscapes, environment, and experience. There are typically four seasons in Nepal, Autumn, Spring, Summer, and Winter. All these seasons have their own pros and cons. Considering this, you can choose the best time for your trek.

Autumn (September, October, November)

Autumn is considered as the best time of the year for Pikey Peak Trek. It is also known as the post-monsoon period due to which you can expect the least rainfall when trekking during this season. However, you have to be a bit careful when trekking in the month of September as you might have to go with some light rainfall.

The weather and temperature during autumn are mild and favourable for trekking. The daytime temperature ranges between 9-15 degrees in the Everest region. You will see a slight decrease in temperature as you trek to a higher altitude.As always, nights are colder but you’ll do good with some warm gears. Overall, autumn offers suitable weather and temperature for Pikey Peak Trek.

Spring (March, April, May)

Spring is the second-best time of the year for Pikey Peak trek. It is considered as the time of the year when the nature is most beautiful. Spring is the pre-monsoon period and it is the time when nature regenerates its lost beauty. New plants grow and flowers bloom during this time. You can see yourself surrounded by rhododendron forest while trekking to the Pikey Peak during this season.

The increasing number of trekkers in the spring season is because of the favourable weather and temperature it offers. The daytime temperature ranges between 10-20 degrees during this season. You may not expect rainfall during this season. However, occasional rain may occur during early May so be prepared with your rain gears.

Offseason Trek to Pikey Peak

Offseason trek refers to trekking during Winter and monsoon seasons. Trekking to Pikey Peak during winter and monsoon are not popular as Autumn and Spring. During Winter the temperature of the Everest region falls to a minus degree. Due to the extreme cold and less number of trekkers in the region, most the lodges and tea houses remain closed. So, you may have a difficult time searching for a proper hotel and lodge for yourself. Walking on the snowy trails may also be difficult for you.

Similarly, monsoon falls in the month of June, July, and August. During monsoon, the Everest region faces a lot of rain. Because of the rainfall, the trails to Pikey Peak becomes wet and slippery. It may be quite demanding when trekking in such muddy trails. So, you will see comparatively few numbers of people trekking to Pikey Peak during winter and Monsoon seasons.

Accommodation at Pikey Peak Trek

Pikey peak trek is a teahouse trekking route. You will find teahouses and lodges at various places on the trek where you can stay for overnight. Do not expect the facilitated tea houses. The tea houses will provide you good services, but the services will be very basic.

Most of the tea houses provides room in a twin sharing basis. You can share the room with your fellow trekker who you feel comfortable with. The tea houses have a common dining hall where you can rest, surf your electronic gadgets, or communicate with other trekkers.

Along with food and stay, teahouses also provide facilities of hot showers and laundry. They will charge you extra amount for using services like wifi, extra blankets, boiled drinking water, hot showers, and laundry. The cost of teahouses depends upon the place and the facilities/services they provide. Price ranges from $2-$15 just for a room.

Some Tips for Pikey Peak Trek

Carry Appropriate Trekking Gear

Packing for your Pikey Peak Trek is very important. Do not forget to pack appropriate trekking gear with you according to the time of the year you will be trekking. When trekking during monsoon season, make sure you have carried rain gears with you.

Physical Exercises

Pikey Peak Trek does not require any technical training. But, physical exercises before your trek plays a vital role in making your trek easy and comfortable. It would be better to involve yourself in activities such as running, cycling or swimming three weeks before your trek.

Walk Slow

Walking slowly is a better option when it comes to high altitude trekking. It will make you less tired and you can simply enjoy your trekking experience by walking slow. Make sure that you do not rush your way to reach your destination sooner.

Choosing Whether to Fly or Drive

If you’re short on time or want to opt for a shorter itinerary, it’s best to fly both in and out of Phaplu, the starting point for the trek. If you have more time or want to save on costs, you can drive to Phaplu by jeep or bus (if you’re on a shoestring budget). It’s a very scenic drive that takes around 7 hours but be warned that driving is the most ‘adventurous’ option: roads in Nepal are not well-maintained can be quite bumpy and services will be limited along the way. (There’s not a significant difference in time traveling via public or private transport, it’s more the comfort level.)

Brief Itinerary

Day 01 Drive to Dhap, Trek to Japre 9580 ft (2920 m) 4 hours
Day 02 Trek from Japre to Pikey Base Camp 11,942 ft (3640 m) 6-7 hours
Day 03 Sunrise at Pikey Peak, Trek to Loding 8,251 ft (2515 m) 8-9 hours
Day 04 Trek from Loding to Junbesi, Visit Thubtenchoeling Monastery 4-5 hours
Day 05 Trek from Junbesi to Taksindu 9711 ft (2960 m) 5-6 hours
Day 06 Trek from Taksindu to Phaplu, Visit Chiwong Monastery 8067 ft (2459 m) 5-6 hours
Day 07 Flight from Phaplu to Kathmandu 4593 ft (1400 m)

Day-By-Day Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Dhap, Trek to Japre

You’ll start the day with a long (8-9 hour) drive from Kathmandu to Dhap. From a ridgeline south of Dhap, you’ll start the trek, and as you near Sigane, the mountains that you will get to know very well come into view — the peaks of the Numbur Himal section of the Himalayan Range.

The trail from Sigane follows a road under construction for the first couple of hours. The first village you reach is called Japre (2920 m/9580 ft), perched above a deep valley with nice views of Everest and Numbur Himal. There’s a pretty little gompa and stupa here, and this is your stop for the night.

Day 2: Trek to Pikey Base Camp

After Japre, the trail climbs up to a grassy ridge at Bhulbhule. There’s a single lodge with no name and nice views of the Everest range from here. Soon after Bhulbhule, the trail splits and you’ll turn right to Pikey Peak. You’ll pass some old yak houses and a long mani stone wall. The trail then contours the hillside below Taklung Danda and goes through a beautiful forested trail.

There are many rhododendrons here along a level path (which you can see in bloom if trekking in the spring). As you leave the forest, it’s not far to Pikey Peak base camp, about 2 hours away. From here, it’s a short climb to the summit at 4065 m / 13336 ft. Unless you have an unusually clear evening, it’s better to climb to the summit in the morning for sunrise.

Day 3: Sunrise at Pikey Peak, Trek to Loding

Starting early in the morning, you’ll follow a gradual trail to the summit, covered with prayer flags. The views are breathtaking! If the weather is clear, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views from Annapurna to Kanchenjunga.

From the top of Pikey Peak, you’ll follow a ridgeline which starts flat and then steepens as you enter the forest to Jase Bhanjyang, where breakfast will be waiting. After breakfast, you’ll continue your walk down to Loding, which passes through some steep sections in the forest. At Loding, you’ll have a couple choices for accommodation which are both simple and charming. 

Day 4: Trek from Loding to Junbesi, Visit Thubtenchoeling Monastery

You’ll start the day by heading down the ridgeline for breakfast at Jase Bhanjyang. Leaving there, there are a few options for the descent to Junbesi. The most likely is a stunning shortcut trail that leaves the ridge shortly after Jase and descends steeply through spectacular old growth forest to Taktor. This path meets the Everest Base Camp trail coming from Jiri. The tea houses from here are a little more developed, and you’re likely to meet a few other tourists for the first time.

From Taktor, it is a couple of hours on a lovely trail to Junbesi. Junbesi is a traditional Sherpa village sitting at an altitude of 2675 m/ 8776 ft, and is the cradle of Sherpa culture and architecture. The Sherpas consider the Solukhumbu a sacred valley. In this remote part of Nepal that borders Tibet, Buddhism flourishes and there are numerous Buddhist monasteries along the way.

Day 5: Trek from Junbesi to Taksindu

This morning, hit the trail bound for Taksindu. Cross the river at the bottom of town and climb through the forest up to Salung, from where there are views of Mount Everest (8848 m/ 29,028 ft), Chamlang (7319 m/ 2,4012 ft) and Makalu (8481 m/ 27,824 ft), weather permitting. There are also gorgeous views out across the valley to Chiwong Monastery and down towards Phaplu.

Continue on the trail, contouring and then dropping down to a stream before a short climb up into Ringmo, famous for its apple orchards and interesting apple products such as apple rakshi (alcohol), cider and apple pie. From here, there’s a final short climb to Taksindu La, from where there are again great mountains views, and then a short descent to the Taksindu Monastery and your lodge. The Taksindu Monastery was built in 1946 and is usually open early morning or late afternoon. Please make sure to leave a donation if you visit.

Day 6: Trek from Taksindu to Phaplu, Visit Chiwong Gompa

Today, leave the main trekking route again and take a beautiful path down to Phaplu through the forest. There’s also the option of hiking up to Chiwong Gompa, perched high on a cliff overlooking the valley. This monastery was founded in 1923 and has magnificent celebrations for the Mani Rimdu festival in autumn. Continue on down into Phaplu and celebrate the completion of a great trek at your cozy tea house.

Day 7: Flight from Phaplu to Kathmandu

Today we bid farewell to the mountains and board our vehicle for the drive back into the Kathmandu Valley. In Kathmandu, we take you into any hotel of your choice, we can of course help if you which and then leave you to explore Kathmandu on your own.