Sir Edmund Hillary remarked that the view from Pikey Peak in the lower Everest region is the best in Nepal, and we tend to agree. This short walk has the advantage of being slightly further away from the prominent peaks, allowing for a much broader perspective of the Himalayas from the trail. In just seven days, you may take in the beauty, learn about Sherpa culture, and tour Kathmandu.
Highlights of The Seven Days Pikey Peak Trek
- View Everest from one of Nepal's most beautiful vantage points.
- View an extended length of the Himalayan range from a unique vantage point.
- Discover the lower Everest region, which most tourists overlook.
- In just seven days, you may complete a trek and learn about Sherpa culture.
Brief Itinerary Of The Pikey Peak Trek
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu(1,400m)
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu(1,400m) to Dhap(2,932m) and then Trek to Jhapre(2,920m) or Sigane(1,730m)
Day 03: Trek from Jhapre(2,920m) to Pikey Base Camp(3,640m)
Day 04: Trek from Pikey Peak Base Camp(3,640m) to Chaulakharka(1,923m)
Day 05: Trek from Chaulakharka(1,923m) to Shivalaya(1,833m)
Day 06: Drive from Shivalaya(1,833m) to Kathmandu(1,400m)
Day 07: Departure from Kathmandu(1,400m)
Full Itinerary Of The Pikey Peak Trek
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu(1,400m)
The flight into Kathmandu Valley is breathtaking, with vistas of the Himalayas and the terraced valley level. A representative from our travel agency will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your accommodation.
Image Cr: The Guardian
Caption: Kathmandu
You'll have time to tour the Kathmandu Valley after you've settled in (and depending on your arrival time). Kathmandu's Durbar Square and its small alleyways are crowded with historic temples, local restaurants, and little stores, as well as Swayambhunath temple, where you can enjoy the sunset over the Kathmandu valley and the snow-clad Himalayas to your north, are some of the few recommended places to explore on your first day of the trek.
Thamel, Nepal's major tourist centre, is an excellent place to start your lunch, with a selection of eateries serving both Western and indigenous Nepali cuisine. Then, if it's not too late, visit Asan Tole, the city's busiest bazaar, for an accurate display of spice, seafood, and vegetable stands that make for fantastic photo opportunities. Learn a few basic Nepali phrases and strike up a conversation with friendly people!
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu(1,400m) to Dhap(2,932m) and then Trek to Jhapre(2,920m) or Sigane(1,730m)
Early in the morning, you depart Kathmandu for the lengthy journey to Dhap. You'll travel through the highlands on a Japanese-built road to the Sun Kosi river. After there, you follow the river for a long time before crossing it and ascending to Okhaldhunga. The trailhead in Dhap is roughly a 3-hour drive away. The road from Okhaldhunga to Dhap is a decent blacktop road that goes from 1,560 meters to 2,932 meters.
Image Cr: KimKim
Caption: Dhap
Your journey begins in Dhap. As you get closer to Sigane, you'll notice mountains that you'll become familiar with; they are the peaks of the Numbur Himal part of the Himalayan Range.
For the first couple of hours, the route from Sigane parallels a construction road. Jhapre is the name of the first village (2,920m). It's positioned over a deep valley with spectacular views of Mount Everest and the Numbur Himal. This is your first stop on the walk, as there is a monastery and a stupa here.
Day 03: Trek from Jhapre(2,920m) to Pikey Base Camp(3,640m)
The trail ascends from Jhapre to Bhulbhule's grassy ridge. One unnamed lodge with great views of the Everest range from here.
The trail splits shortly beyond Bhulbhule, and you turn right to Pikey Peak. You pass a lengthy Mani stonewall and some antique yak herders' cottages. The path then curves the hillside beneath Taklung Danda, passing through a lovely woodland track lined with rhododendrons. Pikey Peak base camp is only about 2 hours distant once you leave the forest.
Image Cr: Nepali Times
Caption: Pikey Peak Base Camp
At 3,640 meters, there's only one lodge, with some rooms in a separate structure, but we hang out in the dining room. It's a short climb to the peak at 4,065 meters, but unless it's a prominent evening, it's best to climb for sunrise.
Day 04: Trek from Pikey Peak Base Camp(3,640m) to Chaulakharka(1,923m)
The trail to Pikey Peak's summit begins behind the lodge and climbs a moderate incline to the peak covered with prayer flags. It's crucial to get up early in the morning to catch the sunrise, as the views from the summit are stunning. You will be then rewarded with majestic views from Annapurna to Kanchenjunga if the weather is clear.
Image Cr: KimKim
Caption: Chaulakharka
It's a straightforward descent down to the lodge for breakfast before heading out on the path. After passing through a Mani wall, the trail descends to the left and follows a high contour through the forests, returning to Pikey base camp. It's a lovely trail with breathtaking mountain views. The trekking trail winds its way around the valley and down through a beautiful forest.
You'll eventually come to a cheese factory on the left, which marks the start of Ngaur. Ngaur is a lovely cluster of cottages perched on a rocky outcropping. The Gompa has been devastated as a result of the earthquake. Next to it is a bit modern prayer wheel structure.
The trail descends steeply through the forest to Kosinasa, which the locals now refer to as Lamane (2,872m). There's a spot for Daal Bhat here. The trail ascends to 2,980m as it traverses the mountainside to Gumba.
Gumba is a lovely hilltop village with around a dozen dwellings and a newish Gompa. There's a lot of damage from the earthquake. The trail swings right at Gumba and descends steeply through the forest to Namkheli. After leaving the forest, the trail continues to the river (Likhu Kola) at 1,535 meters and Chaulakharka, where you will spend the night.
Day 05: Trek from Chaulakharka(1,923m) to Shivalaya(1,833m)
You'll have a 750-meter climb to Bhandar this morning. The ascent might be pretty steep at times on a new tractor track. Shobha Lodge is by far the most excellent lodge in Bhandar, and it is here that you will have to enjoy a cup of tea before beginning your trek to Deurali.
At 3,700 meters, the trail ascends to the Deurali pass. Great views of the valley and river back towards Pikey Peak can be found on the east side of the pass. Deurali is a tiny settlement on the west side of the mountain. Langtang is seen from this vantage point. Lunch will be served to you at one of the tea cafes set within the rows of Mani Walls.
The trail descends steeply at first, then gradually levels out to Shivalaya, a large village on the river where you will spend the night unless you want to continue going to Those or Jiri and catch the public transport from there the following day.
Day 06: Drive from Shivalaya(1,833m) to Kathmandu(1,400m)
Today you say your goodbyes to the mountains and return to Kathmandu via bus. The first portion of this voyage follows a gorgeous path on a Swiss-built mountain road, going all the way down to the Tama Koshi before climbing to Charikot and then Mudu, from whence it's all downhill to the Bhote Koshi, which is around 3,000 meters lower.
Take the Arniko highway from Tibet, ascending to Dhulikhel and then into the Kathmandu valley, arriving in the afternoon. In Kathmandu, we drop you off at any hotel of your choice (we can assist if needed) and then leave you to your own devices to explore the city.
Day 07: Departure from Kathmandu(1,400m)
For the time being, Nepal must be said farewell. Enjoy one more breakfast at a cafe, take a city stroll, and/or enjoy souvenir shopping in Kathmandu. A representative from our travel agency will be there to pick you up from your lodge and transport you back to the Tribhuwan International Airport(TIA) for your return trip home. It's always a good idea to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight.