Overview
Pikey Peak is known for offering the best panoramic view of 80% of the whole Himalaya Range in one frame, along with rich, diverse Sherpa culture and its renowned Thupten Choling Monastery, which is also the highlight of the trek.The trekis one of the most scenic, short, and easy Himalayan treks near Kathmandu in Nepal. Located in the lower Khumbu Region of central-eastern Nepal, the trek explores the valleys, alpine ridges, and panoramic views from the Ganesh Himal range to the far-eastern Kanchenjunga, including Mount Everest (8848m). Home to rare and protected birds and animals, the trekking area is also mainly inhabited by ethnic groups such as Tamang, Sherpa, Rai, Magar, Jirel, and Chettri. Tibetan Buddhism is the main religion in upper areas such as Salleri and Junbesi, while lower areas like Okhaldhunga blend Hindu and Buddhist practices, reflecting Nepal’s diverse traditions.
Pikey Peak Trek - A combination of the best panoramic view and a cultural journey?
When it comes to short trekking from Kathmandu without a mandatory expensive flight, yet a great scenic and cultural trek, it offers both stunning views of the Himalayas and a blend of nature and culture, equally beautiful compared to the legendary Everest Base Camp Trek, but at a very affordable price without Lukla flights. The trek rounds the lower Everest region in the Solukhumbu district, and the itinerary takes you through the lower part of the Khumbu area and reaches the Pikey Peak Summit at a height of 4065 meters, which provides a prominent viewpoint of Mount Everest without trekking to the Everest Base Camp, which is one of the highlights of the whole trek.
Nepal is a diverse country, housing different ethnic groups co-existing in perfect harmony. However, none of these groups make a living in one particular area but are rather scattered throughout the country. To make it clearer, Nepal is divided into three main regions: The Himalayas, the Hills, and the Terai. In the same manner, the diversity of Nepal is also divided into, or rather, changes depending on the region. And Pikey Peak Trek explores the hills and the lower Himalayas, which makes it a cultural trek as well. Though Buddhism dominates the trek, the overall journey is spiritually enlightening, with the main highlight along the way.
Can I visit a Buddhist monastery on this trek?
Yes, there are several Buddhist monasteries along the route, and the most significant one worth visiting is Thupten Choling, a living Tibetan Buddhist Monastery located above the village of Junbesi. Roughly 80-100 permanent nuns and monks, and temporary meditators or practitioners, occupy the monastery currently. This is also the main reason for choosing Pikey Peak for a cultural trek. Since the monastery in Junbesi is still actively running and passing on the knowledge.
During the year 1959, the Chinese invasion of Tibet, many monks, including His Holiness Trulshik Rinpoche, fled Tibet. After leaving Tibet, Trulshik Rinpoche and his followers spent time in monasteries of the Khumbu Region, including Thame Monastery, until 1968, when the land above Junbesi was donated, and Thupten Choling Monastery was built there. Trulshik Rinpoche saw the monastery as a temporary retreat and hoped to return to Tibet. So, the initial building was neither strong nor made for the long term, which later deteriorated, and with reconstruction, it became a permanent residence. Tibetan refugees were more than welcome in Solu, and due to proximity to other monasteries and followers, the monastery became a permanent home for monks and nuns.
The history is to let the trekkers hiking to Pikey Peak via Junbesi know that Thupten Choling Monastery is more than just a house for monks and nuns; the monastery itself is a history that carries the conflict of Tibet and China. When it comes to knowledge of Buddhism, the monastery was founded during the time of His Holiness Trulshik Rinpoche himself, with all the Tibetan Buddhism still in practice and passed down. This makes the Pikey Peak Trek also a spiritual journey, along with a cultural journey, perfect for those who want to learn more about Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal along the trek.
Is this 7-day itinerary right for you?
There are a few checklists before knowing if a trek is indeed for you. Before planning the Pikey Peak Trek, know what you want to get from the trek. Is it an unparalleled view of the Himalayas, a cultural journey, a wilderness trek far from regular trekkers, or a round trip of a whole region?
The Pikey Peak is a 6- 7 day trek in the Solukhumbu district. With a max elevation of 4065 meters above sea level, the trek passes through lush valleys of Dhap and heads towards the alpine ridges and panoramic views of Everest and neighboring mountains. After a whole day's drive from Kathmandu to Dhap, the trek passes green, lush valleys and small villages with stupas in the hills. As the days go by, the vegetation shifts towards high meadows and dry grassy lands with rhododendrons dominating the major parts till Pikey Base Camp.
The peak is the top of a dry hill, which serves as a viewpoint of the Great Himalayas from the Ganesh Himal Range to the far east Kanchenjunga (check our Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek). Afterward comes the Junbesi, the village of Sherpas who are known for their rich monastic traditions, especially connected to Thupten Choling and the nearby monastery.
From these points, the Pikey Peak Trek can be more than a week’s journey to viewpoints. It is a cultural, spiritual, and physical journey in the Himalayas. Those who seek to learn Tibetan Buddhism can also have a temporary retreat at Thupten Choling Monastery.
Is Pikey Peak the best short trek?
In short, yes, it is one of the best short treks in Nepal for one week, which covers both scenic views and cultural aspects well. Though it may not take you close to the Himalayas, the panoramic view of the Himalayas from Pikey Peak Summit is something that can’t be compared either.
Pikey Peak is known for offering the best panoramic view of 80% of the whole Himalayas in one frame, along with rich, diverse Sherpa culture and its renowned Thupten Choling Monastery, which is also the highlight of the trek.
Comparing the Pikey Peak trek with other popular short treks, which cover both panoramic sights and cultural appearances, like the Langtang Valley trek.
Pikey Peak Trekking or Langtang Valley trek, which is best to do?
Scenic views and the Himalayas: Both treks offer different experiences in terms of the view of the mountains. Pikey Peak takes you to a viewpoint from where the whole Himalayas, from the Ganesh Himal Range to the far-eastern Kanchenjunga, can be seen. While the Langtang Valley trek takes you as close as possible to the mountains.
The Trails: The trail leading to Pikey Peak goes on top of a hill and through forested areas, and mostly on alpine meadows. The trail of Langtang Valley passes through dense forests of hills in the beginning and alpine valleys later.
Cultural aspects: The Langtang Valley Trek is also known for offering a peaceful, calm cultural experience. Since Langtang village is a Sherpa settlement, the trek revolves around traditions, rituals, and beliefs. As tourism intensified, Langtang became more tourism-focused, and the famous Kyanjin Gompa became more passive. This is also the main reason for Pikey Peak to be the choice for a cultural trek. Since the monastery in Junbesi is still actively running and passing on the knowledge.
Every trekking region is beautiful in its own way. The experience may differ due to the trekker’s personal choices as well. So, always be clear about what you want during your trek as well.
Best time to do the Pikey Peak Trekking
Trekking in Nepal is an adventure activity that many trekkers prefer to do during the seasonal months. When? Trekking seasons in Nepal start twice a year, from March to May/June and from September to November/December. Why? During these specific months, Nepal experiences Spring, Autumn, and early Winter. It is the perfect time for adventure activities due to stable weather, clear and crisp skies, dry trails, and seasonal festivals across the country. To get clearer, let’s break down what you experience during the different seasons.
March-June: Spring season (Pre-Monsoon)
- Less haze offers a panoramic view of the mountain range.
- Stable weather, perfect for adventure activities like multiday hiking.
- Dry and safe trails.
- A colorful forest: If you are trekking in the monsoon, you will be welcomed by live colorful wildflowers and different types of rhododendron in spring.
- Seasonal festivals: Several distinct festivals, primarily the Chyabo Pikey Festival held in July, where locals worship their tribal deity Chyabo Pikey. Other notable celebrations include the vibrant Mani Rimdu Festival featuring monk masked dances, the Dumje Festival, and Gyalpo Lhosar (Sherpa New Year typically falls in Feb).
September-November: Autumn season (Post-monsoon)
- Clear and crisp sky, offering the best panoramic view of the Himalayas.
- Ideal season for trekking.
- Perfect and stable weather, as the monsoon has ended.
- Forest with red and golden hues.
- Possible wildlife movement in the Himalayas.
- Safe trails and low possibility of landslides.
- Experience the greatest and longest festival of Nepal, Dashain and Tihar.
These two months are preferred by most trekkers due to their stable weather and safe trails, offering the best panoramic views. The months from September to November are considered the best time for hiking the Pikey Peak as the monsoon ends and the rain has cleared the dust.
Though some treks are also preferred to be done during the monsoon, which is known as a monsoon trek. For more information, follow the given link.
Is the Pikey Peak hike difficult for beginners?
In short, Pikey Peak trekking ranks among the moderate level of treks. The trip period is 7 days, the altitude reached is 4065 m, and the trails are actually beginner-friendly. Though the difficulty can’t be determined by the number of walking days, altitude, and trails alone. Many other factors, such as accommodation along the way, walking hours per day, food, and transportation, also play a vital role in trekking difficulty. So, is the Pikey Peak trek possible for a beginner trekker? The answer is YES.
In accordance with our standard 7-day itinerary of the Pikey Peak trek, the trek lasts for 7 days with 5 walking days and 2 road travel days. The trekking hour is also short, with a maximum walking time of an hour, no more than 8 hours. The trails from the very beginning start with a short roadway and a gradual uphill to Jhapre, from where it’s a moderately long uphill to Pikey Base Camp. Once you cross Pikey Peak, with an uphill, it’s usually downhill till Junbesi, and the last road trek to Salleri or Phaplu. About the food and accommodation at Pikey Peak, it will be explained in more detail.
So, if you are a physically fit person, then yes, this trip is recommended for you. Since the Pikey Peak trek is also an all-age trek.
Accommodation and Food at Pikey Peak.
Though less developed than trekking regions like Langtang when it comes to accommodation and food, the Pikey Peak trek also doesn’t fall behind. Just like in any other renowned trekking area, Pikey Peak also follows a standard restaurant pattern with a variety of foods and drinks offered more locally.
Accommodation is usually consistent throughout the trek, with clean and spacious rooms with two beds per room. Though Lodges in Dhap, Jhapre, and Pikey Base Camp may not have attached bathrooms, they are usually clean and well-maintained. Lodges in Junbesi and Phaplu offer better accommodation when compared to other parts. Since it’s not a camp but rather a village and a town, which were also used as a stopping point in the history of Everest Trekking.
Highlights of the Pikey Peak Trek
The main highlight of the Pikey Peak trek is its stunning view of 80% of the whole Himalaya Range and the living Monastery of Junbesi, Thupten Choling Monastery. Pikey Peak trek is known for the panoramic view of the Himalayan Range with a cultural blend of rich Sherpa culture. Listed under the Gaurishankar Conservation Area, Pikey Peak is also home to rare species of birds and animals, with possible wildlife moments around Pikey Base Camp. Some of the main highlights of the Pikey Peak Trek can be: -
Flora and Fauna
- Himalayan Monal (Danphe) - Nepal’s national bird.
- Blood Pheasant and Kalij Pheasant.
- Blue whistling thrush and Himalayan Griffon Vulture.
- Himalayan Black Bear and Red Panda.
- Himalayan Tahr and Barking Deer.
- Langurs and Himalayan Monkeys.
Cultural Highlights
- Living Monastery of Junbesi – Thupten Choling Monastery.
- Mani walls and stupas along the routes.
- Rich Sherpa culture of Solu.
- Diverse culture Dhap.
Transportation to the Trek to Pikey Peak
To reach Pikey Peak is easy and simple. You can get a morning local jeep from Chabahil to Dhap, which takes around 8 hours. Once you reach Dhap, the trail is friendly with route marks in most places and easily identifiable trails. From Dhap, the trail mostly follows the roadway to Jhapre, from where you pass through a dense jungle for an hour or two, and again follow a roadway for another hour or two till Bhulbule. Afterward, the trail passes through dense forest and alpine grasslands with constant uphill to Pikey Base Camp. From Pikey base camp, it's an uphill hike to Pikey peak and a downhill to a lodge, and another uphill to Jasmane Bhanjyang. After crossing Jasmane Bhanjyang, it’s a downhill to Junbesi and a roadway to Phaplu, from where you can get a jeep ride back to Kathmandu.
Guide and porter cost for Pikey Peak trek.
The rate of guides and porters for trekking purposes is the same for every trek. Hiring a professional licensed trek guide costs you 25 to 30 USD per day and more for trek guides with optional language skills as well.
A porter can cost you 20 USD per porter per day. One porter for two trekkers is a standard recommendation with a maximum weight of 20- 25 kg. If you need a porter, you can order from the add-ons option while booking the trip with Wilderness Excursion.
For more information on the Hiring Guide and Porter in Nepal, follow the given link.
How much would the cost be per person for a 6 to 7-day Pikey Peak trip?
Embrace the Pikey Peak Trek, which is best suited for “Budget wanderlust." By embarking on a money-saving trip, staying slightly outside the main tourist trails, like the iconic Everest Base Camp. At Wilderness Excursion, a well-managed budget isn’t about restriction; it’s about empowering you to experience more with peace of mind, ensuring your memories are rich long after you return home.
While planning Trekking in Nepal, a budget should not limit your adventure trekking experience. Here at Wilderness Excursion, with 14 years of excellence in arranging trekking tours, we have introduced a budget-friendly, uniquely beautiful Pikey Peak Trek which is very popular for Everest View Trek form lower altitude and price under USD 500 with a bucket list of inclusions of public bus transportation, an expert local guide, 3 cycles of meals every day, and cozy trekking lodge accommodation on a twin-bed shared basis. We believe that the cost featured is suitable for students, youngsters, and budget travelers as well.
Extra costs and expenses that you will have to put aside while doing Pikey Peak are:
- Beverages: A 500 mL bottle of Coke will cost approximately NPR 200 (US$2).
- Taking a hot shower: NPR 150 to 200 (USD 1 to 2).
- Charging Camera /Mobile: NPR 150 to 200 (USD 2) for a full charge
- Using the internet, recharge the SIM Card: A local SIM Card, NPR 200 (USD 2), NTC is suggested if you buy.
- Tips and Gratitude: Tipping Guide and Porters (Should I tip the guide and porter?)
Additionally, you may drop a little donation in the monasteries you visit, and having a bottle of beer to celebrate your trek is optional; therefore, it depends on how much extra you spend. Typically, allowing USD 15 to 20 a day should be sufficient for extra costs.
Add-ons (If you prefer relaxing transportation), the extra cost will be:
- Kathmandu to Phaphu flight fare: USD 192 per person, and the same rate for the return flight (only on Monday and Friday)
- Private Jeep: Upgrading the transportation to a comfortable private jeep will cost USD 230 for the group and the same rate for the way back.
Alternative Extended Itinerary via Jiri - Bhandar - Namkheli (Cost USD 699 per adult)
Day 1: Kathmandu to Bamti Bhandar.
Day 2: Bhandar – Namkheli
Day 3: Namkheli – Golla
Day 4: Golla – Pikey Base Camp
Day 5: Pikey Base Camp – Pikey Peak - Lamjura Danda or Jasmane Bhanjyang
Day 6: Lamjura or Jasmane Bhanjyang - Junbesi
Day 7: Junbesi – Thupten Choeling Monastery – Junbesi
Day 8: Junbesi – Chiwang - Phaplu
Day 9: Phaplu - Kathmandu
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