Pikey Peak Trek: Best alternative to EBC
Pikey Peak Trek in Nepal is another legendary trekking trail among explorers in the Everest region that can be accomplished in a short duration of 7 days. Being favorite spot to view Everest for Sir Edmund Hillary and standing only at the altitude of 4,065m from the sea level, this trek offers the majestic views of all 8,000m above Himalayas of Nepal, peaceful paths, rich Sherpa culture and accessible trekking; all in one without the heavy crowds or altitude sickness risks like other treks of the Himalayas in Nepal. With an easy to moderate difficulty level, the top of Pikey Peak is just an hour walk from the base camp to the summit of the Peak, with colorful prayer flags decorating it. Many say that the sunrise and sunset are better than the view from Kalapatthar near Everest Base Camp.
Even if you’re a beginner desiring to watch the best view of the tallest peak of the world (Everest) without being at its base in a limited time, then Pikey Peak trekking is the ideal option in the Solu region of Solukhumbu. Easy trekking routes with beautiful landscapes, local teahouse accommodation, lush Rhododendron forests, and off-the-beaten-path experiences make Pikey Peak the best trekking destination. Moreover, you don’t have to take the flight to Lukla to get there. In approximately 7-8 hrs ride from Kathmandu, you can reach Jiri or Dhap which is the starting point of the Pikey trek. Walk along the trails passing the villages of Sherpa, Tamang, Rai, and Chhetri ethnic communities of Nepal with prayer flags, prayer wheels, and stupas on the way.
Since many people are unaware of this hidden gem, Pikey Peak is a quieter trekking trail in the foothills of Everest. The trail's inaccessibility and limited promotion kept this trek in the shadows from Everest Base Camp Trekkers. After infrastructural developments on accommodation in Solu, Pikey Peak is now accessible to every trekker seeking cultural and adventure experiences.
Highlights of the Pikey Peak Trek:
- Offers the best view of Mt. Everest at 4,065m summit in Nepal
- 360 degree panorama of 8,000m above the Himalayas like Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Annapurna in clear weather
- Spectacular sunrises and sunsets of mountain arrays
- Off the beaten path trails
- Lower risk of altitude sickness
- Rich culture and monasteries of the Sherpa traditions
- Lustful Rhododendron forest
- Short yet rewarding trek
Best Season to Trek Pikey Peak:
Every time offers unique experiences to travelers, leaving them in awe and inspiration. Ideally, spring, autumn and winter are considered the best seasons to trek for Pikey due to clearer visibility of mountain ranges, good weather and easy access to the paths.
Spring (March- May): Trek offers a pleasant atmosphere, rhododendron blooms in the forests with pink, red and white colors, with beautiful and clear Himalayan views
Autumn season (September- November): Trek offers blue skies with unobstructed Himalayan views. The eight highest peaks in Nepal above 8000m can be seen only from Pikey Peak Hill, they are Everest (8848.86 m), Kanchenjunga (8586 m), Lhotse (8516 m), Makalu (8,485 m), Cho Oyu, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Annapurna I.
Winter season (December- February): Trek offers clear views but is colder with snowfall paths; the trail is quieter than usual.
Summer/Rainy season (June- August): Trek offers wildflowers in the meadows and pastureland of Pikey Peak. Leeches, monsoon and cloud cover distract people from the adventure of monsoon treks.
Necessary Permits for Lower EBC Trek
As per the rules and regulations of Nepal, for the PikeyPeak or lower EBC trek, two main permits are required for the Pikey Peak trek in Nepal.
Gaurishankhar Conservation Area Permit
TIMS-Card (Trekkers Information Management Systems)
Pikey Peak Difficulty level:
Pikey Peak is a beginner-friendly and easier level than the Annapurna Base Camp, Everest Base Camp and Manaslu trek. The trekking route crosses through the low region of Everest, Solukhumbu. With 4,065m as the highest altitude destination, it’s easy and relatively short but one must be careful of the risks. As mishaps can occur anywhere, one must be ready for emergencies such as altitude sickness, dizziness, loss of breath, nausea, loss of sleep and other symptoms of HACE and HAPE. Contact your trekking agency or inform your guide/ porter about the symptoms. While saying the risk factor, it is the ideal trekking location for inexperienced trekkers.
Fitness for Pikey Peak Trekking:
Trekkers having basic aptness and the ability to walk 6 -7 hours daily on hilly terrain, strong willpower and love for mountain walking easily complete the Pikey Peak trekking. One doesn’t need climbing skills, and altitude sickness is less common compared to other regions like Everest Base Camp, ABC or Manaslu Trek. It’s recommended to engage in basic cardio and aerobics exercises. Practice long walks, short hikes or stair climbing to make your Pikey an easy trek.
Accommodation Facility on Pikey Peak Trail
Accommodation on the lower Solu Trekking is at cozy teahouses and local lodges are operated by local Sherpa families in the area. The room facilities are basic twin rooms including bed, mattresses and blankets. It is highly recommended to bring a sleeping bag for warmth.
- Bathroom: Bathrooms and toilets are within shared space but close by your room. Hot and cold shower is available for an extra charge.
- Dining: Communal dinner space with wood-fired stoves can be seen in dining areas. Nepali thali, Sherpa stew, Tibetan breads and momos and some continental cuisines are available at the trekking trails.
- Electricity: Room is ignited through solar power. Electricity is available for basic charging and lightning through solar power. Charging electronics may cost extra depending on the region.
- Wifi: Wifi in Pikey Peak is rare and unavailable. You have to use a local SIM, but they also have poor network coverage due to the terrain.
Trekking cost and Itinerary
The cost of the Pikey Peak in lower Solu varies depending on some factors like mode of transportation, Accommodation type, Type of Trek (Tea house or Camping Trek), Trekking season, and duration of the trek. However, our price starts from 575 USD per person for a full package, including the following services.
Global Eco Trails aims to inspire and facilitate transformative travel experiences through meticulously curated trekking itineraries. We are dedicated to fostering a deep connection between nature and explorers, promoting sustainable tourism, and creating memories that last a lifetime by offering different itinerary that suits your requirements. It is a great idea to connect your Pikey Peak excursion with the Gokyo Lake or Everest base camp trek in Sagarmatha National Park. I would be honored to offer the extended trek plan with EBC. Please feel free to contact our experts.
Pikey Trek in Lower EBC is the most scenic journey in Nepal, offering views of the eight highest peaks above 8000m that can be seen from Pikey Peak. Due to its terrain, a local guide and support porter are required for your comfort and safety. You will walk about 5 to 6 hours through dense forest. Experience the renowned Everest Base Camp Trek, explore the wonders of the Annapurna Circuit, venture into restricted area trekking in Nepal, or conquer snow-capped mountain peaks. Global Eco Trails provides a variety of adventure activities, from trekking and cultural tours to historical sightseeing, allowing you to immerse yourself in diverse cultures and explore deep valleys with stunning mountain scenery. Our decades of experience enable us to know exactly what makes your Nepal adventure a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Feel free to contact us; we are available 24/7 to serve you.
