Pikey Peak Trek - Best alternative Trek to Everest Base Camp
Are you craving the pure scent of mountain air and wish to be captivated by untouched natural beauty? If your answer is yes, then you must trek to Pikey Peak. Nestled in the heart of Lower EBC trails, from where you can catch all above 8,000 m mountains lie in Nepal, Pikey Peak offers breathtaking panoramic views of Mt. Everest and beyond, peaceful trails through rhododendron forests and an authentic glimpse into Sherpa life. Whether you’re seeking peace, adventure or inspiration; Pikey Peak promises an unforgettable journey into Nepal's wild heart. Pikey Peak Trek is the best alternative of Kala Patthar and Everest Base Camp.
If you are a beginner and want to get the best view of the world’s tallest peak (Everest) without being at its base in a limited time then Pikey Peak trekking is the ideal option. Short trekking trails with breathtaking views, local tea house stays, thick rhododendron forests, and off-the-beaten adventures make Pikey Peak the ultimate trekking destination. Besides, you don’t have to take the scary flight to Lukla! Jiri or Dhap is the starting point of the Pikey trek, which takes about 7-8 hours by bus from Kathmandu. Along the trek you will be greeted by Sherpa, Tamang, Rai and Chhetri ethnic groups. They offer you warm dining room with firewood to make your wet clothes while trekking. This lower Solu Khumbu is an excellent place to immers into the local sherpa culture. Experience the ancient Tibetan Buddhist village, which is decorated by Buddhist prayer flags, prayer wheels, Mani walls, and stupas.
Pikey Peak is a quieter trekking trail in the foothills of Everest, though many people are unaware of this hidden gem. Aren't you looking for a quieter place to escape from the crowd? Embark on our 7-days Pikey Peak journey where you can connect yourself with nature and increase your mental and emotional strength.
Highlights of the Pikey Peak Trek:
- Pikey Peak serves the uninterrupted view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga.
- 360 degree panorama of eight mountain above 8,000 m seen including 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
- Zero risk of Acute Mountain Sickness
- Rich culture and monasteries of the Sherpa traditions
- Lustful Rhododendron forest
- Short yet rewarding trek with extension posibility to Ama Dablam Base Camp and more.
Best Season to Trek Pikey Peak:
Every season 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 clear visibility, stable weather, moderated temperature 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): Summer season 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 Pikey Peak 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 an easier-level scenic trek suitable for beginners in the foothills of Mt. Everest. The trekking path passes through the lower region of Everest, Solukhumbu. The Pikey Peak trek involves 5/6 hours of daily walking into the wilderness. The highest point of the trek is 4065 m, so there is a chance of getting altitude sickness. You may encounter wildlife like leopards, pandas, and bears. A solo trek can be dangerous.
Pikey Peak Accommodation
Accommodation on ikey Peak trails 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.
Pikey Peak Trek Itinerary Overview
Global Eco trails team crafted 7 days itinerary for Pikey Peak Trek. It is a short but spectacular lower Everest trek offering breathtaking Himalayan views from Kanchenjunga to Annapurna. This is the only one place that offer all above 8000 m mountain lies in Nepal. Our 7 days itinerary is customizable as per customer needs. The trek starts from Dhap Bazar and ends at Phaplu.
Day 01: Kathmandu to Dhap by Jeep [2,850 m / 230 km / 7 hrs]
Day 02: Dhap Trek to Jhapre [2,815 m / 15 km / 6hours]
Day 03: Jhapre Trek to Pikey Peak Base Camp [3,645m / 13.7 km/ 6 hours]
Day 04: Morning hike to Pikey Peak [4,065 m / 3 hrs.], then descend to Jasmane [5 km/ 3 hours]
Day 05: Jasmane Trek to Junbesi, 11 km/ 5 hrs. Enjoy the beautiful Sherpa Village and overnight at Junbensi.
Day 06: Junbesi Trek to Phaplu [2380 m/ 13 km/ 5 hours]
Day 07: Phaplu to Kathmandu by a public Jeep [270 km/10 hours] Optional 30 minutes flight to Kathmandu.
Pikey Peak Trekking Cost
The cost of the Pikey Peak Trekking varies depending on some factors like mode of transportation (private or Shared), Accommodation type, Type of Trek (Tea house or Camping Trek), Trekking season, and duration of the trek. Our 7 days Pikey Peak Trek package starts from 375 USD per person for a full package, including the mentioned services below.
Pikey Peak Trails is the most scenic journey in Nepal, offering views of the eight highest peaks above 8,000 m 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.
