Pikey Peak Trek - Best alternative Trek to Everest Base Camp
Are you crave the pure scent of mountain air and wish to be captivated by untouched natural beauty? Pikey Peak Trek awaits you! Nestled in the heart of Lower EBC trails, from where you can catch all above 8,000 m mountains lie in Nepal, this hidden gem 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 short trek of Kala Patthar and 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. 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 scary flight. In approximately 7-8 hrs ride from Kathmandu, you can reach Jiri or Dhap which is the starting point of the Pikey trek. Walk through Sherpa, Tamang, Rai, and Chhetri ethnic communities dominating by Buddhist prayer flags, prayer wheels, Mani walls 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. Due to ther overcrowding and lukla flight hassling, Pikey Peak trek is the ideal place for trekker seeking cultural and adventure experiences.
Highlights of the Pikey Peak Trek:
- Offers the best view of Mt. Everest at 4,065 m summit in Nepal
- 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
- Lower risk of altitude 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 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.
Pikey Peak Trail 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
Global Eco Trails curated a wonderful Pikey Peak Trek Itinerary providing the best guide to know all you need to know like trek altitude, trekking duration and timing, Pikey Peak Summit altitude, AMS. Different companies may offer the different itinerary, we had been exploring these trails several times to allow you to immerse yourself in the rare trekking experience. The trek vary from 4 to 10 days, or even longer depending on your preferance. However, the 7 days itinerary is the best option to cover the majoy highlights of Pikey Trekking in Nepal.
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. However, 7 days Pikey Peak Trek package price 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.
