Less Touristic Short Everest View Trek – Pikey Peak

If you are looking something Less touristic  Short treks with Mount Everest View, The Pikey peak trek might be best choice for you.

Stationed in the eastern vicinity is a medium range peak that overlooks the towering massifs of Everest mountain range. The lower section of Solukhumbu district is home to several high peaks that are elegant and sits as the best vantage point for gazing at the Everest vista.

One such Peak is Pikey Peak that stands 4063 meters above from the sea level. Similar to your Everest view trek, Pikey Peak trekking can be your best bet if you are looking at taking a short treks in Nepal that is equally rewarding and fulfilling as major treks.

Unlike other commercial treks, Pikey peak trekking is  one of the less touristic treks that is not endured by many.

Where is Pikey Peak?

Most of us are familiar with the classic Everest Base Camp Trek route which begins from Lukla after taking a flight from Kathmandu. However, there is a roadway that pierces into Solukhumbu region from the south reaching Phaplu. Pikey Peak lies in the southern territory of Solukhumbu district diverging from this roadway.

The trail to Pikey Peak diverges from the midway of the road leading to Phaplu village. Solukhumbu actually denotes two separate geographical areas. Solu refers to the southern section of the district while Khumbu denotes the northern highlands of the district.

Pikey peak resides in the Solu region surrounded by tall Himalayan mountains to the north and quaint Sherpa settlements all over it.

The distance from Kathmandu to Pikey Peak is about 240 kilometers. To reach Pikey Peak from Kathmandu you will first need to head east taking the Araniko Highway which diverges from Dhulikhel. You will drive further eastwards via B.P Highway before reaching Khurkot. From here, you will take the northern road passing through Ghurmi, Okhaldhunga to reach Dhap Bazaar in Solukhumbu from where your trekking to Pikey Peak begins.

For the next 3 days you will trek through small Sherpa hamlets tracing through Jhapre, Pikey Base Camp to finally reach the top of this peak. Heavenly world surrounds this peak as you will encounter the best views you will ever have of the mountains like: Lhotse, Makalu, Annapurna, Manaslu, Kanchenjunga, and Dhaulagiri, stretching as far as the eye can see.

How Crowded is Pikey Peak?

Since this is a new trekking route that was opened not much before, you will find little to no trekkers in this area. Pikey Peak still remains an untouched trekking destinations with very few trekkers opting for this trek. Also, there hasn’t been much development of infrastructure in the area like teahouses, roads, markings and medical services. On that note, you can call this trek less-touristic Everest View Trek. Throughout the trekking duration, you will have the Everest mountain ranges gazing upon you from distance. The lower section of Solukhumbu district is relatively untouched and receives very low number of trekkers.

Best time for Pikey Peak

Nepal boasts 4 different weather pattern in a year. Spring(March-May), Summer(June-Aug), Autumn/Fall(Sept-Nov) and Winter(Dec-Feb) provide for different climatic changes in the topography of Nepal. If you are looking for a best time for Pikey Peak trek, Spring and Autumn months are the best.

The temperature and weather clarity during these months are favourable for observing the Himalayan vista. The trail remains dry and above all, there is greenery every where with mild temperature making you travel worthwhile. Summer months are characterised by heaavy rainfall making the terrain wet and so is the trail.

Winter in Pikey Peak area has a chilly cold climate with occasional snow showers which makes the traverse difficult. Nevertheless, winters have a typically clear weather window which makes Pikey peak in winter also possible.

Pikey Peak Trek Difficulty

Difficulty of Pikey Peak trek is dependent upon your prior experience with himalayan trekking and fitness. Considering the highest point of Pikey Peak being mere 4063 metes are the summit of Pikey Peak, this trek is moderate. Since the traverse consists of uphill trekking for only 2 days, this trek can be easily completed by beginners.

Depending upon your Pikey Peak trek itinerary you will have to traverse through semi-dry landscape of Solukhumbu district for 2 days before reaching the base camp. From base camp, its a 2 hour hike to reach the top of the peak.

The route from the summit then descends down to various Sherpa villages which requires minimal effort. Taking into consideration all the factory, Pikey Peak trek difficulty level is easy with short period of strenuous uphill climbs. That being said, proper preparation and a reliable trekking company is paramount for successfully completing this trek.

Pikey Peak Trek Itinerary

Pikey Peak trek itinerary can be customised based on the route you would like to take and time duration. The area surrounding Pikey Peak is predominantly resided by the Sherpa people. You will encounter many Sherpa villages during the trek. Itinerary for Pikey Peak can be lengthened or shortened based upon your requirement and preferences. Standard short

Pikey peak trek 7 days itinerary is given below, you can inquire with us to know more.

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Dhap (Through Paved road, 7-8 hours)

Day 2: Trek from Dhap to Jhapre ( Easy going trail with occasional climb)
Day 3: Trek from Jhapre to Pikey Base Camp ( Gradual uphill ascent)

Day 4: Hike to Pikey Peak, Descend to Jasmane Bhanjyang ( 2 hours hike to the peak, steep descent afterwards)
Day 5: Trek to Junbesi Village ( Easy going trek, quaint village with rural setup)
Day 6: Trek to Phaplu ( Easy going trek)
Day 7: Drive back to Kathmandu ( 9-10 hours drive, Paved mountain road)

What to see in Pikey Peak trek?

Pikey Peak trek can be a life changing journey if you are looking for a quaint space to explore. Apart from the amazing mountain vista you will get to gaze at, there are several other things that you will encounter in this trek. Below given are the few points of interests in Pikey Peak trekking.

Buddhist Heritages

Pikey Peak is surrounded by numerous Sherpa villages. Sherpa group of people are Indo-tibetan race people that reside in the most parts of Solukhumbu district. These people predominantly follow  Tibetan based buddhism in their life practices and you will be able to see many of Buddhist heritages all throughout your trekking duration. The trekking trail you will walking is filled with Chhortens, Mani walls and monasteries for the most part of your trek. The most prominent monastery you will encounter in Pikey peak trekking is Thupten Chyoling Monastery which was established by Kyabje Trulshik Rinpoche in the 1960s.

Mountain Vistas

The view from the top of Pikey Peak is simple astounding with gigantic mountains sitting on the northern reaching as far as the horizon. Pikey Peak directly overlooks Everest range of mountains but you will gaze at various other ranges of mountain from the top like: Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Langtang, Gaurishankar, Makalu, Kanchenjunga and others. These mountains will accompany you for the most part of the trek and the view is simple out of the world.

Rural Lifestyle

Sherpa people residing in the vicinity of Pikey Peak have a typical lifestyle and cultural practices. You will stay in the teahouses that are built in the Sherpa villages. Made up primarily of wooden structure, you will experience a distinct rural lifestyle throughout the trekking journey. Sherpa people are primarily engaged in agriculture, cattle farming tourism and trade. Unlike other commercial trekking routes, you will immerse in authentic rural experience in Pikey Peak trek.

Conclusion

Pikey Peak trek is a one of a kind trekking in Nepal providing a wholesome experience. This trek is less crowded and still provides unparalleled authentic experience for trekkers. This could be a perfect substitute for Everest View trek which is relatively lengthy and expensive compared to Pikey Peak trek.