Pikey Peak Trek Difficulty

Pikey Peak stands as a popular vantage point to gaze at the panoramic Everest vista in the eastern Nepal. Trek to Pikey peak provides an amazing experience in the lap of Himalayas as it blends geography, culture, natural wonders, religion, hospitable people and towering mountains into one. Most of those who are not able to traverse the famous Everest View Trek due to time or budget, usually opt for Pikey Peak Trekking.

Pikey Peak Difficulty has been acclaimed to be moderately challenging and is mostly recommended for beginners. Owing to its easy going terrain and pathways, many trekkers choose Pikey Peak over other treks. Despite other facts, there are various difficulties of Pikey Peak that you will need to be prepared for beforehand to successfully complete this trek. In this blog we shall discuss what difficulties might you face on your Pikey Peak trek.

 Altitude Difficulty

The highest point of Pikey Peak Trek is 4065 meters above the sea level at Pikey Peak. Humans are prone to Acute Mountain Sickness mostly in elevation that rises above 3000 meters. As you venture into the higher altitude, the oxygen level in the air depletes making you breathless and struggle.

The starting point of your Pikey Peak Trek is at 2940 meters at Dhap bazaar. For the next 3 days you will traverse through the terrain of Solukhumbu district in between the elevation range of 3000 to 4000 meters. While most people are unlikely to have AMS at such altitudes, it is always better to be prepared beforehand.

 Long Hours of Walk

Trekking in Nepal, be it any kind requires you to walk in remote terrain of rural areas. The trekking includes walk along the dirt pathways that may not be paved properly and most of the trails are seasonal.

If you are opting for Pikey Peak trekking, you will have to walk for at least 5-6 hours every day to reach your overnight stopovers. Apart from Day 1(Kathmandu to Dhap) and Day 7 (Phaplu to Kathmandu), you will have to walk along the mountainous terrain for the said duration. This may not have been an issue,had the trail been a flat surface. On that note, the trail to Pikey Peak traverses through ups and downs on the rural mountain foot trails. These long hours of walk can be strenuous for your body as well as your legs.

Driving Distance

Solukhumbu district is located in the mid north eastern territory of Nepal. Dhap Bazaar in Solukhumbu which sits at an altitude of 2950 meters is the starting point of the Pikey Peak trek. To reach Dhap Bazaar from the capital city, the only mode of transportation you can take is a road vehicle.

The road to Dhap Bazaar is fairly well maintained and black topped. That being said, the road distance from Kathmandu to Dhap is 225 kilometres through narrow roadway. The duration of this road trip is 7-8 hours one way. One whole day is spent on the vehicle through convoluted roadway. Also, the return journey from Phaplu to Kathmandu is similar with 8-9 hours of road travel to cover 241 kilometers.

Weather Challenges

Nepal boasts 4 different weather patterns, namely: Spring(March-May), Summer(June-August), Autumn(September-November) and Winter(December-February). The temperature and weather clarity during Autumn and Spring months make it the best time for Pikey Peak trek.

Trekking is best during these months and it is relatively best time for viewing the northern mountains. However, since these months are seasons for trekking, the teahouses as well as the trail is overcrowded with trekkers making it expensive during the time.

Also, during the winter, the temperature range drops below freezing making it very difficult for the traverse. And during the summer months, Monsoon rain contributes to heavy downpour which leads to occasional landslides, muddy trail and weather disruptions.

Infrastructure and Amenities

Pikey Peak trekking is relatively new addition to the trekking in Himalayas. This trekking trail hasn’t been popular for a long time. Since last 4-5 years, there are trekkers in the area but in very lower numbers. Owing to this factor, the infrastructure and amenities available in this trek is relatively of lower standard.

There are not many teahouses that you can find on the trekking trail. Also, teahouses that are in operation at the moment are of sub-standard. Medical facilities, tourist information centre, emergency services, restaurants, pubs and other amenities still lack in this trekking area.

Despite all these difficulties, you can successfully complete Pikey Peak trekking with proper preparation and guidance. Below given are what you should be prepared for Pikey Peak trek.

• Fitness Regimen and Gears

Trekking to Pikey Peak is a moderately difficult traverse that requires you to walk for at least 5-7 hours each day through mountainous terrain. It is a tough activity to undertake irrespective of your age. Fitness is a paramount factor to consider before trekking to Pikey Peak.

We advise you embed cardiovascular exercises, endurance trainings, short hikes and other exercises to be in perfect physique before your trek. Additionally, the trekking gears you bought needs to be from a reliable brand that orients towards comfort. Your shoes, trousers, shirts, rucksack all determine how comfortable your trekking experience will be.

• Professional Guidance

A professional trekking guide is paramount to successfully complete any trekking adventure. Having a licensed, knowledgeable trekking guide can help you in navigating, assistance and guidance during the trail. In case of any emergencies, you trekking guide can immediately take action and minimize the potential hazards.

At Adventure Great Himalaya Treks and Expedition, we have. professional trekking guides who have been to these trekking areas for more than 5 years. Also, we provide local trekking guides and porters for your assistance and they are fully insured by the company too.

• Choosing Appropriate Time

To have a comfortable and hassle-free trek to Pikey Peak, you need to plan the time of your trek carefully. As stated earlier, Spring and Autumn months are trekking seasons and there are multiple groups departing on the same date. It is wise to book in advance. Also, as these months of the years are feasible for trek, it is advised to book your trek in accordance. Adventure Great Himalaya Treks and Expedition enlists departure dates of every treks it organise timely, please check our Pikey Peak Trek Package, to know which date suits your time table.

• Selecting a Reliable Trekking Agent

Trekking in Nepal can be a cumbersome job if you are on your own. Language barrier, confusing trail, tourist scammers and overpriced packages can be really stressful.

Choosing the right trekking agent for your Pikey Peak trekking is paramount. Adventure Great Himalaya Treks and Expeditions has been operating as a trustworthy adventure company in Nepal since its inception in 2009. We have had thousands of happy clients trek in the Himalayas which is testament of our dedicated hard work and commitment. Inquire with our team to know more.

Conclusion
Pikey Peak is medium level difficult trek with few setbacks. There are various risks associated with trekking but we assure you an amazing time in Himalayas with our company.