Moderate
Everest Base Camp Trek
Walk through Sherpa villages and monasteries to the foot of the world's highest peak.
Pikey Peak Trek
A comfortable, emerging trek to Pikey Peak (4,068 m), famous for its sunrise and sunset views of Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga and many more.
Duration9 Days
DifficultyModerate
Max altitude4,070 m
Best seasonMar–May, Sep–Dec
Start / EndKathmandu
AccommodationLodges / tea houses
RegionEverest Region
GeographyMountains, countryside, villages
Ethnic peopleTamang, Magar, Sherpa
ReligionsHindu, Buddhist, Shamanism
TransportationTaxi or bus, depending on group size
Overview
The Pikey trek is an emerging popular trek of Nepal to Pikey Peak (4,068 m). It is a comfortable trek with far fewer difficulties than other treks in the Everest (Khumbu) region. The Pikey trek is famous for its amazing sunrise and sunset views of the Himalayas, including Mt Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Annapurna, Gauri Shankar, Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Numbur, Khatang, Karyalung, Shishapangma, Mera Peak and Thamserku.
The trek runs from Shivalaya through Bhandar, Namkheli and Ngaur Gumpa to Pikey Danda (hill). You can experience the lifestyle and culture of the local Tamang, Magar and Sherpa people, and encounter high-altitude flora and fauna – rhododendron, magnolia and wild orchids – along with mani walls, Buddhist stupas, centuries-old monasteries, local delicacies and the very warm hospitality of the local people.
Altitude, distance and trekking times are all approximate. Daily trekking times will normally be between 5 and 8 hours unless stated.
Trip highlights
- Sunrise and sunset from Pikey Peak (4,068 m)
- Views of Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Annapurna, Gauri Shankar, Numbur and more
- Junbesi village, the Sherpa museum and Thubten Chholing monastery
- Tamang, Magar and Sherpa villages
- Rhododendron, magnolia and wild orchids
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Altitude profile
Day 01Drive from Kathmandu to Shivalaya (1,790 m)
Driving time: 9 to 10 hours. We take an early morning drive to Shivalaya, about 210 km north-east of Kathmandu. You will enjoy nature all around you, with green terraced farms, waterfalls, the Himalayas and rivers. Overnight stay at Shivalaya.
Day 02Shivalaya to Bhandar (2,200 m)
Trekking time: 5 to 6 hours. After breakfast we trek from Shivalaya to Bhandar. On the way you have superb views of majestic peaks and the great topography of this region. Overnight stay at Bhandar.
Day 03Bhandar to Namkheli (2,300 m)
Trekking time: 6 hours. After breakfast we descend from Bhandar village, following the trail to Namkheli. We stay overnight at Namkheli.
Day 04Namkheli to Ngaur Gumpa (2,800 m)
Trekking time: 6 to 7 hours. After breakfast we trek from Namkheli to Ngaur Gumpa, a great place offering warm hospitality and a friendly environment. Overnight stay at Ngaur Gumpa.
Day 05Ngaur Gumpa to Pikey Peak (4,070 m)
Trekking time: 6 to 7 hours. Today you experience high-altitude vegetation, and the chance of encountering Himalayan flora and fauna is high. Pikey hill is a superb viewpoint of the Everest (Khumbu) region, with an amazing panorama of Everest (8,848 m), the Gauri Shankar range, the Numbur range, Kanchenjunga, Annapurna (8,091 m), Manaslu, Makalu (8,463 m) and the diverse topography of Nepal.
Day 06Trek to Junbesi (2,675 m)
Trekking time: 7 hours. Early in the morning we sightsee around Pikey hill and explore the area. Then we trek to Junbesi, a very beautiful village with warm hospitality and great service.
Day 07Rest / explore day at Junbesi (2,675 m)
Today we explore Junbesi village. We visit the Sherpa museum, opened by the local people of Junbesi to preserve their culture and tradition. Next we visit Thubten Chholing Gumpa, a huge and impressive Tibetan Buddhist monastery. We also taste local delicacies and celebrate our successful trek to Pikey Danda.
Day 08Junbesi to Salleri (1,790 m)
Trekking time: 4 to 5 hours. The last day of our trek, so we take it with more fun and ease. We stay overnight in Salleri.
Day 09Salleri to Kathmandu (1,310 m)
The end of our trek. We drive from Salleri to Kathmandu by private vehicle; the vehicle depends on the group size.
Itineraries can be changed to suit your pace. Weather or local conditions may require adjustments on the day.
What's Included
Included
- Gaurishankar Conservation Area entry permit
- TIMS card
- English-speaking trekking guide
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea / coffee during the trek
- Accommodation during the trek
- Transport: Kathmandu to Shivalaya and Salleri to Kathmandu by sharing jeep
- Insurance for staff
- Airport pick-up and drop (2 times)
- 2 nights hotel in Kathmandu
Not included
- Personal trekking equipment
- Personal insurance for travel to Nepal
- Emergency rescue evacuation
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities (tips)
- Bar bills and mineral water on the trek
Frequently Asked Questions
How fit do I need to be?
You should be comfortable walking 5–7 hours a day on hilly terrain. Regular walking, hiking or cardio training for 6–8 weeks before your trip helps a lot.
What about altitude sickness?
Our itineraries include acclimatisation days and our guides watch for symptoms. If symptoms appear, we descend – your safety always comes first.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Travel insurance is compulsory and must cover helicopter rescue, medical expenses and emergency evacuation at the maximum altitude of the trip.
Can the dates and itinerary be changed?
Yes. Departure dates and itinerary arrangements can be custom-tailored to your needs – contact us with your preferred dates.
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