# Pikey Peak Trek > The Pikey Peak trek is a short 8-day trek in the lower Solukhumbu to one of the best Everest viewpoints in Nepal, without the Lukla flight. From the summit of Pikey Peak (4,065 m), sunrise lights up a 180° panorama of Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Numbur and Gauri Shankar, a view Sir Edmund Hillary is said to have called his favourite of Everest.The route follows quiet trails through rhododendron forest, yak pastures and Sherpa villages such as Junbesi, home to the Thupten Chholing monastery. Graded moderate, it suits first-time trekkers and anyone short of time, and is best from March–May and October–December. Jeep transfers, permits, guide, porters and lodges with meals are included. ## Trip facts - **Destination:** Nepal - **Duration:** 8 days - **Difficulty:** Moderate - **Activity:** Trekking - **Max altitude:** 4,065 m / 13,337 ft (Pikey Peak) - **Best season:** Mar–May, Oct–Dec - **Group size:** 1–12 people - **Accommodation:** Hotel in Kathmandu, teahouses and homestays - **Meals:** Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trek - **Price:** from US$790 per person - **Web page:** https://himalayanhiking.com/pikey-peak-trek - **Book:** https://himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=pikey-peak-trek ## Overview **Quick answer:** the Pikey Peak trek takes about 8 days from Kathmandu, reaches 4,065 m, costs from US$790 per person, and is reached by road, so it avoids Lukla flight delays. On a clear morning you can see Everest and several other 8,000 m peaks from the top, and it's one of the best short treks in the Everest region. Pikey Peak lies in the Solu region, south of the main Khumbu trail. Sherpa people consider the hill sacred, and prayer flags and a small shrine crown the summit. Because very few trekkers come here, lodges are quiet, many are family homestays, and you experience Sherpa life as it was before tourism reached the upper Khumbu. ### Pikey Peak trek at a glance Trip factDetailsDuration8 days from Kathmandu (5 days of trekking)Maximum altitudePikey Peak, 4,065 m / 13,337 ftGradeModerateAccessBy jeep, no Lukla flightViewsEverest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Numbur, Gauri ShankarAccommodationTeahouses and homestaysPermitLocal rural municipality feeBest timeMarch–May and October–DecemberCostFrom US$790 per person### Why do the Pikey Peak trek? - **Everest sunrise view** from 4,065 m, with eight 8,000 m peaks in sight. - **No Lukla flight** and no flight delays. - **Short and affordable**: 8 days and lower cost than EBC. - **Authentic Sherpa villages** and the Thupten Chholing monastery. - **Few trekkers**, and rhododendron forest in full flower in spring. ### How difficult is the Pikey Peak trek? It is **moderate**. Days are 5–6 hours with some steep sections, and the highest point is just over 4,000 m. Altitude sickness is possible but uncommon. It is a good first trek in Nepal or a warm-up before a longer route. ### Pikey Peak trek or Everest View Trek? The **Everest View Trek** flies to Lukla and visits Namche Bazaar; **Pikey Peak** is reached by road, is quieter and has a wider panorama including Kanchenjunga and Makalu, but a more distant view of Everest. ### Best time **October–December** brings the clearest skies; **March–April** brings rhododendrons in bloom. Winter is possible but cold at the top. ## Highlights - Sunrise from Pikey Peak (4,065 m) over Everest and eight 8,000 m peaks - No Lukla flight: jeep access from Kathmandu - Sherpa villages and homestays in the Solu region - Junbesi and the Thupten Chholing monastery - Quiet rhododendron forest trails ## Day-by-day itinerary ### Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) Meet our team at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Trek briefing. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 2: Drive to Dhap (2,900 m) A long, scenic jeep drive east via Dhulikhel and Jiri road to Dhap. _Altitude: 2,900 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 3: Trek to Jhapre (3,450 m) Climb through rhododendron and pine forest to the yak pastures at Jhapre. _Walking: 5 hours · Altitude: 3,450 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 9 km_ ### Day 4: Trek to Pikey Base Camp (3,640 m) A short day to the base of the peak and an afternoon viewpoint walk. _Walking: 3–4 hours · Altitude: 3,640 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 6 km_ ### Day 5: Pikey Peak (4,065 m) sunrise, trek to Jase Bhanjyang (3,500 m) Climb before dawn for sunrise on Everest and the Himalayan panorama, then descend to Jase Bhanjyang. _Walking: 6 hours · Altitude: 4,065 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 10 km_ ### Day 6: Trek to Junbesi (2,675 m) Descend through forest to the Sherpa village of Junbesi and visit Thupten Chholing monastery. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 2,675 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 12 km_ ### Day 7: Trek to Phaplu, drive to Kathmandu Walk to Phaplu or Salleri and drive back to Kathmandu. _Walking: 3 hours · Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch · Overnight: Hotel · Distance: 9 km_ ### Day 8: Departure from Kathmandu Free time until your transfer to the airport. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast_ ## What is included - Airport pick-up and drop-off in private vehicles - 2 nights in a hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast - Jeep transport Kathmandu – Dhap and Phaplu – Kathmandu - Local rural municipality fees - Teahouse and homestay accommodation during the trek (5 nights) - Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek - Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide trained in first aid - Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers) with their wages, food, lodging and insurance - All government and local taxes ## Not included - International flights to and from Kathmandu - Nepal visa fee - Travel insurance covering trekking to 4,100 m and helicopter evacuation (compulsory) - Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara - Drinks, snacks, hot showers, battery charging and Wi-Fi on the trek - Extra nights caused by early return, flight delays, landslides or cancellations - Helicopter evacuation or charter - Personal equipment and expenses - Tips for your guide and porters ## Useful information ### Fitness and preparation If you can walk 15 km with a few hundred metres of climbing and do it again the next day, you are in good shape for this trek. Start training two to three months ahead, and break in your boots before you fly. ### Altitude sickness This trek reaches 4,065 m on Pikey Peak, with the highest night at about 3,640 m. Symptoms of acute mountain sickness include headache, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite and poor sleep. Walk slowly, drink 3–4 litres of water a day, avoid alcohol and tell your guide about any symptoms. If symptoms get worse, descending is the most effective treatment. Talk to your doctor before the trip about whether altitude medication is right for you. ### Weather and temperatures The ridges are cold and windy at dawn, below freezing from November to February. Mornings are clearest; cloud often builds in the afternoon. ### Permits Local rural municipality fees are included. ### Money, charging and Wi-Fi Take out cash in Kathmandu or Pokhara before you set off: there are very few ATMs on the trail, and the ones that exist often don't work. Lodges charge a little for hot showers, charging and Wi-Fi, so a power bank saves money. ### Drinking water Bring a refillable bottle and either purification tablets or a filter. Lodges also sell boiled water, which is cheaper and better for the trail than bottled water. ### Travel insurance Travel insurance is compulsory. It must cover trekking to 4,100 m, medical treatment and emergency helicopter evacuation. Please send us your policy details before departure. ### Visa Most visitors get a tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport, or apply online before they fly. Your passport needs six months' validity, and bring a few passport photos for trekking permits. ## Packing list ### Clothing - Moisture-wicking base layers - Fleece jacket or mid-layer - Warm down jacket (can be borrowed from us) - Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers - Trekking trousers and shirts - Warm hat, sun hat and buff - Liner gloves and insulated gloves - Trekking socks ### Footwear - Broken-in waterproof trekking boots - Camp shoes or sandals for the lodges ### Equipment - Sleeping bag rated to about −10°C (can be borrowed from us) - Daypack of 25–35 litres with rain cover - Trekking poles - Head torch with spare batteries - Water bottles and purification tablets - Sunglasses with UV protection - Power bank and charging cables ### Personal items - High-factor sunscreen and lip balm - Personal first-aid kit and medication - Toiletries, quick-dry towel and wet wipes - Snacks such as energy bars and nuts - Passport, insurance details and copies ## Frequently asked questions ### Where is Pikey Peak? In the lower Solukhumbu district, south-west of the Everest region, about a day's drive east of Kathmandu. ### How high is Pikey Peak? Pikey Peak is about **4,065 m (13,337 ft)**. ### Can you see Everest from Pikey Peak? Yes. On a clear morning you see **Everest**, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and many more peaks. ### How long is the Pikey Peak trek? **8 days** from Kathmandu, with 5 days of trekking. ### How difficult is the Pikey Peak trek? **Moderate**, with 5–6 hours of walking a day and a maximum of just over 4,000 m. ### How much does the Pikey Peak trek cost? Our package costs **from US$790 per person**, including transport, guide, porters, lodges and meals on the trek. ### Do I need a flight to Lukla? No. The trek is reached by jeep, so there are no flight delays. ### What is the best time for the Pikey Peak trek? **October–December** for views and **March–April** for rhododendrons. ### Is the Pikey Peak trek good for beginners? Yes. It is one of the best short Everest-view treks for first-timers. ### What permits are needed? Only local fees, as the route is outside Sagarmatha National Park. They are included. ### Is Pikey Peak a climbing peak? No. It is a hike on a trail; no climbing equipment is needed. ### Pikey Peak or Everest View Trek? Pikey Peak is quieter and reached by road with a wider panorama; the Everest View Trek visits Namche Bazaar and needs the Lukla flight.