Pike Hill Trekking - 8 Days

Trip Introduction: Pikey Peak Trek

Pikey Hill Trekking, a unique and exclusive short journey of a little more than a week duration, is where you can catch views of the world's highest, Mt. Everest, in the harmony of pristine wilderness and local culture. The Pikey Peak lies at an altitude of 4,067 meters in the Everest region of Nepal. The prominent mountain in Nepal's Solukhumbu district is a comparatively less crowded trekking trail, making it an easier and more comfortable trekking route with a peaceful atmosphere.

According to the legend, Sir Edmund Hillary claimed Pikey Peak to be his favorite vantage point to view the majestic Mt. Everest. He followed the praise of Pikey Hill while describing the trek as one of the memorable walks with mesmerizing views of sunrise and sunset.

The name Pikey Peak is derived from the two titles of Sherpas and Tamang communities. During July, there falls a festival where the locals worship the eastern Chyabo Pikey, known as Pikey Hlapchen Karbu. Pikey Dandha (Hill) portrays an incredible view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Numbur, Mt. Gaurishankar, and many other smaller peaks.

Pikey Hill Trekking is suitable for all types of interest age-group, including families, school/college groups, to corporate people where you will be in the fresh, clean mountain air, surrounded by the serene forest of tall rhododendrons, magnolia, pines, and oak trees.

This scenic and beautiful country walk leads you to remote farm villages enriched with mixed cultures of Buddhism and Hinduism, populated mainly by the famous Sherpa people interwoven with Buddhist culture.

Where a trek leads you into serene forested areas, in spring and autumn, the hills are alive when wildflowers are in full bloom in the shade of high snowcapped peaks as walks lead on to the highest point of the adventure at Pikey Hill, above 4,067 m.

A sensational panorama of mountains facing central Himalayan peaks of Langtang-Jugal Himal with beautiful Gaurishankar and Melung-Tse extends towards Numbur with Mt. Everest and adjoining Khumbu Himal range.

Another highlight of the Pikey Peak Trekking is a visit to the Thupten Choling Monastery, which is an ancient Buddhist monastery located at Junbesi along the Pike Peak trekking itinerary. The Thupten Choling Monastery is a community retreat established by Kyabje Trulshik Rinpoche in the 1960s, which now welcomes individuals all around the world to savor the rich culture and tradition of the Sherpa community in the Solukhumbu region.

How does the Pikey Peak trekking route start and end? What to expect on Pikey Peak Trekking?

The Drive

Our adventure for Pike Peak starts with an exciting drive from Kathmandu to reach Dhap Bazaar. Trekkers with Holiday Tours Nepal will take a jeep towards Dhap Bazaar. The Jeep can either be private or shared according to personal interests. However, taking a private jeep will ensure a comfortable journey and comes with an additional cost. Those who wish to travel on a budget can also prefer shared vehicle services.

The drive from the capital to Dhap Bazaar leads through the Sun Koshi River to reach the small settlement of Dhap Bazaar in the Darchula district of Nepal. Beginning the drive, trekkers will shift from the urban area of Kathmandu to semi-urban and rural areas of Nepal. The significant sections of the drive are on the black-topped roads while moving alongside the river, while some sections include driving in the bumpy off-roads between the hills, looking and passing through waterfalls. The condition of the off-roads is due to the ongoing construction projects. At the same time, I crossed the bridge and drove uphill, passing Okhaldunga district to reach Dhap. The Dhap bazaar is a small settlement with the Brahmin and Chettri communities which provides splendid views of Everest and its mountain ranges.

The Trekking begins/Trail conditions and route.

After a beautiful stop at Dhap, the road trip ends marked by the beginning of the trek from Dhap towards Jhapre. Trekkers with porters and guides will carry all the luggage and march on the trekking trail. The initial flat trail on a wide road with views of mountain ranges allows for a comfortable walk. On cultivated agricultural lands, either side of the road is filled with seasonal crops. Trekkers can come upon short uphill climbs during some areas of the section, followed by walking inside forests on predetermined routes with comfortable walking space. Some uphill climbs can be steep while mostly enjoying the walk to reach Jhapre.

Jhapre is home to some small Buddhist monasteries and stupas with views of Everest and the Numbur Himal. Similarly, as the walk proceeds, we reach the highlight of the trip, which is the Pikey Base Camp. You will leave Jhapre and follow the trail to get Bhulbule, where the trail splits. Taking the right from Bhulbule leads to the Pikey Hill Base Camp. One can view splendid mountain peaks and mesmerising sunrises or sunsets from the Pikey Peak Base Camp.

After a grand time on top, Pikey Hill walk descends to Sherpa villages of Jase Bhanjyang following the ridgeline of Pikey Peak. Trekkers will finally descend and traverse the forest route at Jase Bhanjyang.

Continuing the road from Jase Bhanjyang, the walk takes trekkers towards Junbesi. The trail from Jase Bhanjyang begins on a walk into the dense forests while coming onto the Everest Base Camp trekking route. The walk continues towards the narrow road, followed by a flat section to reach Junbesi. Marching onward from Junbesi, trekkers reach the settlement of Phalpu, where a scenic short drive from Phalpu brings you back to Kathmandu after a magnificent time on Pikey Hill Trekking.

Best time/season for the Pike Peak Trekking

Trekking in Nepal can be done all year-round. It mainly faces four seasons: Spring, Autumn, Winter, and summer. As the Everest region is one of the most popular trekking destinations, trekkers visit Nepal during Spring and Autumn to go to pikey peak as they are the best seasons for trekking. Therefore, the region is crowded during the peak season.

However, individuals can also trek to Pikey Peak during Winter and summer, although it may not be recommended season for beginners. Winter and summer come with extreme temperature ranges. They are suitable for those individuals who wish to face a challenge or get in an adrenaline rush.

Pikey Peak in Spring

Spring months in Nepal lasts from March to May. The Everest region trek in spring is a fantastic experience. The route is clear and visible for a long distance. While embarking on the Pikey Hill trek, spring months provide spectacular unobstructed views of mountain peaks. The moderate temperature atmosphere offers a comfortable walking experience with blooming rhododendron forests. The trails are filled with greenery and red-dyed rhododendrons, adding vibrant colors to the atmosphere.

Pikey Peak in Autumn

The autumn months in Nepal lasts from September to November. Autumn is another best time or season to trek to Pike Hill. The Autumn season is marked by dry weather conditions followed by clear skies and moderate temperatures. Trekkers can stumble upon other trekkers in the pikey region during the season. Similarly, the nights can be cool upon ascending to higher elevations with a minimal chance of rainfall.

Pikey peak in Winter

Winter months in Nepal lasts from December to February. Winter months are characterized by extreme cold temperatures with the possibility of snowfall, especially at higher altitudes. It is significantly more challenging at night as the temperature can drop below freezing point. The trail can become slippery due to snow and more difficult to walk. Similarly, the skies are mostly cloudy due to snow storms, which can obstruct visibility and navigation. Thus, the Pikey Peak trek in the winter season is a challenging experience; however, with appropriate precautions and preparation, it will be a unique opportunity to explore the Himalayas in a peaceful time.

Pikey Peak in Summer

The summer months in Nepal last from June to August. Warm temperatures with the possibility of rainfall characterize the summer months. Summer, also known as monsoon, follows heavy rainfall, especially in higher elevations. This causes the pike trekking trail to be slippery. The dense, dark clouds and frequent rain also block the mountain views.

Note: It is essential to pack according to the season. Winter and summer months require additional packing with extra layers for Winter. Be sure to carry lotion and repellent(mosquito) for the summer months. There is potential for leeches in summer, so wear appropriate clothing.

Accommodation in Pikey Hill Trekking

There are several options for spending the night on the Pikey Hill map. The option ranges from basic teahouses to more comfortable lodges and hotels. There is a cost variability based on the choice; however, all options do promote relaxing, good night's rest. The available options for accommodation are discussed below:

• Teahouses: They are the most basic and primary form of accommodation. Teahouses provide comfortable resting options with good bed and blanket facilities in shared or private rooms. The bathroom in teahouses is often shared with the availability of showers.
• Lodges: They are the more expensive accommodation options in Pike trekking. They provide comfortable bed and blanket facilities with electric blankets, heaters, hot showers, and attached bathrooms.
• Guesthouses: They provide a chance to engage with the locals while spending the night and savoring some of the local cuisine. Guesthouses have private and shared rooms with attached bathroom facilities.

Showers in Pikey Peak Trekking

Hot Showers are available in every accommodation place in pikey peak. However, hot showers come with a cost. There are three different types of hot showers: bucket showers another is geyser showers and solar showers. Accommodation places have one of the three facilities for showers.

Electricity, communication, and Wi-Fi Facilities

Electricity

Charging your device is necessary if you are on an 8-day Pike peak trek. Therefore, there are various places where you can set your devices. The charging ports are typically found in the accommodation place. The cost of charging may vary according to place of stay. If you are staying in teahouses, charging can be done in the hotel lobby, and consider yourself lucky if you can find a charging port inside the room.

Similarly, you can charge your devices inside the rooms of lodges and guesthouses at an additional cost. For those who are on a budget and want to minimize the cost of charging, Holiday Tours Nepal recommends carrying additional batteries, power banks, or solar chargers, which will keep your devices running throughout the journey.

Communication

Communication is necessary for Pike Peak trekking. International tourists should get a Nepalese SIM card, allowing communication access. Sim Cards are provided free of cost by Holiday Planner Nepal with 20–30 GB of data, which will be provided for 28 days. Getting the sim will allow you to communicate, make phone calls, and access the internet during your stay in Nepal.

Internet and Wi-Fi

Trekkers can find Wi-Fi at certain places along the route. Only some teahouses and most of the guesthouses or lodges have Wi-Fi facilities. The connection might be unstable due to the number of users; however, the cost of using the internet will be additional. So, for a better connection, relying on a sim card the company provides is recommended. This allows for cost-efficient internet surfing; however, the connection might be interrupted once you are at a high altitude, crossing through the forests, or at points where the network might be compromised.

Foods along the way to Pikey Peak/ What are the food options on Pikey Peak Trekking?

Food and water are the source of energy during a trek. So, it is necessary to replenish oneself with good food after a tiring day of long walks. There are various options to choose from depending on the place and location of stay. Most of the teahouses serve a variety of cuisines, including Tibetan, Continental, Korean, Italian, and Indian. Similarly, the breakfast, Lunch, and dinner options offered by guesthouses and lodges are fresh and have the best services.

• Breakfast: Eggs, Bread, Chappati, Soups, Porridge, Pancakes, Corn flakes, Muesli, Toasted bread, Eggs and Eggs item, Potato and many more.
• Lunch: Pizza, Noodles, Pasta, Sandwich, Chips, Mo: Mo, Vegetable and salad, Dal Bhat (Rice with Lentil soup), Papad, Popcorn, Prawn and crackers, varieties of soup and many more.
• Dinner: The dinner options are similar to Lunch. Dal Bhat is the most popular Nepalese cuisine for Lunch and dinner. Individuals can order anything on the menu of personal interest.
• Hot drinks and Beverages: Hot water, Black tea, Milk tea, Mint tea, Lemon tea, Ginger lemon tea, green tea, Masala tea, Black coffee, Milk coffee, Hot chocolate, Hot Lemon, Hot mango juice, Hot orange juice and many more.

Note: Avoid alcohol and smoking at all costs because they can cause dehydration and affect your trekking experience negatively.

What are the Dessert options during the Pikey Peak Trek in the Everest Region?

Various dessert items are available in the Everest region for the sweet taste after supper. The dessert items available on the Pikey Peak base camp tea houses are:

Rice Pudding, Apple Pie, Chocolate Pudding, Pancakes with honey, Sneakers or Mars pie, Apple pie with custard, Yogurt with fruits.

Can I eat meat during the Pikey Peak trek?

Well, surely you can eat meat during the Pikey Peak trek. However, checking the food safety and hygiene protocol before consuming meat while trekking is a good idea. Eating meat that has not been cooked or stored can increase the risk of foodborne illness.

The meals often include options for meat dishes such as chicken, yak, or buffalo. Besides, it is recommended to avoid eating meat while on the journey because any illness or un comfort in the stomach can retard the trekking experience, and heavy consumption of meat with improper digestion can cause diarrhea, which is a significant threat in higher altitudes.

However, for those who wish to consume meat, it is recommended to select reputable teahouses or lodges and inquire about the freshness of meat before consuming only the correct quantity.

What permits/documents should you carry for trekking to Pikey Peak Base Camp? Permits for Pikey Peak

The Pikey Peak Base Camp is marked a protected area by the government of Nepal. The Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Card usually is required to trek to Nepal. However, the Sagarmatha region has started issuing its permit to replace the TIMS card since 2017. So, the following licenses and documents are required to enter the region. The cost of permits is varied accordingly:

• Sagarmatha National Park entry permit: NPR 3,000 (around USD 30) per person.
• Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit (GCAP): NPR 3,000 (about USD 30) per person.
• Local Area Permit: NPR 2,000 (around USD 17) per person.

Is Travel Insurance required for trekking on Pikey Peak Base Camp?

Travel insurance for Pikey Peak Base Camp is not mandatory; however, having travel insurance can safeguard against any unforeseen circumstances. Holiday Planner Nepal does not provide the facility of insurance, so to get travel insurance, one should contact a reputed insurance company. Be sure to get the policy, which covers the following:

• Trip Cancellation and interruption
• Medical emergency coverage
• Evacuation and rescue
• Theft is uncommon in Nepal; however, getting insurance can cover the loss of baggage and belongings.
• Injury or damage to property, belongings, or others

Outline Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 2: Drive to Dhap Bazaar (2850m)
Day 3: Trek from Dhap Bazaar to Jhapre (2815m)
Day 4: Trek from Jhapre to Pikeyy Base Camp (3640m)
Day 5: Trek to Jase Bhanjyang (2680m) via Pikeyy Peak (4065m)
Day 6: Trek from Jase Bhanjyang to Junbesi (2700m)
Day 7: Trek from Junbesi to Phalpu(2,460m)
Day 8: Trek from Phalphu to Kathmandu via Salleri

Yes, Holiday Tours Nepal can help you customize the above itinerary based on personal interest. One or two days can be reduced or added based on the time. If you want to rush the trek, then it is better to reduce the days, whereas if you want to do the pikey base camp trek leisurely, then it is better to follow the 8- day Itinerary. Similarly, trekkers can also add another destination along with pikey peak base camp to add another adventure to the itinerary, like Everest Base Camp, Everest High Three Pass, Gokyo Lake, and many more.