PIKEY PEAK TREK (FAST-PACED)
The Pikey (pronounced pee-kay or just PK) Peak trek is a great short trek for outstanding views of Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks. A bonus is the opportunity to experience the Sherpa culture that hasn’t become overrun by tourism. Pikey Peak (13,300 feet) is a great vantage point to view Everest, Makalu, Gauri Shankar, Rolwaling, Numbur and others. If you do not like crowds, choose the Pikey Peak trek instead of treks in the Annapurna region. That is true for especially during the main trekking season.
The Pikey Peak trek begins with a long jeep or bus ride (9 hours) to Jhayprey. Alternatively, you could fly to Phaplu (cost is extra) and make a shorter 3 hour drive to Jhyaprey. There are scheduled flights to Phaplu every Mondays and Wednesdays only. Over the next two days, trek through pastures and temporary shepherd sheds to the summit of Pikey Peak. Descend to Junbesi village and visit the Thuktencholing monastery. The monastery was founded by Trulsik Rimpoche who fled from Tibet after the Chinese occupation. This monastery houses around 200 monks and nuns (almost all Tibetans) and allows visitors. The journey ends in Phaplu from where you fly back to Kathmandu. The trip also includes time to enjoy the sites in and around Kathmandu, including Bodhanath and Pashupatinath.
Also, if you want a more cultural trek with a chance to live/work with local villagers, check out our Pikey Peak Cultural Trek.
ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS
The Pikey Peak Trek is a lodge trek. This means you will sleep and eat meals in local lodges along the trail. The quality of the lodges on this trek are basic but clean. And meals are quite varied with many options including rice with veggies, noodles, local breads etc. Read our article about food options on lodge treks.
BEST SEASON
Like most treks in Nepal, the best seasons for the Pikey Peak trek are Spring (March-May) and Autumn (October-November). It is also possible to do this trek in Winter month of December. And, while it will obviously be very cold (upto -20 C/, -4 F), it will be less crowded and there aren’t as many trekkers in the area.
TREK RATING
The Pikey Peak trek is rated “STRENUOUS”. It is rated 4 on a rating scale from 1 (easy) to 5 (challenging). The highest altitude reached is at Pikey Peak (13,300 feet) and the highest overnight elevation is at Pikey Peak Base Camp (3,721m/12,111 feet). Average daily hiking times is 5 to 6 hours with one long day of around 7 hours on the hike from the Base Camp to Junbesi. It is important to prepare for any trek in Nepal. Read our advice on training for treks.
WHY TREK WITH US?
All our Pikey Peak Treks are private treks for a minimum of two participants. We do NOT nickel-and-dime on services – all inclusions and exclusions are clearly listed in cost details. Some companies will advertise trips for very low prices but they have a lot of exclusions that is usually not clear. With over 30 years of experience, most of our trekkers are either repeat clients or referrals. We employ the most professional and friendly staff.
We are also proud to give back to our community through 3 Summits For Nepal managed by Crystal Mountain Treks staff. Contact us to learn more…