PIKEY PEAK CULTURAL TREK
Before Sir Edmund Hillary helped build the airport at Lukla in 1964, all Everest expeditions began at Jiri. And this was until where the Swiss had built a road. From Jiri it took seven days to reach Lukla. Now, most Everest trekkers fly directly to Lukla and fewer than a thousand trekkers begin their trek in Jiri. Thus, most travelers miss out on the rich Sherpa culture and stunning landscape of the lower Everest region which, on the Pikey Peak trek, you will get to experience first-hand.
On the Pikey Peak trek, you have the opportunity to experience daily life in the villages of Yolung and Bamthi. Both are predominantly Sherpa villages which are also the birthplace of our guides Pema Sherpa and Kandu Sherpa respectively. Here you will be a guest at their homes and you will join in their daily chores – helping out in the corn/millet/barley fields, collecting wood and grass for the cattle, making butter (and butter tea), picking tea leaves, making flour from the grains, and more. Pema worked as a cook on Everest expeditions until 2015 when an accident on the mountain severely restricted his ability to venture to high altitudes. Kandu is one of the very few female trekking guides in Nepal.
THE TREK
The trip begins with a bus ride to Jiri from where you will hike a short distance into Yolung (Pema’s village). Yolung lies in a beautiful valley with around 200 houses. Most of the houses are near the village center where there is a large school and a monastery. You will be living in a home on the outskirts of the village a little away from the hustle and bustle of the village.
You will then continue into Bamthi (Kandu’s village). From Bamthi you begin the journey to Pikey Peak, first descending to the river and then ascending to a small pass, through thick jungles of birch and rhododendrons, along fields of wheat, barley and millet, and through numerous villages, crisscrossing the jeep track until reaching Nagur Monastery. The trail is dotted with ancient chortens and small monasteries and offers views of the Rolwaling range. Pikey Peak is a great viewpoint offering a panoramic view of mountains from Kanchenjunga in the east to the Rolwaling range in the west (with Everest and Makalu in the middle).
You’ll then make a steep descent to Junbesi, one of the most beautiful Sherpa villages and the gateway to the Thuktencholing Monastery. This is one of the most important monasteries of the Sherpa people which was established by the Thulsik Rimpoche who escaped Tibet with his followers. Around 700 monks and nuns live at this monastery.
The journey ends at 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.
If you wish to do a shorter trek, check out our Pikey Peak (fast-paced) Trek.
WHY TREK WITH US?
All our Langtang and Gosaikunda 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…