Pikey Peak Cultural Trek

There are two preferred seasons for the Pikey Peak trek: Spring (March through May) and Fall (October through November). Day time temperatures range in the 50’s and 60’s (10 to 15 Centigrade) while night-time temperatures are in the 30’s and 40’s (0 to 5 Centigrade). Expect some late-afternoon showers in the Spring which is also the season for rhododendrons and magnolias. October is historically regarded as the best month to trek with clear skies and better views of the mountains.

As the trek doesn’t go to very high altitudes, it is also possible to do the Pikey Peak trek in the Winter (December through February). You will experience a couple nights at or near freezing in the Winter.

Anyone who is reasonably fit and can hike 10-12 miles a day can sign up for the Pikey Peak Trek. The trek is a roller coaster and does involve some steep ascents and descents. While you don’t need to be a marathon runner or a tri-athelete, the better shape you are in, the more you will enjoy the trek. It is advised that anyone with a pre-existing condition consult their doctor before signing up for a trek.

We rate the Pikey Peak Trek a 4 on a scale of 1 (easy) to 5 (challenging).

Nepali tap water is NOT safe to drink. Even if you see the locals drinking water straight from the tap, never drink water before boiling or sterilizing. Bring water purifying tablets or other water purifiers. At higher elevations during the coldest times of year the water will freeze, so you’ll need to buy boiled water from teahouses. If you plan to use a STERIPEN, bring wide mouth water bottles. You would need at least 2 one-liter water bottles for the trek. Even if you plan to bring a hydration pack, bring 1 one-liter water to sterilize the water before pouring into your hydration pack.

Crystal Mountain Treks will provide you with a Steripen to use on the trek for no charge.

Do read our blog on safe drinking water options: Hydration on treks in Nepal

The more physically fit you are, the more you will enjoy the trip. There are three aspects to training for any trek.

1) Cardiovascular Training will make your body more efficient in using oxygen. Running, walking, swimming or biking, or any combination of these are great for cardiovascular conditioning.

2) Strength Training by either using free weights or machines at the gym will build hiking strength. Walking stairs, especially with a pack will simulate the hiking environment. We also recommend practicing squats. Trekkers will encounter low hanging obstacles to duck under, and many toilets are at ground level, which requires a low squat.

3) Endurance Training is where you build endurance in the months leading up to your trek, slowly increase your length of training sessions. By the time you are 2 weeks from the scheduled trek date you should be able to ascend 3,000 ft. in a 3-4 hour period.

In the end, the more your training simulates a trek, the better off you will be. So hiking 4-5 hours outdoors, uphill and downhill, about once or twice a week in addition to other cardio vascular training at the gym or at home will greatly benefit and prepare you for the trek.

Check out our article on training for treks.

Most tea houses have a common toilet. Only the tea house in Junbesi has en-suite rooms. While squat toilets are more prevalent, newer lodges have Western style toilets.

It is only possible to shower at the lodge in Junbesi. In other places, hot shower usually means a bucket of boiled water. At Junbesi, there is a proper shower with water heated by a gas geyser. Be prepared to pay anywhere from $2-$5 for this service. A wet-wipe “bath” is a better option.

Meals on the Pikey Peak trek are not as varied as those on the Everest Base Camp Trek. Especially at the home-stays, expect basic but healthy and organic meals. In general, expect porridge (Oatmeal), toast, eggs (any style), muesli, hash browns, sausages etc for breakfast. And sandwich, pizzas, momos, noodles (dry and with soup), rolls, fried rice, Indian bread with vegetables etc for lunch and dinner. And expect Nepali dal-bhat (rice-lentils with vegetables and/or meat) at all the lodges. Dal-bhat is the probably the safest and most nutritious option. For those with gluten allergies, some lodges will have buckwheat and millet flour from which they can make bread. Rice and fresh vegetables are widely available. Most lodges will have lentil and some will have chickpeas, kidney beans and garbanzo beans.

Ours is an OPEN menu. Meaning we allow our clients to order anything from the lodge menu besides bottled beverages, specialty coffee and packaged snacks. We also don’t limit the number of items per meal as long as you aren’t wasteful. When choosing your trekking company, ask if meals are fixed or if you are only allowed to order one item from the menu. If this isn’t the case, costs can add up over 15/16 days.

Check out our article on food options for vegetarians.

Layering is key. And it’s always recommended to trek with good branded gear. A good pair of hiking boots that’s been broken in is very important. Good top and bottom base layers, a mid layer (fleece or capilene), and an outer layer (Gore-tex or other material). If you tend to get cold quickly, bring a down parka especially for the evening at the lodge. On most days, you’d be hiking in a convertible hiking pant that can be converted into shorts and one or two top layers.

if you’re trekking with Crystal Mountain Treks, we provide a sleeping bag (rated to 0 degree F or -17 degree C), duffel bags, down jacket and Steripen for water purification to our clients for no charge.

It is possible to buy cheap and relatively functional gear in Kathmandu – convertible pants, down jackets, fleece, Gore-tex jackets. But remember, you get what you pay for. Wool gloves, hats, socks are available too.

There are quite a few branded stores too. North Face, Moutain Hardwear, Marmot and Sherpa. If you’re coming from Australia or Europe, items in these shops are probably cheaper than back home. But if you’re coming from the US, it’s better to buy branded gear at home.

Most of the places on the Pikey Peak trek route now has cell coverage. Lodges in some locations will offer wi-fi for between $1 to $2 per hour. You can also buy a Sim card with 5GB or 10GB data for under $25: do this in Kathmandu.