Bhutan, China, India, Nepal · Trekking

10-Day Pikey Peak Trek from Kathmandu with Everest Region Views

10 Days Round trip from Kathmandu 44600 Hard pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Rewarding trek to Pikey Peak, a quieter alternative to the crowded Everest trail
  • 02 Magnificent views of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and other Himalayan peaks
  • 03 Explore authentic Sherpa villages, monasteries, and Buddhist landmarks along the trail
  • 04 Full-day sightseeing in Kathmandu including Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath
  • 05 Sunrise and sunset mountain panoramas from viewpoints, Jhapre, and Pikey Base Camp

Embark on an adventure trek to Pikey Peak, one of the closest alternatives to the crowded Everest trails. Follow picturesque routes through rhododendron forests, Sherpa villages, and monasteries while enjoying magnificent Himalayan scenery. This journey offers rewarding views of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and other sought-after peaks, along with cultural encounters in authentic mountain settlements. With Kathmandu sightseeing, scenic trekking days, and a flight back from Phaplu, it combines culture, nature, and mountain exploration in one memorable experience.

Embark on an adventure trek to Pikey Peak, one of the closest alternatives to the crowded Everest trails.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 10 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Hard
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Kathmandu, Phaplu, Pikey Peak
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu

  • Arrive at Kathmandu International Airport, where you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free to explore this historic and vibrant city at your own pace.

Meals: No

2
Day 02

Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour

  • After breakfast, depart from the hotel for a full-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, the "city of glory." Visit Durbar (Palace) Square, the epicentre of religious and cultural life, filled with old temples, historical significance, and glorious Newari architecture. Some of the sights include Kal Bhairav, Hanuman Dhoka, Taleju Temple, Kasthamandap, and Kumari Ghar, home to the Living Goddess.
  • Afterwards, continue to Swoyambhunath Stupa, said to be one of the oldest Buddhist stupas in the world, majestically set high on a hill overlooking the Kathmandu Valley.
  • Proceed toward Pashupatinath Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This massive temple complex sits along the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple courtyard, while tourists can view the temple from the eastern side of the Bagmati River.
  • Later, visit Boudhanath, a Buddhist stupa said to be one of the largest in the world. This massive structure stands tall with four pairs of eyes facing the four cardinal directions, watching over the righteous behaviour of mankind and human prosperity.

Meals: Breakfast, Welcome Dinner

3
Day 03

Drive to Dhap Bazaar

  • Today, leave Kathmandu early in the morning and drive on the newly inaugurated B. P. Highway to the little town of Ghurmi in the Koshi River basin. From Ghurmi, the road climbs to higher elevation, passing through rhododendron forest on the way to Dhap Bazaar.
  • Spend the night in a guest house and explore the town.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

4
Day 04

Trek from Dhap Bazaar to Jhapre

  • Take an early morning walk of about 25 minutes to a viewpoint for sunrise and mountain views. From here, see Dughkunda, Mera Peak, Lhotse, Cho Yo, and Everest, along with a temple shared by both Hinduism and Buddhism. After enjoying the magnificent views, have breakfast and prepare for the walk to Jhapre.
  • Follow the road, although very few vehicles are seen here. About 40% of the road section can be skipped.
  • After around two hours of gradual downhill walking through rhododendron and pine forest, stop at the first village, Siganay, for a short tea break.
  • Then continue for three more hours uphill, followed by a gentle walk to reach Jhapre. This small settlement is home to Sherpa and Magar ethnic groups and has a monastery attached to the guesthouse. Enjoy sunrise and mountain views of Dudhkunda, Pongday, Makalu, Mera Peak, Cho Yu, Everest, Tsumsherko, and the Kanchanjunga range.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

5
Day 05

Trek from Jhapre to Pikey Base Camp

  • After enjoying the sunrise, mountain views, and breakfast, begin the trek with about 2.5 hours of gradual uphill walking through rhododendron and pine forests to Bulbule, where there will be a short tea break. Then continue with 45 minutes of gradual uphill and gentle walking to reach Lamachay village, where lunch will be served.
  • After crossing the stupa, continue on a zigzag steep climb for an hour through rhododendron and pine forest. Then follow a gentle and gradual uphill trail to reach your destination, Pikey Base Camp. There are only four households here, and it is interesting to visit a cheese factory.
  • Enjoy the sunset and views of Langtang Peak, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and Annapurna.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

6
Day 06

Pikey Peak Summit and Trek to Junbesi

  • Today, reach the highest point of the trek. Climb along the rocky ridge to Pikey Peak (4,065 m). The summit unveils a wide range of snow peaks stretching from Dhaulagiri in the west to Kanchenjunga in the east. The highlight is the view of Mt Everest, Thamsherku, Numbur Himal, and Kangtega.
  • From the apex, descend to Lamjura Pass and continue onward to Junbesi. This day's walk is one of the best, with alpine landscapes, Himalayan views, and Buddhist landmarks such as Mane walls and stupas.
  • Visit the local monastery at Junbesi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

7
Day 07

Trek from Junbesi to Taksindu

  • This morning, hit the trail bound for Taksindu. Cross the river at the bottom of town and climb through the forest up to Salung, from where there are views of Mount Everest (8848 m/29,028 ft), Chamlang (7319 m/24,012 ft), and Makalu (8481 m/27,824 ft), weather permitting. There are also gorgeous views across the valley to Chiwong Monastery and down towards Phaplu.
  • Continue on the trail, contouring and then dropping down to a stream before a short climb into Ringmo, famous for its apple orchards and interesting apple products such as apple rakshi (alcohol), cider, and apple pie.
  • From here, there is a final short climb to Taksindu La, where there are again great mountain views, followed by a short descent to Taksindu Monastery and your lodge. Taksindu Monastery was built in 1946 and is usually open early morning or late afternoon. Please make sure to leave a donation if you visit.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

8
Day 08

Trek from Taksindu to Phaplu

  • The trail descends along the Junbesi River and crosses a suspension bridge to the town of Benighat at the confluence. The day's scenic walk continues, unveiling new vistas and opportunities for cultural immersion.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

9
Day 09

Flight from Phaplu to Kathmandu

  • Take the 35-minute flight back to Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel. This leisure day can be used for buying gifts and souvenirs for your friends and family. In the evening, you will be invited to join a farewell gathering to review great photos and share experiences from the trip.

Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

10
Day 10

Departure from Kathmandu

  • If you prefer to stay longer, you can consult us about short tours such as game drives in national parks, rafting, mountain biking, or tours to Tibet, India, or Bhutan.

Meals: Breakfast

Pikey Peak summit, Lamjura Pass ridgeline, Jhapre sunrise viewpoint, Kathmandu Durbar Square

Where this trip takes you

Pikey Peak summit, Lamjura Pass ridgeline, Jhapre sunrise viewpoint, Kathmandu Durbar Square

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Kathmandu 44600 3 cities · 10 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • All airport/hotel pick-up and drop-off in a private car/van
  • Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu, including breakfast
  • Guided tour of Kathmandu city with an expert tour guide and a private vehicle
  • Government license holder experienced trekking guide (trained in Wilderness First Aid & altitude sickness) and porters
  • 1 porter for every 2 trekkers, with their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, accidental insurance, clothing, and medicine
  • Tea house/lodge accommodation during the trek
  • Daily meals chosen from the menu (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
  • Necessary trekking permit
  • Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS) card fee
  • Group medical supplies (a first aid kit will be available)
  • Local ground transportation from Kathmandu to the trek start point and from the trek finish point back to Kathmandu
  • Comprehensive pre-departure information and trip dossiers
  • Gifts (T-shirt for gents, Pashmina shawl for ladies, and trekking certificates)
  • Welcome and farewell Nepali dinner in Kathmandu
  • Flight from Phaplu to Kathmandu, including departure taxes
  • All necessary paperwork, office service charges, and all government taxes
  • Complimentary items:
    • Trekking stick/pole
    • Nepali SIM card
    • T-shirt

What's Not Included

  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Nepal entry visa fee (you can get a Nepal visa upon arrival at the airport)
  • International airfare/airport tax and city tour sightseeing entry fees
  • Alcoholic drinks, hot and cold drinks, hot water, and hot and cold showers
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, sweets, snacks, beverages, bar bills, and camera battery charging
  • Travel insurance (essential - should include emergency evacuation coverage while trekking up to 5500+ meters)
  • Personal trekking gear
  • Any expense for early returning members due to sickness, injury, or any other reason. No refund will be entertained for any unused service.
  • Extra expenses incurred due to unexpected circumstances like cancellation of internal flights, floods, strikes, etc.
  • Tips for tour/trekking staff and driver

What to bring

  • Daypack above 40 liters (must be waterproof).
  • Down jacket (rental available).
  • Warm sleeping bag (rental available).
  • Sun hat, wool cap, sunglasses, headlamp, and torchlight.
  • Ear muffs, sun lotion, and sun cream.
  • One pair of liner gloves in thin wool or synthetic.
  • Cotton T-shirts and synthetic T-shirts.
  • Two long-sleeve polyester or synthetic lightweight tops for sunny days.
  • One soft-shell jacket with water and wind resistance.
  • One swimming dress.
  • Inner clothes as required.
  • Liner socks and woollen socks.
  • Proper trekking shoes.
  • Imodium or Pepto Bismo capsules for an upset stomach or diarrhoea.
  • Diamox for altitude sickness. The guide will help you take it.
  • One small personal-sized first-aid kit with blister treatments such as moleskin, bandages, anti-infection ointments, and muscle relief ointments.

Know before you go

  • Pikey Peak trek is the closest alternative to the crowded Everest trek. This newly introduced and less-discovered trek in the Everest region offers the best Sherpa lifestyle, festivals, culture, and Himalayan scenery. While the trek offers magnificent views of the sought-after peaks of Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Makalu, the trail passes through authentic Sherpa land, beautiful villages, and monasteries along the beaten trail.
  • People say that the view of Mount Everest from Pikey Peak is one of the best in Nepal. That's a bold statement, but Sir Edmund Hillary himself claimed it to be his favourite, and we're inclined to agree.
  • One thing is sure: the 4,067 m peak in the lower Everest region is definitely one of the best viewpoints for looking toward Mt Everest and other peaks east of Kathmandu. Moreover, the region is easy to access and provides a flexible itinerary with the option of driving or flying to the trekking trailhead.
  • The trek starts with a scenic drive or flight east of Kathmandu. The rolling hills with cascading waterfalls, terraces, and pristine villages in the foreground of snow peaks make the journey awe-inspiring. Once the walk begins, authentic Buddhist villages marked by prayer flags and Mane walls greet you. Rustic monasteries and authentic Sherpa villages along the trail are long gone from the popular Everest route. Walk through rhododendron forest and reach the high pastures with far-reaching views.
  • As with most treks in Nepal, Pikey Peak is incredible during the spring, fall, and winter months, given its lower elevation. It is best, however, to avoid this trek during the monsoon, as it can get very wet in this region.
  • Why Peaky Peak Trek?
    • Experience and witness Mt. Everest, the tallest peak in the world, within a week.
    • Capture other giant peaks, including Mt. Makalu and Mt. Kanchenjungha.
    • Less beaten, less crowded trekking trail.
    • Absolute wilderness and serenity.
    • Picturesque traditional settlements and authentic culture of Sherpa people.
    • Explore sacred and historical monasteries.
    • Affordable cost.
    • No threats of altitude sickness.
    • No or less chance of flight cancellation or postponement.
    • A short but rewarding way of experiencing Nepal's majestic Himalayan region.
  • Duffel bag is available if needed - please let us know before booking the trip and remind us during the pre-meeting at our office.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Tour start
Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 10 days finish where they began, in Kathmandu 44600.

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