Explore the quieter side of the Everest region on this rewarding Pikey Peak Trek, combining spectacular Himalayan views, Sherpa culture and peaceful mountain trails in an accessible and less-travelled route
The Pikey Peak Trek is a moderately challenging journey through the quieter trails of Nepal’s Everest region, combining spectacular Himalayan panoramas, rich Sherpa culture and peaceful Buddhist monasteries. Reaching an altitude of 4,065m, Pikey Peak is one of the region’s finest viewpoints, offering sweeping views of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, Gaurishankar and other Himalayan giants.
The Pikey Peak Trek follows trails through traditional mountain villages, lush forests of rhododendron and pine, alpine meadows and highland landscapes. Away from the busier routes of the Everest region, the trek provides a more peaceful way to experience the Himalayas while gaining insight into the traditions and daily lives of the Sherpa, Magar and Tamang communities.
A major highlight of the journey is the early-morning ascent of Pikey Peak for sunrise. From the summit, trekkers can enjoy a spectacular 360-degree Himalayan panorama before descending towards Jase Bhanjyang and continuing through forests and alpine meadows to the historic Sherpa village of Junbesi. The trek also includes opportunities to visit Buddhist monasteries, including the monastery at Junbesi and Thupten Chöling Monastery.
With a combination of mountain scenery, cultural experiences, peaceful trails and moderate trekking challenges, the Pikey Peak Trek is an excellent choice for travellers looking to experience the Everest region beyond its more crowded routes.
Everything you need to know at a glance before your Pikey Peak Trek – Lower Everest Region.
Outline Itinerary
Note: All tours are lead by a professional city tour guide
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and Informal Welcome Dinner
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, where you will be met by a member of our team and transferred to your hotel. Settle in, relax and join us later for an informal welcome dinner. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Drive Kathmandu - Dhap Bazaar (2,850m, 240km, c. 8 hrs)
The journey begins with an 8-hour scenic drive along the Sunkoshi River, passing terraced fields, dense forests and small rural villages such as Ghurmi. As you ascend into the hills, the landscape transforms from subtropical lowlands to highland valleys. Upon arrival at Dhap Bazaar, explore the local market and settle into your tea house for the night.
Day3: Trek Dhap Bazaar - Japre (2,815m, 14km, c. 4-5 hrs)
From Dhap, the trail gradually climbs, passing Sigane with views of the Numbur Himal range. The path ascends towards Japre village, perched above a deep valley. Japre is home to a charming Buddhist monastery and stupa and offers spectacular views of Everest and the surrounding peaks. Overnight at a tea house.
Day 4: Trek Japre - Pikey Base Camp (3,640m, 13.7km, c. 5-6 hrs)
The trail from Japre climbs to a grassy ridge at Bhulbhule, with panoramic views of the Everest range. From there, turn towards Pikey Peak, passing yak houses and a long mani stone wall. The route continues through rhododendron forests along the hillside below Taklung Danda. As you leave the forest, it is approximately two hours to reach Pikey Base Camp, where you will spend the night amidst spectacular alpine scenery. Overnight at a tea house.
Day 5: Trek Pikey Base Camp - Pikey Peak - Jase Bhanjyang (4,065m / 3,520m, 5km, c. 4-5 hrs)
A pre-dawn start takes you to Pikey Peak, one of the region’s best viewpoints. Witness sunrise over the Himalayas, with a 360-degree panorama including Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, Gaurishankar and Langtang.
After absorbing the views, descend to Jase Bhanjyang for a rest. The short distance belies the steep up-and-down sections, making this a physically demanding day despite the lower kilometre count. Overnight at a tea house.
Day 6: Trek Jase Bhanjyang - Junbesi (2,680m, 11km, c. 5-6 hrs)
Descending through forested trails and alpine meadows, you reach the village of Taktor for lunch. Continue along a wide dirt road towards Junbesi, stopping to visit its notable Buddhist monastery.
Junbesi is a peaceful Sherpa village with a strong cultural identity, traditional lodges and striking views of surrounding peaks. Overnight at a tea house.
Day 7: Exploration Day in Junbesi - Hike to Thupten Chöling Monastery
Today is a rest and cultural day. After breakfast, take a scenic hike to Thupten Chöling Monastery, founded by Trulshik Rinpoche in the 1960s. The trail passes meadows, forested slopes and small hamlets, providing insight into local life.
Return to Junbesi for an afternoon at leisure, soaking in village life and local culture. Overnight at a tea house.
Day 8: Drive Junbesi - Kathmandu (c. 280km, 9-10 hrs)
Depart Junbesi for a long, scenic drive back to Kathmandu. The journey traverses steep valleys, rivers and dense forests, offering glimpses of traditional village life along the way.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Day 9: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight home, concluding your Pikey Peak adventure.
Note: All tours are lead by a professional city tour guide
Cost Includes
- Pre-trip advice and detailed information
- Expert trip leadership and motivated staff for the duration of the trek
- International & domestic airport transfers in Nepal (where applicable)
- 2 nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu: 1 night pre-trek & 1-night post-trek
- Transportation to and from trek start and finish for you and your trekking team (different budget options available)
- Basic teahouse accommodation during the trek on a twin sharing basis
- During the trek all meals on a full board basis (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) to include tea/coffee during the meals, but excluding any drinks outside of the meal times
- All permits, conservation area, and restricted area fees
- 1 porter for every two people
- Insurance and equipment for Nepali staff
- Rescue assistance
- Group medical kit
What to Bring
Himalayan Quests uses a layering system where different pieces of clothing are worn together or separately to achieve optimum body temperature control. The upper body garments listed here are either synthetic or merino wool garments that retain their insulating properties when wet, or nylon or Gore-Tex layers which help prevent heat loss by cutting wind, rain, and snow.
This is a guideline only
| UPPER BODY LAYERS | ||
| Equipment | Quantity | Comments |
| T-Shirts – walking | 2 | We recommend merino wool, Capilene or other synthetic fabric as they wick away the moisture and dry quickly. No cotton. |
| T-shirt – sleeping | 1 | This can be cotton |
| Base layers (ie thermal top) | 1 | Lightweight or mid-weight long-sleeved t-shirt of merino wool, polyester, Capilene, or Polartec power dry |
| Top insulating Layers | 1 | Mid-weight fleece that can be worn over other layers |
| Fleece Vest | 1 | |
| Rain jacket | 1 | |
| Down Jacket | 1 | |
| LOWER BODY LAYERS | ||
| Equipment | Quantity | Comments |
| Underwear | Sufficient for the trek (remember you can wash them) | |
| Thermal long johns/long underwear | 1 | |
| Trekking Trousers | 2 | Lightweight quick-dry trousers (no cotton). Zip offs are good |
| Evening/sleeping trousers | 1 optional | 1 pair of lightweight tracksuit bottoms (sweat pants) or yoga style trousers for evening wear and sleeping in. No jeans. |
| Hiking Shorts | 1 | If no zip-off trousers. Below the knee for ladies |
| Rain Pants | 1 | |
| PACKS & BAGS | ||
| Equipment | Quantity | Comments |
| Day pack | 1 | Approx. 35ltrs. HQ will provide you with a duffle bag for your trekking gear |
| Sleeping bag with compression sack | 1 | Minimum 3 season |
| Sleeping bag liner | 1 | Optional |
| FOOTWEAR | ||
| Equipment | Quantity | Comments |
| Hiking boots | 1 | Must be well worn and comfortable with ankle support |
| Socks | 3 | |
| Sandals/Camp shoes | 1 | Lightweight for evening use |
| MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS | ||
| Equipment | Quantity | Comments |
| Water bottles | 2 | One liter each, Nalgene or Sig style or a bladder if preferred |
| Water purification drops | 1 | Cheap and easy to buy in Kathmandu (Piyus) |
| Lip Balm | 1 | With SPF factor |
| Sunscreen | 1 | We recommend SPF 30 or greater |
| Mosquito repellent | 1 | |
| Personal first aid kit | 1 | To include any prescribed medications |
| Sunglasses | 1 | |
| Bandana/Buff | 1 | Useful for a variety of purposes. |
| Flashlight /head torch | 1 | Head torch is best as it leaves your hands free + extra batteries |
| Travel towel | 1 | Lightweight and compact |
| Wash kit | Travel size items for the trek & eco friendly if possible | |
| Instant Hand Sanitizer | 1 | Alcohol-based for keeping hands clean |
| Sun hat | 1 | |
| Warm hat | 1 | |
| Gloves | 1 | |
| Trekking poles | Optional but highly recommended | |
| Trekking snacks | Good selection available in KTM | |
| Camera | With charger &/or extra batteries | |
| Toilet paper & rubbish bag | ||
| Book/journal | ||
| Pack of cards/travel game | 1 | For evening entertainment |
| Photocopies of all your important documents | ||
| Compression socks | 1 | Great for international flights & long road/jeep journeys |
| A great sense of humour & a positive attitude | Essential – don’t come without it!! | |
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FAQs for Pikey Peak Trek – Lower Everest Region
What will the food be like?
There are is a set menu that is used by all of the tea houses along the trek, with such foods as: Breakfast – porridge, eggs, Tibetan bread, rice pudding. Lunch/Dinner – dal bhat, pasta, soup, mo mos, eggs, chapati, noodles. Tea and coffee will be served at each meal.
What will the weather be like?
Generally, the weather is warm/hot during the day with the temperatures dipping at night into the early morning. The higher you go, the cooler the temperatures get. During the spring season the minimum night time temperature at Badal Dada / High Camp should be just below freezing, although it will depend on the weather at the time. During the autumn season, traditionally the minimum night time temperature will be below freezing, possibly as low as -5 to -10 degrees Celsius up high. The mountains have their own micro climates, and climate change is impacting the traditional weather patterns and you need to be prepared for all conditions – sun, rain, snow, ice.
Do I need travel insurance for trekking in Nepal?
Yes. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers trekking at the maximum altitude of your chosen route, as well as emergency medical treatment and evacuation where appropriate.
What happens if I get sick or there is an emergency during the trek?
Our guides are trained to respond to common trekking emergencies and will coordinate assistance when necessary. Depending on the location and situation, this may involve rest and observation, descent, evacuation or medical support.
How do I deal with altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of age or fitness. Our itineraries are designed with acclimatisation in mind, and our guides monitor trekkers throughout the journey. Staying hydrated, walking at a steady pace and allowing your body time to acclimatise are important.
Will I be carrying my own gear on the trek? How much luggage can I take on a trek?
You will be provided with a duffle bag for your main trekking gear, which will be carried by a porter. The weight limit per person for this is 10kg. You will just carry your day pack with your personal items for the day.
Is there electricity / WiFi on the trek?
There is only mains electricity at the teahouses on the first and last night, the rest are all solar powered. You are able to charge your phones, camera batteries, however, the teahouse may make a small charge, especially where there is no mains power. Some trekking areas have mobile connectivity and Wi-Fi at certain villages, while remote sections may have little or no connectivity. We recommend being prepared for periods without a reliable signal.
What is the accommodation like on the trek? Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?
You will be sleeping in small, simple teahouses along the trek. The rooms are usually twin or triple. Single rooms cannot be guaranteed. Attached bathrooms might only be available on the first and last nights of the trek. Simple beds with a sheet and pillow are provided. A sleeping bag and liner will be provided for you during the trek.
What clothing/gear do I need to bring for the trek?
Please refer to the detailed gear list you have been provided with. Ladies, please make sure any trousers or shorts fall below the knee. Please make sure your walking boots are well worn in and comfortable. Technical gear such as ropes and crampons are not required for this trek, although micro spikes/Yak Trax will be useful if the conditions are snowy/icy up at high camp. These can be bought cheaply (c.£10 a pair) in Nepal.
Do I need previous trekking experience?
Not necessarily. You don’t need previous trekking experience, but a good level of physical fitness, proper preparation, and the ability to walk for several hours a day are important.
What is the best time of year to trek in Nepal?
The main trekking seasons are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), when conditions are generally favourable. There are also some lower-altitude and rain-shadow treks that can be suitable during the monsoon, while winter offers clear skies but colder conditions at higher elevations.
10 Days
Annapurna Region
Easy/Moderate
