Pikey Peak Trekking Tour Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in Kathmandu

Welcome to Kathmandu! You’ll have the afternoon free to explore the streets, markets and temples of this fascinating Himalayan capital. You will be met at the airport by your expedition leader. In the evening we’ll have dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Dhap (2930m)

We’ll be in a 4 x 4 jeep from Kathmandu in the early morning. From here the road takes us into the Gangatic Plains of the Terai, 50km north of the Indian border. The route diverts from the main highway, ascending the mountainous, winding road to the trailhead, Dhap, where we’ll stay for the night.

Day 3 – Trek from Dhap to Jhaphre (2820m)

The trail quickly leaves the road, as an undulating path takes you through forest of brightly coloured rhododendrons, white sub-alpine flowers and endless views of the foothills of the greatest mountain range on earth. The valleys are steep sided, with terraced fields of rice and vegetables carved into the hillsides and it is here that you’ll start to fully appreciate walking through the Sherpa homeland. The day is a relaxed 5-6 hours of walking on quiet trails, overnight is in the quiet mountain village of Japhre.

Day 5: Climb to Pikey Peak (4065m) then trek to Lamjung Danda (3736m)

Today is one of the finest highlights of your Nepal trekking journey! A pre-dawn start is necessary to make the ascent of Pikey Peak for sunrise. The path is straightforward, immediately ascending from Base Camp, cutting a path across the west face of the mountain. As the sun starts to rise you’ll be rewarded with views of the Himalayan beauty, Thamserku (6623m) dominating the skyline.

Turning the corner, just a little further on, you’ll see prayer flags flying in the wind, the summit of Pikey Peak just in reach. looking behind you, you’ll bear witness to Mt Everest and an epic panorama of the Himalayan range (including six other 8,000m peaks, Lhotse, Makalu, Annapurna, Manaslu, Kanchanjunga and Dhaulagiri) as far as the eyes can see. Sir Edmund Hilary was right, this is a moment to be savoured and the best view of Everest there is.

From the summit we’ll return to Base Camp for a hot cup of tea and breakfast before continuing our day. The first part is an ascent through pine forest. The air is clear, fresh and thin. For the most part we’ll be staying above 3600m all day. Our lunch stop will be high along the ridge at Jasmane Bhanjyana before ending the day at Lamjung Danda.

Day 6: Lamjung Danda to Junbesi (2,700m)

We’ll be descending from the higher alpine into lush, vibrant terrain. The lower elevation and richer air will be noticeable as we make our way to Junbesi. After spending the last few days trekking off the beaten path, the trail joins the main trekking route from Jiri to Everest Base Camp. We’re likely to see a few more trekkers and pass through bigger villages than previously. Walking into Junbesi is a treat for the eyes, and it is a mountain haven surrounded by rivers, a bustling monestary and snow-capped peaks. We’ve got a greater choice of teahouses and it’s a fantastic place to rest and relax after the last few days of walking.

Day 7: Rest day to visit Thuptenchholing Monestary or go to another Everest view point

It would be possible to spend the entire day soaking in the views from Junbesi, but we highly recommend making the small detour up to Thuptenchholing Monestary. Perched high up the valley, this is one of the largest monestaries in Nepal, home to mostly female monks. It is possible to visit the kitchens and look into the interior sections of the buildlings. It’s a fascinating place visit, and the monks are warm, welcoming and friendly.

Another alternative is to take a 2-3 hour walk through forest, where you reach an incredibly high perched ridgeline. Look down and the valley floor is far, far beneath you, but if you look ahead you’ll be treated to spectacular views of Mt Everest and Ama Dablam. It is possible to walk along this ridgeline for hours, and is a highly rewarding outing.

If you’re feeling energetic, it would be possible to do both of these walks in one day!

Day 8: Trek from Junbesi to Salleri (2,379m)

Congratulations all around as we end our trekking adventure with a relaxed trek back to Salleri, where we can enjoy some celebratory drinks over dinner and remember the highlights of the trek.

Day 9: Drive from Salleri to Kathmandu

We’ll be saying good bye to the Himalayas and making the return journey to Kathmandu. The route takes us out of the Solu Khumbu, across the mighty Sun Kosi river, with its origins hailing all the way from Tibet, hundreds of kilometres away and finally back to the main highway that takes us from the flatlands back into the Kathmandu Valley.