based on 1 reviewIf you have Everest-sized dreams, but not an Everest-sized budget or timeframe, consider this less-discovered, but equally exciting trek. The newly introduced Pikey Peak Trek in the lower Everest (Khumbu) region provides an interesting alternative to the crowded Everest trail. You’ll enjoy the best of Sherpa culture – missing somewhat from the commercialized Everest experience – and the same stunning Himalayan scenery. You’ll glimpse some of the most popular peaks –Everest, Dhaulagiri, Kanchenjunga, and Makalu – while making your way through authentic Sherpa villages and touring peaceful monasteries.
Nepal Trekking Experts (NTE) recommends an eight-day itinerary, but we can accommodate a shorter schedule for experienced hikers who are extremely fit. The longer time frame allows for an unhurried tour visiting some rustic Buddhist monasteries, gompas, and stupas. It also minimizes the risk of AMS by limiting the daily gain in altitude. Why not spend the extra time enjoying the lush forests of rhododendron, oak, and pine, rolling hills and pastures, and cascading waterfalls, as well as hiking through pristine, ridgetop villages surrounded by terraced fields?
The name Pikey is derived from a local Sherpa Clan deity. It represents the sky over nature. The peak itself may be the very best from which to view mighty Everest — Well, at least Sir Edmund Hilary thought so. The Pikey Peak Trek to this 4,067 meter from the sea level is easy to access and gives you the flexibility of driving or flying to the trailhead.
In addition, you may also choose classic Everest View Trek, Everest Base Camp Trek, Gokyo Valley Trek, challenging Everest Three High Passes Trek, Short Everest base camp trek, and many more awesome packages.
Accommodation on Pikey Peak Trek
Tea house hotels are plentiful within the infamous Everest Region of Nepal, with a range of quality available to you depending on your preference and needs. At lower elevations, you can choose more fully equipped tea houses with electricity, wifi, and en suite bathrooms with hot showers and western toilets. There are also more rustic, basic tea houses available, especially at higher elevations, that have simple rooms and basic services. Bathrooms might be shared and have a squat-style toilet. At these tea houses, you can pay a small fee for services such as wifi and hot showers. We provide you with a clean, -20°C sleeping bag to keep you cozy and warm.
Food on Pikey Peak Trek
Food in the Everest Region of Nepal is delicious and plentiful. Along the well-loved and well-traveled route to Lower Everest Region, there are many tea houses offering a range of options to suit your preferences.
- Breakfast - You can enjoy local chapati bread or Tibetan bread with curry or go for more familiar eggs, porridge, muesli, or pancakes. This trek is vegetarian and vegan-friendly, but if you have any other dietary restrictions, you can let us know, and your guide will communicate with the kitchen staff.
- Lunch & Dinner - You can choose from a variety of local dishes, including Dal Bhat (rice, vegetable curry, and lentil soup with unlimited refills!), fried rice or noodles, Mo Mo (local dumplings), Thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup), spring rolls, or western dishes like burgers, pasta, pizza, and potatoes.
Your package with Nepal Trekking Experts includes dinner in Kathmandu before you leave for your trek and three meals a day (with tea or coffee) every day of the trek, including travel days. If you'd like, you can purchase extra snacks, desserts, or fancy coffees when they're available.
Pikey Peak Trekking Permits
When trekking with Nepal Trekking Experts, the permit fees are included in your package. Your guide will require your passport to obtain the required permits on your behalf.
- TIMS Card: The TIMS Card costs NPR 2000 per person and will be organized by local agencies.
- Gauri Shanker Conservation Area Entry Permit: This permit can be obtained in Kathmandu at the Nepal Tourism Board Office or during the hike. It costs NPR 3000 per person.
Telephone
Most tea houses have phone service and mobile reception; however, due to the nature of being in the mountains, it can be unpredictable. If you would like, you can purchase a data SIM card in Kathmandu before you depart. NCELL is a recommended provider that offers 3G internet services in the Everest region.
Internet
Many tea houses have wifi to purchase for around 3 dollars per day, which is paid in local Nepali rupees. Please be aware that internet services may not be completely reliable due to weather and other issues.
Battery Charging
Despite trekking deep into the Himalayas, most of the tea houses have either electricity or solar power. Depending on the tea house, you might be able to charge your devices in your rooms. Otherwise, you can pay a few dollars (paid in local rupees) to charge your battery in the main dining hall. Carrying a power bank is recommended during your trek in the Everest region.
Transportation
All transportation fees and arrangements are included in your trekking package when you book with Nepal Trekking Experts. Flying in and out of Phaplu (the Pikey Peak Trek’s starting point) is appropriate for those who are short on time or simply want a shorter itinerary. For those with more time or on a stricter budget, you can take a scenic drive to Phaplu by jeep. The drive takes approximately eight hours (whether in a public or private vehicle), but that’s just a rule of thumb. Nepalese roads are not well maintained and may be quite bumpy. Services will be limited along the way.
Porter
Our tailor-made packages do not include a porter, so you can make the decision based on your own needs and preferences. Although not necessary, having a porter can make a massive difference in the enjoyment of your trek. If you are new to trekking at high altitudes, then we would recommend having a porter in the Everest region carry your bag. One porter carries the bags of two people (around 20kg) so that you can carry a small daypack. If you are undecided, we would be happy to discuss porters in more detail when you book your trek.
