Pikey Peak Ridge and Sherpa Trail
- 8 days
- strenuous
- Up to 12
- Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sep–Nov)
We invite you to join our eight-day trek in the lower Solukhumbu region, reaching the 4,065 m summit favored by Sir Edmund Hillary.
At a glance
Trip overview
We operate this eight-day journey through the lower Solukhumbu region to offer a quieter alternative to the busier Everest routes. Our path follows ridgelines, terraced fields, and yak pastures, keeping us away from heavy tourist traffic while immersing us directly in traditional Sherpa settlements.
This trek suits walkers who possess a good standard of physical fitness and want to experience high mountain panoramas without committing to extreme altitudes or technical climbing. Our highest point stands at 4,065 metres on the summit of Pikey Peak itself, which Sir Edmund Hillary famously named his favorite viewpoint in Nepal.
Along the way, our team guides you past ancient Buddhist monasteries, Mani walls, and apple orchards in villages like Ringmo and Junbesi. We navigate dirt tracks, stone steps, and rhododendron forests, staying in local teahouses run by Sherpa families.
We pace our days carefully to aid acclimatisation, starting with overland drives from Kathmandu to Okhaldhunga and onward to Dhap. Our return route winds down through pine woods before our final vehicular transfer back to the capital.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Pikey Peak Summit Sunrise
We climb to the 4,065 m vantage point before dawn to watch the sun rise over Everest, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga.
Sherpa Village Culture
We visit traditional settlements like Junbesi and Japre, interacting directly with local residents and monks.
Quiet Forest Trails
Our route takes us through undisturbed forests of pine and rhododendron, far from the main tourist corridors.
Off-the-Beaten Path
We explore less-traveled lower Solukhumbu ridges that offer a genuine rural trekking experience.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our airport representative meets our guests at Tribhuvan International Airport upon arrival and transfers them to our Kathmandu hotel. We spend the remainder of the day resting or organizing gear for the journey ahead.
Day 2
Kathmandu to Okhaldhunga
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Kathmandu to Okhaldhunga
Meals: B / L / D
We depart early along the B.P. Highway, following the Sunkoshi River through the winding mid-hills of Nepal. After an overland drive of seven to eight hours, we arrive in Okhaldhunga at 1,950 m and settle into our guesthouse.
Day 3
Drive to Dhap and Trek to Japre
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Drive to Dhap and Trek to Japre
Meals: B / L / D
Our morning transport takes us further along mountain tracks to Dhap, where we meet our porters and begin walking. The trail climbs gradually past Sigane, leading us through rhododendron woods and alpine ridges until we reach Japre at 2,920 m.
Day 4
Japre to Pikey Base Camp
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Japre to Pikey Base Camp
Meals: B / L / D
Today our route leads us across open landscapes and past old stone yak shelters. We navigate winding forest paths that bring us steadily higher toward Pikey Base Camp at 3,640 m.
Day 5
Pikey Peak Summit to Jase Bhanjyang
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Pikey Peak Summit to Jase Bhanjyang
Meals: B / L / D
We set out before daylight to reach the 4,065 m summit of Pikey Peak for sunrise views of the high Himalaya. Afterward, we descend along a steep forest ridgeline to reach Jase Bhanjyang.
Day 6
Jase Bhanjyang to Junbesi
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Jase Bhanjyang to Junbesi
Meals: B / L / D
Our trail drops sharply through pine and rhododendron woods down to Lamjura village before flattening out near Taktor. We cross suspension bridges and pass prayer walls on our approach to the Sherpa village of Junbesi at 2,675 m.
Day 7
Junbesi to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Junbesi to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
We bid farewell to the mountains this morning and board our vehicle for the long return drive back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel for a final evening.
Day 8
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 8
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our team provides an airport transfer in a private vehicle to Tribhuvan International Airport in time for your international flight home.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off in private vehicle
- Two nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Twin-share teahouse accommodation during the trek
- Full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) on trek
- Experienced English-speaking guide and porters
- Staff insurance, food, salary, and equipment
- Sagarmatha National Park permit and TIMS card
- Down jacket and sleeping bag for use on trek
Not included
- International airfare and Nepal entry visa
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude emergency evacuation
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Personal expenses such as hot showers, battery charging, and Wi-Fi
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & acclimatisation
Our highest overnight stop is Pikey Base Camp at 3,640 m, and our highest walking point is Pikey Peak at 4,065 m. We design our daily ascents to be gradual, allowing your body sufficient time to adjust to the diminishing oxygen levels without rushing.
Fitness expectations
We categorize this trek as easy to moderate, suitable for walkers with reasonable cardiovascular endurance. Expect daily walking durations of four to seven hours over uneven dirt tracks, stone steps, and occasional steep inclines.
Accommodation on trek
We accommodate our guests in twin-share local guesthouses and teahouses operated by resident families. Facilities are simple and communal, featuring basic wooden beds with foam mattresses and blankets.
Meals and drinking water
Our packages include full-board meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—prepared fresh in teahouse kitchens, featuring traditional dal bhat, noodles, and soups. We recommend carrying water purification tablets or a filter to treat local tap water.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy trekking bootsEssential
Footwear
Must be broken in prior to arrival to prevent blisters on rocky tracks.
Waterproof outer shell jacketEssential
Clothing
Essential protection against sudden mountain rain or wind.
Down jacketEssential
Clothing
Provided by us if needed; necessary for cold mornings above 3,000 m.
Sleeping bagEssential
Camping
Rated to -15 °C for unheated teahouse rooms.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms for cold nights.
Trekking poles
Camping
Highly recommended for knee protection during steep descents.
Headlamp with spare batteriesEssential
Safety
Required for our early morning pre-dawn summit climb to Pikey Peak.
Reusable water bottlesEssential
Safety
Two 1-litre bottles paired with purification tablets.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.TIMS Card
PermitTrekkers' Information Management System registration card managed for regional safety.
Sagarmatha National Park Permit
PermitRequired entry authorization for protected mountain zones in the Solukhumbu area.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How high do we climb on the Pikey Peak Trek?
Our maximum altitude is 4,065 metres at the summit of Pikey Peak, while our highest sleeping elevation is 3,640 metres at Pikey Base Camp.
Do I need prior trekking experience?
Prior high-altitude experience is not strictly required, though good physical fitness and regular cardiovascular conditioning will make your trek much more enjoyable.
What kind of accommodation should I expect?
We stay in local teahouses along the route. Rooms are basic, twin-share, and unheated, with shared bathroom facilities.
When is the best time of year to go?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the most stable weather, clear skies, and favorable mountain visibility.
Are permits included in the package?
Yes, we arrange your Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and TIMS card as part of our service.
How heavy is the pack I need to carry?
Our porters carry your main duffel bag, so you only need to carry a lightweight daypack containing your water, rain shell, and camera.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 8 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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