Lower Solukhumbu Pikey Peak Trek-14 Days

Trip Facts

Duration 14 Days
Max. Altitude: 4,070m
Group size 4-14 pax persons
Best Season Mar, Apr, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
Trip Mode Lodge
Activity Trekking
DIFFICULTY Moderate
LOCATION Solukhumbu
Start/End Kathmandu, Nepal

Trip Highlights

  • Superb view of Everest without having to go too high or too far
  • Introductory trek requiring moderate fitness: a perfect family trek in Nepal
  • Introduction of the Sherpa people, their culture and way of life at Junbesi

Overview

The Pikey Peak Trek is an introductory trek in Nepal with panoramic mountain views without having to go too high or too far into the Everest region. Considered an off-the-beaten trail till a few years ago, the trek is now popular with both domestic and foreigners alike. The change in landscape as you enter the lower Khumbu region, beautiful views of snow-capped mountains, and a unique experience of the unique Sherpa culture are the highlights of the trek.

The Sherpa People

The Sherpa people had migrated to the high valleys south of Mt Everest from eastern Tibet about 450 years ago. Their Tibetan origins are reflected in their language, customs, and religion. The Sherpa people were the backbone of the first expeditions to the Himalayas as they were employed by the first mountaineers attempting to climb Mount Everest. It is from the courage and strength of these local people that the name ‘Sherpa’ has been collectively adopted and used to describe a climbing guide working across Nepal.

The Pikey trek is also a perfectly achievable family trek in Nepal. The route rises up to 4,070 m and requires moderate fitness. Hence, the chances of high-altitude fatigue and sickness are at bay. Plus, the monastery at Thupten Choling above the Junbesi village is a great way to learn about the hardships of mountain life. The luxuries of the modern world and comforts aren’t after all appreciated till one has truly seen other ways of life. Since Junbesi is Ang Tshering Sherpa’s hometown, his connection with his people is reflected throughout the trek.

Keep Walking Nepal welcome you on our 14-day Pikey Peak Trek program. We will introduce you to our country and way of life while you travel as part of our extended family. And, with over 24 years of experience in the travel industry, you can rest assured that you are in safe hands. Our trek guides call the mountains home and know the trails like the back of their hands.

Itinerary

Our representative will pick you up at Kathmandu International Airport and drive you to your hotel. Depending upon what time you arrive, you can enjoy a full day at leisure. In the evening, we will meet for a welcome dinner with Keep Walking Nepal family.

Look out for the KEEP WALKING NEPAL board behind the railing once you exit the airport terminal.

Accommodation Overnight at Hotel Tibet
Meal Dinner

You will embark on a guided tour of two UNESCO world heritage sites; Pashupatinath Temple, the temple devoted to Lord Shiva – the god of creation and destruction, and Boudhanath Stupa – a Buddhist shrine worshipped by Hindus & Buddhists alike.

In the afternoon, your trek guide will brief you about the upcoming days and preparation requirements.

Accommodation Overnight at Hotel Hotel
Meal Breakfast

The journey begins with an early morning drive on the newly-constructed B.P. Highway. The first half of the drive, on winding roads with its numerous hairpin turns, and views of paddy fields dotted with small rural houses along the Sunkoshi river, is an adventure in itself; a wonderful insight of what’s to come.

After lunch at Ghurmi (500m / 1640”), we drive across the Sunkoshi river and gradually climb the snaking mountain highway. The terrain changes dramatically; the road ledged on the side of a mountain formed by a deep gorge opens up to a plateau with clusters of small houses. At Changesthan Temple, near the border crossing to Solukhumbu, you will get the first glimpse of the Everest range in full panorama. A further 15 min away lies Pattale, the first major town in the region.

After a quick rest, we hike for about 2hrs, back & forth, to Pattale Danda (3,100m / 10170”), a scenic vantage point with beautiful views of the whole of Mahalangur range and get back on the road for about 30 minutes to Dhap.

Accommodation Overnight at local lodge
Meal B, L, D

The first day of the trek begins and you will start early!

You will bypass the usual motorable trail and instead pass through several small villages with gentle undulations. The trail is marked by lush green vegetation with wild orchids and beautiful rhododendron forests. At Japre, a small Sherpa village, magnificent view of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks awaits you; three eight-thousanders like Kanchenjunga in the Far East, Makalu and of course Mount Everest, the tallest of them, offer an incredible backdrop.

After some rest, you can visit the Buddhist monastery at Jhapre.

Accommodation Overnight at local lodge
Meal B, L, D

Today, you will hike above 3,500m.

The trek can be tiresome as you will climb more than 800m to sparse alpine vegetation. The initial portion of the trek (about 3 hours) is an easy hike on an undulating trail through dense pine and rhododendron forest.

After lunch at one of the many unused yak pastures, the trail moderately climbs later rising steeply along a long stretch of Manima through a rhododendron forest to Pikey Peak Camp at 3,640m.

It’s best to sleep early for a pre-dawn summit of Pikey Peak.

Accommodation Overnight at local lodge
Meal B, L, D

For the highlight of the trek to Pikey Peak, you sill start early. At predawn, after a light breakfast of a cup of tea or coffee, eggs, and some carbs, you will head-out into the dark just in time for the magnificent sunrise over the Himalayas.

With headlamps, you will tackle the steep 1.5hr hike through steep grass and pastureland up to the prayer flag-lined Pikey Peak summit where you will be rewarded with a fantastic sunrise and beautiful views of almost the whole Himalayan range; from Kanchenjunga in the east to Makalu, Lhotse, Mount Everest, the Dudh Kunda massif with its sacred mountains, Numbur, Khatang and Karyolung, Gauri Shankar, Langtang range all the way to Ganesh Himal.

After some rest and picture, you will trek down for about an hour to Jarse Bhanjyang, the last settlement before Taktor. Since, there are no water sources in between, packed lunch at a yak pasture with beautiful views of the mountains in the backdrop is the best option available.

The trail gently now descends as the elevation decreases and enter a dense rhododendron and pine forest lined with mani walls and stone chasms to the lodge at Jasmane Bhanjyang.

Accommodation Overnight at local lodge
Meal B, L, D

You will descend east into the Taktor Khola Valley where coniferous forest gives way to mixed terraced farmland on the lower slopes.

When flights to Lukla was still in its nascent stage, Taktor was frequented by trekkers on the original Everest highway. Even though trekkers now opt for a direct flight to/from Lukla, the original Everest Highway from Jiri with its rolling hills and rivers is more beautiful and better for acclimatization.

A further 1.5 hrs on a gentle descending trail will bring you to Junbesi, your stop for the night. Junbesi, a predominant Buddhist village, has 2 monasteries and, like most Sherpa villages in the Khumbu region, animal butchering is prohibited in the village.

Accommodation Overnight at local lodge
Meal B, L, D

Today, you will have the morning at leisure. After breakfast and some rest, you will visit the 17th century Tashi Thongmen monastery which houses a six meter tall statue of Lord Buddha along with the precious collections of sacred scriptures. You can also visit the Selo monastery which focuses more on teaching children Buddhism than practicing. The relatively new monastery has beautiful frescoes, and we can check out their libraries and classrooms as well.

After lunch, you will visit the Thupten Choling Monastery.

The trail passes through fields and houses, and trail gradually ascends into the cool shade of pine and rhododendron forest just above the Junbesi river. After crossing the river on a suspension bridge, the trail further gradually ascends all the way to Thupten Chöling Monastery, the largest in the region where almost 80% are Tibetan refugee monks and nuns.

Accommodation Overnight at local lodge
Meal B, L, D

Today is a rest and acclimatization day in Junbesi, a beautiful Sherpa village in the lower Solu region. The day is spent relaxing and adjusting to the altitude after several days of trekking. You may explore the village, visit the historic Junbesi Monastery, and interact with local people to learn about Sherpa culture and lifestyle. Short walks around the village and nearby hills are also recommended to keep the body active. This rest day helps prepare you for the higher elevations ahead while enjoying the peaceful mountain surroundings.

Accommodation Overnight at local lodge
Meal B, L, D

From Ringmo, you will drive on a dirt road to Phaplu along the scenic mountain road.

This is the last night with the full crew of porters and Sherpa guides, cook and kitchen and a time to celebrate with a meal together and distribute the tipping for them.

Accommodation Overnight at local lodge
Meal B, L, D

You will leave the mountains on an early morning flight to Kathmandu.

You will then drive to the historic city of Bhaktapur. The famed city is home to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a historic world heritage site.

 

Accommodation Overnight at Tibet Hotel
Meal Breakfast

In the morning, you will embark on a guided tour of the city.

We recommend you have lunch at Bhaktapur and indulge in exotic Newari dishes.

You will then drive to your hotel in Kathmandu for a full day at leisure.

Accommodation Overnight at Hotel Tibet
Meal Breakfast

You have the whole day at leisure to explore Kathmandu valley. This extra day also ensures a contingency plan, in case flights out of Phaplu are hampered due to inclement weather.

In the evening there will be a farewell dinner by Keep Walking Nepal to celebrate your achievements.

Accommodation Overnight at Hotel
Meal B, D

A KWN representative will accompany you to the Tribhuwan International Airport for your flight back home.

Meal Breakfast

Fixed Departure

Start Finish Availability Price
Sunday 12/03/2026 Friday 25/03/2026 Trip Status available Starting from $2955 Book Now
Sunday 09/04/2026 Friday 22/04/2026 Trip Status available Starting from $2955 Book Now
Friday 12/03/2027 Thursday 25/03/2027 Trip Status available Starting from $2955 Book Now
Friday 09/04/2027 Thursday 22/04/2027 Trip Status available Starting from $2955 Book Now

Cost Includes

  • All airport pick ups and drops
  • Half day Kathmandu sightseeing with tour guide
  • 4-night hotel in Tibet Kathmandu on BB
  • All local transportation as per as itinerary
  • Private Transportation: Kathmandu – Dhap on a 4wd
  • Airfare: Phaplu – Kathmandu airfare
  • Food and accommodation during the trek
  • All permits & entrance fees as per program (unless mentioned otherwise)
  • Sleeping Bag, Down jacket and Kit bag during the trek
  • Guide and porter
  • Staff insurance

Cost Excludes

  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara (except when mentioned)
  • Visa fee
  • Travel insurance
  • Any kind of alcoholic drinks, drinking water, cold drinks, laundry, phone call
  • Tips for guide, porter and driver

Equipment

Here is a list of what you might want to pack for the hike. Please take this as a starting point. You’ll need layers of warmer clothing during the winter. We provide a 75 liter duffel bag for you to use for the trek. It will be given to you during your pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu. The duffle bag is yours to keep. Also, you can rent sleeping bag and down jacket with us at the additional fee of USD 35 for each once you are in Kathmandu.

  General

  • All the ground transportation as per itinerary.
  • Welcome or fare well dinner in kathmandu.
  • 4 Seasons Sleeping Bag
  • Extra Batteries/Power Bank
  • Charger for Devices
  • Travel Adapter

  Body

  • Sun Hat or Scarf, Sunglasses, Headband
  • Light Balaclava or Warm Fleece Hat
  • Hiking Boots & Camp Shoes
  • Hiking pants & Fleece Pants
  • Wool Socks & Lightweight Inner Socks
  • Thermal Tops & T-Shirts
  • Gloves or Mittens

  Accessories

  • Headlamp & Water Bottles
  • First Aid Kit
  • Trekking Poles
  • Toiletries
  • Lip Balm & Earplugs
  • Water Purification Tablets
  • Dry Bags/Ziploc Bags

  Other Essentials

  • Passport
  • Extra copies of passport-sized photos
  • Towel with Personal Care Kit
  • Toilet paper (2 rolls)
  • Maps and Trail Guides
  • Camera with Extra Memory Cards
  • Wet Wipes/Baby Wipes

Map

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