Pikey Peak Trek
Trip Duration
9 Days Days
Group Sizes
2-16 People People
Transportation
Drive/Walk
Destination
Pikey Peak Trek
Max. Altitude
4069
Nature of Trip
Trekking,Viewpoint
Best Season
Mar-May, Oct-Dec
Activities
- Trekking
- Sunrise Viewpoint
- Cultural
Difficulty
Moderate
Meals
- Teahouse Breakfast
- Teahouse Lunch
- Teahouse Dinner
Start & End Point
Kathmandu
Accommodation
- Teahouse
- Lodge
Overview of Pikey Peak Trek
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The Pikey Peak Trek climbs to Pikey Peak (4,069m) in the Solu-Khumbu region for what many claim is the finest panoramic view of Mount Everest and the entire eastern Himalayan chain available from a non-technical vantage point. Sir Edmund Hillary himself described the Pikey Peak sunrise view as one of his favourites. The trek begins with a drive to Salleri and traverses Sherpa and Rai villages through pristine rhododendron and oak forests well off the standard Everest Base Camp trail — making it perfect for trekkers seeking an authentic, uncrowded Khumbu experience.
- Summit Pikey Peak (4,069m) for a 360° panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Kanchenjunga
- Sir Edmund Hillary’s favourite Himalayan viewpoint
- Off the beaten path — minimal trekker traffic compared to EBC or Annapurna
- Beautiful rhododendron and oak forests at their best in spring (Mar–Apr)
- Authentic Sherpa and Rai village communities in Solu region
- Excellent acclimatisation option before tackling higher EBC or Island Peak routes
Itinerary of Pikey Peak Trek
Day 1: Drive Kathmandu to Salleri (2,373m)
Long but scenic drive through the Solu region to Salleri, the district headquarters of Solukhumbu. Overnight in guesthouse.
Duration
8-9 hrs Drive
Activity
Travel
Accommodation
Teahouse
Meals
L/D
Max Altitude
2373mDay 2: Salleri to Phaplu (2,470m)
Short acclimatisation walk to Phaplu. Visit the Chiwong Monastery — one of the most important gompas in the Solu region.
Duration
3-4 hrs
Activity
Trekking
Accommodation
Teahouse
Meals
B/L/D
Max Altitude
2470mDay 3: Phaplu to Junbesi (2,675m)
Classic Solu trail through rhododendron and pine forest. Junbesi is a beautiful large Sherpa village with a famous monastery.
Duration
4-5 hrs
Activity
Trekking
Accommodation
Teahouse
Meals
B/L/D
Max Altitude
2675mDay 4: Junbesi to Pikey Peak Base Camp (3,600m)
Ascend through dense rhododendron forest — spectacular in spring bloom. Camp or stay at a teahouse below the Pikey Peak summit.
Duration
5-6 hrs
Activity
Trekking
Accommodation
Teahouse
Meals
B/L/D
Max Altitude
3600mDay 5: Pikey Peak Summit (4,069m) — Descend to Jhapre (3,100m)
Pre-dawn start for the summit climb. At sunrise, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Kanchenjunga, Numbur, and the full eastern Himalayan chain spread across the horizon. Descend to Jhapre after breakfast.
Duration
4-5 hrs total
Activity
Trekking
Accommodation
Teahouse
Meals
B/L/D
Max Altitude
4069mDay 6: Jhapre to Salleri
Return trail through Rai and Sherpa villages back to Salleri for the return drive.
Duration
5-6 hrs
Activity
Trekking
Accommodation
Teahouse
Meals
B/L/D
Max Altitude
2373mDay 7: Drive Salleri to Kathmandu
Return drive to Kathmandu.
Duration
8-9 hrs Drive
Activity
Travel
Accommodation
Hotel
Meals
B
Max Altitude
1400mDay 8: Kathmandu Buffer / Leisure Day
Reserve day for drive delays or Kathmandu sightseeing.
Duration
Rest
Activity
Rest
Accommodation
Hotel
Meals
B
Max Altitude
1400mDay 9: Final Departure
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for departure.
Duration
Departure
Activity
Transfer
Accommodation
Hotel
Meals
B
Max Altitude
1400mIncludes/Excludes
What's included?
- 8 nights accommodation (1 hotel Kathmandu, 7 teahouse/lodge)
- All ground transport Kathmandu–Salleri–Kathmandu
- All meals on trek
- Licensed English-speaking guide and porter
- Solu-Khumbu Conservation Area permit and TIMS card
- First-aid kit
What's not included?
- International airfare and Nepal visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance (recommended)
- Personal gear and equipment
- Tips for guide and porter
- Beverages and personal snacks
Pikey Peak Trek Altitude Chart
Trip Information - Good to Know
Best Time
March–May for rhododendron blooms. October–December for clearest sky views. Winter (Dec–Feb) is cold but often crystal clear. Monsoon (Jun–Aug) not recommended.
Difficulty
Moderate. Maximum altitude 4,069m. Well-graded trails. Suitable for first-time trekkers with reasonable fitness.
Pre-dawn Summit
The Pikey Peak summit is reached before dawn for sunrise. Warm layers, a headlamp, and sturdy footwear are essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Pikey Peak considered one of the best viewpoints in Nepal?
The summit sits at the perfect elevation to see above foothills while remaining accessible without mountaineering skills. The unobstructed 360° horizon includes eight of the world’s highest peaks.
Did Sir Edmund Hillary really visit Pikey Peak?
Yes — Hillary frequented the Solu region during his later humanitarian work building schools and hospitals. He often cited the Pikey Peak sunrise as among his favourite views in all the Himalayas.
How does Pikey Peak compare to EBC as a trek?
Pikey Peak is shorter (9 days vs. 14+), lower, less crowded, and less expensive. The panoramic view from the summit is arguably superior to the EBC viewpoint which is hemmed in by the Khumbu valley walls.
Is the summit approach dangerous?
No — the trail to the summit is a well-graded hike on clear paths. The pre-dawn start means cold temperatures; good layers and a headlamp are essential but no technical skill is required.
Can I combine Pikey Peak with Everest Base Camp?
Yes — continue from Junbesi to Solu Khumbu and join the EBC trail at Phakding or Namche. Green Horizon Tours can arrange combined itineraries.
What is the rhododendron season?
March–April is peak rhododendron season in the Solu forests below Pikey Peak. Red, pink, and white rhododendrons bloom from 2,500m to the treeline.
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