Pikey Peak Trek [ Top to Bottom in Just 8 hrs ]

Pikey Peak is a short trek (5-7 days) with the best views of Mt. Everest.

The trek in the lower Everest region offers the magnificent panoramic views of the Himalayas including eight-thousanders like Everest (8,848.86 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), Makalu (8,463 m) and other mountains like Thamserku (6,608 m), Nuptse (7,861 m), Pumori (7,161 m), Kangtega (6,782 m), etc.

Having heard a lot about the trek, I have wanted to visit there for sometime.

And finally the day came and I went to the top of Pikey Peak (4065m,13333ft) to experience the majestic views which I dreamed of.

HOLY SMOKE! The view is far better than What I had imagined.

Why Pikey Peak Trek or Mountain Bike?

Some of the major reasons to choose Pikey Peak Trek are as follows

1. The trek is beginner friendly as it does not cross 4,200m altitude.
2. Best place to view the world’s highest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest in a short time (5-7 Days) as compared to Everest Base Camp Trek (11-13 Days).
3. Amazing Landscapes including green lush Rhododendron forests, pasture lands above tree-line and mountain ranges including eight-thousanders like Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga.
4. Magical Sunrise and Sunset with Golden Glow.
5. Less Crowded Trekking Route which does not require any permits.
6. Experience authentic Sherpa lifestyle, their villages and monasteries.

How to Get to Pikey Peak Trek Start Point?

The starting point of Pikey Peak Trek is Dhaap.

And to reach there you will have to take a road way via Khurkot and Okhaldhunga. 

You can either take a public vehicle or get a private vehicle.

On a Public Bus

Public Buses leave from Chabahill, Kathmandu in the early morning around 4:00 A.M.

And the fare is around Rs 1,500 per person.

On a Sumo (Jeep)

It also leaves early in the morning at around 4:00 A.M. but you need to buy the ticket the previous day from Chabahil Ticket Counter, Kathmandu.

And the fare is around Rs 2,000 per person. But the vehicle will come to your place to pick up.

I Got Lucky

I had to go to Ratnange, Phaplu, Solukhumbu to take Photos and Videos of Ratnange Enduro Mountain Biking Race. So I decided, If I’m going there then why not do a Pikey Peak trek after the end of the race.

Though I had also been at Ratnange for the same race last year, I couldn’t go to Pikey Peak as it was rainy and the top was covered with snow.

But this year, the timing was perfect as it was the beginning of spring and the time for Rhododendron to bloom.

I was daydreaming how beautiful the hills on the way to Pikey Peak would look while the national flower, Rhododendron, was blooming.

With the highest level of excitement we went to Ratnange, Solukhumbu, to capture the racing moments as well as the local lifestyle.

Then on the last day of the race we found out that guys from Pokhara (Pokhara Mountain Bike Adventures) were also coming to look at the trail of Pikey Peak.

And the guide was Laxmi Magar didi (And her company, Himalayan Action) with whom we came to Pikey Peak. 

Now our Pikey Peak group got bigger.

Initially it was a trekking plan for Me and Amir only.

In the evening of the Enduro Ratnange races last day, guys from Pokhara arrived with the Mountain Bikes loaded in the vehicle.

We all stayed the night at Phaplu and planned to leave Phaplu for Pikey Peak Biking/Trekking adventures early in the morning.

Day 1: To the Pikey Peak Base Camp

We woke up early in the morning at around 6:00 A.M. as we had planned to leave at around 7:00 in the morning.

While we’re getting ready, the hotel owner also woke up and prepared coffee for us. With coffee we had some biscuits and then loaded our bags on the back of the vehicle.

Then at around 9:00 we left Phaplu.

While we’re moving, one of our friends from Pokhara who was driving the vehicle told us that we need to add fuel in our vehicle.

So we started looking for a petrol pump in Salleri but unfortunately none of them had the fuel.

Due to remoteness, very few petrol tanks come here. So when you’re here, get your tank full whenever you can get the fuel.

Also when we’re there 2 years ago during the “Sea to Summit” project, we even had to buy petrol on black for our scooter as we didn’t get any at the official Petrol Pump (Gas Station).

The situation has not changed yet.

After roaming around Salleri Bazar for a while looking for an ATM machine to withdraw some cash, we continued our quest to find a Gas station.

Empty Petrol Pumps

Then one driving the vehicle told us that he had seen another petrol pump a little bit ahead. So we continued. When we reached the gas station (petrol pump), it was also empty. So we had to find another one.

Then he continued driving back to Salleri.

At first we thought he was going back to look for another Gas station (petrol pump).

But when we reached there, we found out that he thought we had to go on that route to reach Dhaap (Pikey Peak start point).

Foolishly, we all laughed and returned back from Salleri.

On the way back we again asked the last petrol pump about the situation of the oil.

And the owner told us that the petrol tanker was on the way and it would reach there within 15-20 mins.

Now we’re in a dilemma, whether to continue or wait for the gas. Then we decided to continue going and get the fuel wherever we’d find the next Gas Station (Petrol Pump).

After driving for around 10 mins towards Dhaap we met the Oil tanker that was supposed to give the fuel to the Gas Station (Petrol Pump).

So, we returned to the gas station again.

First the oil (gas) needed to be transferred to the Petrol Pump (Gas Station) and then only to the vehicles. So we had around 20 mins of leisure time.

Kiwi Farm for Snack

During that time we decided to have something to eat and started looking around. But unfortunately there wasn’t any place to have breakfast or snacks.

Luckily we saw a house with a board saying they sell Kiwi fruit.

So hurriedly we went there and asked for the fruit.

Then we bought some and started eating it on the spot.

By now our vehicle also got the fuel and we’re ready to continue our journey.

Trek Start Point, Dhaap

At around 12:00 we reached Dhaap (Trek start point) and looked for a place to have lunch. But the hotels told us that it could take around an hour to cook the meal.

So we decided to have lunch a little bit ahead in a place called Jhaprey enroute to Pikey Peak.

Then we continued our off-road journey from Dhaap.

Though the vehicle road was constructed, it was in the worst condition.

When it didn’t rain there would be ankle deep dust and when it rained all the road would be muddy, making it very difficult for trekkers.

Finally we reached Jhaprey and had lunch at Himalayan Lama Hotel as the lunch was already ready as ordered by Laxmi didi while we’re at Dhaap.

If we’re trekking from Dhaap, this place (Jhaprey) is supposed to be the day’s end.

But we’re on our own vehicle for Mountain Biking, so we decided to go on the vehicle as far as it can go.

So we continued our journey after having lunch.

Finally we reached our vehicle stop point, BhulBhule.

Pikey Peak Journey Begins

And officially started our hiking/biking journey at around 1:30 P.M.

At first the terrain looked so deserted like some places from Tibet or Mongolia (as we’ve seen on YouTube).

Though the ascend was not so steep, due to the vastness of the place, it took longer even when it looked closer.

We passed multiple Chhortens and stupas on the way capturing photos for Mountain Bike Tourism in Pikey Peak.

Amir and I were walking while others were on mountain bikes.

All of us walked slowly up the hill.

Since Amir had already been to Pikey Peak 2 years back, he started remembering memories from each place.

He even showed the pictures of the kids that he took.

Then we walked through the Rhododendron forest and imagined how beautiful it would look if it had bloomed.

From our childhood we had been taught that the national flower, Rhododendrons bloom during this time. But we had no idea about the altitude.

After coming here only we found out that Rhododendrons on higher altitudes (above 3,000m) bloom later than the lower altitude.

Anyway we continued walking through the forest and reached another flat land with stupas.

Now from here, we could see the Pikey Base Camp.

But before reaching the base camp, there was a very steep section to climb.

Photoshoot for Pikey Peak MTB Tour and Trek

So we decided to take a rest for a while at that place.

We took a group photo and videos for Tour promotion and then continued towards the base camp.

Now, we had to ascend a steep hill, so we walked slowly carrying our bags. And the others with mountain bikes were carrying it above their backpack.

Just looking at that scene I thought how strong you need to be to carry a double load (backpack plus mountain bike) at high altitude just to get down the hill on a mountain bike.

And with very few chances of rescue in case of emergency (there is no road and not at all places a helicopter can land, very little chances for Nepali to get rescued).

Anyway after an hour we climbed the hill and rested at the top for a while.

While climbing, Laxmi didi also saw something like a wild cat, but I couldn’t.

We talked about it trying to see it again, then rested for a while and continued our walk towards the base camp.

Now, the trail was less steep but we’re above 3,000m, so less oxygen.

We walked slowly towards our hotel and the rest of our friends moved ahead on a mountain bike.

Day Ends at Pikey Base Camp

At around 4:40 we reached our hotel, Peekey Tungna Baje Lodge & Restaurant.

The hotel was packed with foreign guests though it was just the start of the trekking season.

We booked the rooms and had some tea and biscuits, then decided to hike up the hill for a sunset view.

We also wanted to take a chance to gather as much footage as possible, so we took one mountain bike as well to shoot during the sunset.

The sun was almost setting, so we did not reach the top.

Just before the sunset, we captured some photos and videos and came down to the hotel as it was freezing outside.

While in the hotel, we shared our experiences, drank hot water and waited for lunch.

At around 7:30 our lunch was ready.

For our lunch we had Dal (lentil), Bhat (Rice), Potato, Soybean curry and omelet.

While having lunch, I saw a familiar face arriving at the hotel and after sometime I recognized him as Purvi Blues (Famous Nepali Travel YouTuber).

We greeted them and talked for some time and went to bed at around 9:30 as we had planned to hike to Pikey Peak for Sunrise.

Day 2: Pikey Peak to Kathmandu

At around 5:30, we woke up and then freshen up.

By then, all foreigners have left for the Pikey Peak for the sunrise view. They had started moving from 4 in the morning.

So, we’re the last ones.

Anyway, we had black coffee and biscuits and then moved towards the peak leaving our biking team behind.

While we’re half way The sun rose from behind the hills.

The view was really magical and the warmth of the sun made us stay in the sun for more.

We captured the view on our phones and cameras.

Now, while we’re there our biking team arrived with all three bikes.

Then we started shooting for the mountain biking tour during that golden hour.

While we’re taking photos and videos, the team from Purvi blues also arrived and curiously asked about the mountain bikes and the profession.

And Laxmi di answered their queries and also told about Nepal Cycling School and her athlete life.

Then we all climbed Pikey Peak slowly.

One of their team members also tried carrying the bike for some time.

The Aha Moment

On the top, we’re the only ones left. Everyone else had already climbed down towards Junbesi.

So we rested there for a while and started taking photos.

The weather was perfect, all the mountains were clearly seen from there, even Mt. Everest was clearly visible with snow.

At that moment I felt like I had done something better in past life to get to see the majestic view.

After staying there for a while and capturing moments, the team of Purvi Blues moved towards their destination.

And we also had some packed food (Chapati, Honey and Egg) brought by the biking team.

Then we also parted ways.

Our Biking team was taking another route via Loding to Salleri whereas we were walking down the same route we came yesterday.

Initially I also wanted to take the longer route via Junbesi, but the moment I found out that the Rhododendrons were not blooming and all the vegetation were dry (brown), I decided to come back later again and take the short route for this time.

So, for now our plan was to meet the biking team at Dhaap.

After the biking team left the peak from another route, we stayed and watched till they vanished in the hills and then we also hiked down to the base camp at around 11:00 A.M..

Barter: Photoshoot for Breakfast

In the hotel, the owner requested us to take the Photo and Video of the hotel so that he can use it on visiting cards and on social media.

So Amir flew the drone and took some photos and videos and transferred them to his phone.

In return, the owner prepared us a heavy breakfast.

For breakfast, he served us 2 chapatis, Omelet and 2 eggs each.

Private Tungna Performance

After having breakfast, he also invited his Father (the famous Tungna Baajey) to show his Tungna playing and singing.

We missed his performance the day before as he gives a performance to the guest everyday before going to bed.

We’re the luckiest ones to get the private performance.

We recorded the performance and planned to hike down to Dhaap.

At around 11:45 A.M. We left Pikey Base Camp trying to reach Dhaap in one day (usually it’s a 2 day trip).

It was a challenge for us.

Initially we thought we could cover the distance in around 3 hrs. And when asked by locals they said it could take around 5-6 hours.

We miscalculated as we came on a vehicle till 1.5 days worth hike.

Anyways we started walking down the hills it looked farther even though the next stopping point looked near.

On the way back we met some groups coming up the hills as well.

We’re happy to see the tourists visiting the place though it was not the peak season.

In Search of Foot Trails

While going down we tried to look for walking trails as much as possible to avoid the jeep track.

On the way down, Amir had some problems on his knees. He couldn’t bend his leg, so we walked down slowly.

We did not take short breaks on the way as it was already half a day and we’re not sure how long it would take us to reach Dhaap.

Finally at around 1:40, we reached Bhulbhule. There we decided to take a tea break for a moment.

There we met some guys from Germany and the Netherlands, we talked about the hike and how they feel about Nepal and they continued the journey to Pikey Peak.

Soon our tea arrived, while having tea Amir asked about the owner of the hotel and reminded them that he was there 2 years ago showing the pictures during that time.

After having tea and Refilling our water bottle, we continued our journey walking down at 2:00 P.M.

No Dal-Bhat, Uhh

After taking many shortcuts and walking slowly down the hill, we reached Jhaprey at around 3:20 P.M.

By now all our energy has gone and we are in desperate need of having the food.

As soon as we saw the village we walked towards the hotel.

There, on the way we saw a man smiling at us.

At first I thought he must be someone Amir had known.

So I greeted him and asked why he was smiling. Then he told us that he smiled looking at the condition of Amir’s leg as he was limping.

Then he asked where we came from and where we were going.

When we told that we came from the base camp and were trying to reach Dhaap the same day. He suggested we stay the night at Jhaprey as it could take another 3 hours on that condition.

But we told him that our vehicle was waiting at Dhaap, then he told us to bring the vehicle there, but it was not in our hands so we decided to walk.

At the hotel we asked whether we could have Dal-Bhat for lunch or not, then the owner replied that it was late for lunch and Dal-Bhat was not available.

So we decided to have Egg fried rice. We needed something to have more energy as we still didn’t know food for sure how long we had to walk ahead.

The Connection

While waiting for the food, we asked if we could get Wi-fi connection or not, then the owner connected our phone on her Wi-Fi and then we started checking our social media for a while in a long time.

By now we had also contacted the biking team and found out that they had already descended to Salleri and were on the way to Dhaap on their bike as the vehicle needed some maintenance.

And it would also take some time for them to reach Dhaap.

Then we had our lunch, Egg Fried Rice, boiled eggs and tea and then continued walking down at around 4:00 P.M.

The Part I Didn’t Like

As we started walking down the trails got dusty.

There were any walking trails. We had to walk on the dusty jeep trails till Dhaap.

Whenever we could get walking trails, we took it. But they were very few.

It’s the worst part for hikers and they recommend taking the vehicle if they can on Dhaap-Jhapre section.

At one time we tried to take a shortcut which seemed like it was not being used for a very long time.

Suddenly we came to an open place and it felt like a dead end.

Did we lose our way?

At the top I saw a temple-like structure and remembered it was a temple on the Jeep track.

So we decided to climb up to the temple, though there was no proper trail.

Just grabbing the bushes, dodging the thorny plants we reached to that place and it was the Jeep track as well.

But by now the sun was almost setting and there were black clouds all over the sky which meant it would get darker soon.

Dilemma

As we moved quickly ahead on the Jeep track we found 2 ways.

And didn’t know which one to take.

Amir would say the right one as we could see other roads in far hills.

But I said it’s the left one as the main road was at a higher altitude than the road we’re seeing.

Thus, we decided to wait for a while on the right jeep track.

Luckily 2 gentlemens were coming towards us and then we asked them for the way to Dhaap.

Then he told us that we’re on the wrong side. That jeep track would take us to a village called Jantar Khaani.

So we returned and took the Jeep track on the left side.

Till now Amir was saying that the trail should be flat by now, but we’re climbing the hills after hills.

Anyways we continued walking on the dusty Jeep track.

Now it was completely dark, not even a moonlight as it was covered by the clouds.

So, we continued walking slowly on the dark night.

Once Laxmi didi had called and asked how long it would take us to reach Dhaap and we told around 1 hour. 

They’re waiting at Dhaap and said the vehicle was in no good condition to travel off-road.

So we continued our hike slowly in the dark night.

The Miscalculation

But by now the 1 hour time limit has already passed and I started thinking that it would be quicker if they had come to receive us in a vehicle.

If not vehicle, just on bike and carry the bag as it was harder for Amir to carry the Camera gear bags with hurt knees. 

Now we received the call from the biking team. And when asked how long to reach Dhaap, we replied another 1.5 hours.

Then I continued walking slowly.

Soon we came to a place which was recognized by Amir and told us that we’re near our destination.

While walking on the road many thoughts came to my mind (Good as well as Bad thoughts) as it was dark and we’re exhausted from waking up in the morning.

Soon we heard some noises on the trail and found out that they’re our biking team.

Then they told us about the problem with the vehicle and also mentioned to us that we had to reach Okhaldhunga to repair it.

Then after 10 minutes, we reached Dhaap. I was so thirsty that I bought a bottle of water and drank it.

It was around 7:30 P.M. by now and if we had to reach Okhaldhunga then there was no point in resting at Dhaap.

So I told them to move as quickly as possible.

Exhausted and Hangry (Hungry + Angry)

By now, I was so exhausted that I just wanted to lay down in bed. And I’m sure that if I laid in a bed I would be in a deep sleep like a coma.

But unfortunately, we had to reach Okhaldhunga. So we moved slowly on a broken vehicle.

Near Okhaldhunga, we saw a workshop and asked whether they could fix it or not.

They told us to bring the vehicle and they would examine and tell us.

Then they said they would fix it but it would take some time.

So we decided to go have lunch at the hotel we ordered in Okhaldhunga.

Then we walked towards the hotel to have lunch. And at that time I found out that we’re not staying there but continuing the journey the whole night to reach Kathmandu.

So we had lunch there.

Surprise! The Journey Continues

And after lunch Amir asked whether we’re staying in that hotel or not as he was also exhausted and wanted to sleep.

But when he heard about continuing the journey he asked for a paracetamol which was in my bag.

Then waited for the vehicle to get repaired.

Now, while the vehicle was getting repaired, everyone had lunch and then the vehicle was also ready to move.

Then we continued our Journey.

Finally at around 5:30 in the morning we reached Kathmandu.

Then we went to our homes and the Pokhara Mountain Bike team continued traveling to Pokhara.

As soon as I reached home, I took a shower and slept.

This was the longest day of my life, and the most exhausting one.

Recommended Itinerary for Pikey Peak Trek or Mountain Biking

Here is the recommended Itinerary for Pikey Peak Trek

Day 1: Drive to Dhaap and Trek to Jhapre (if it’s private vehicle, drive to Jhapre)

Day 2: Trek to Pikey Base Camp and Enjoy the Sunset (Have Lunch at BhulBhule)

Day 3: Hike to Pikey Peak in the early morning (around 4:00) for a Sunrise and Golden Mountain Views. 

Note: Take a Pack Lunch if you’re taking a long route.

For a Short Route

Have Breakfast at Pikey Base Camp and Continue Walking Down to Dhaap. Lunch at Jhapre.

Day 4: Drive to Kathmandu

For a Long Route

Trek to Loding from Pikey Peak

Day 4: Hike to Junbesi and Visit Thubten Choling Monastery

Day 5: Trek to Phaplu

Day 6: Get a Bus (vehicle) to Kathmandu

Pikey Peak Trek FAQs

Pikey Peak Hiking Video by Nicholas Eager