Mountain Trek / Everest Region / Nepal Pikey Peak Express TrekNext tentative Date: Available as a Private Trek on a date of your preference.
The Pikey Peak Express Trek is a brief yet rewarding journey through the lower Solukhumbu region, offering mountain views, cultural immersion, and exploration of the famous Thupten Choling Monastery |
The Pikey Peak Express Trek offers a quick yet immersive journey into the diverse beauty of the lower Everest region. Instead of following the classic itinerary of the Pikey Peak Trek, this trek starts from a drive from Kathmandu to the village of Singane instead of driving to Pattale. The trek takes you through vibrant rhododendron forests, terraced farmlands, and alpine meadows, with the majestic peaks of Everest, Numbur, Lhotse and Gaurishankar in the distance. The local Sherpa culture comes alive in the charming villages of Jhapre and Junbesi, where you’ll experience warm hospitality and explore ancient Buddhist monasteries like Thupten Choling. As you ascend to Pikey Peak, you’re rewarded with one of the most spectacular sunrise views over the Himalayas, often considered the best in the region. Wildlife such as Himalayan tahrs and colorful pheasants add to the richness of the experience, while the well-maintained trails offer a perfect blend of challenge and reward. This trek is ideal for those seeking a combination of breathtaking landscapes, cultural immersion, and spiritual exploration in a short timeframe.
Thrilling Summit Experience: Achieve the exhilarating summit of Pikey Peak, where you’ll be rewarded with arguably the best panoramic views of the Himalayas, making the ascent a memorable highlight of the trek. | |
Spectacular Himalayan Views: Witness breathtaking panoramic vistas of the world’s tallest peaks, including Everest, Numbur, Lhotse and Gaurishankar, with a particularly stunning sunrise view from the summit of Pikey Peak. | |
Rich Cultural Immersion: Dive into the vibrant Sherpa culture and Tibetan Buddhist traditions by visiting traditional villages like Junbesi and exploring significant cultural sites, such as the ancient Thupten Choling Monastery. | |
Warm Sherpa Hospitality: Experience the friendly and welcoming nature of the Sherpa people, renowned for their warmth, resilience, and deep-rooted spiritual practices, enriching your trek with authentic local interactions. | |
Unique Wildlife Encounters: Spot diverse Himalayan wildlife including yaks, Himalayan tahrs, and colorful pheasants as you traverse through varied landscapes, from lush forests to high-altitude meadows. | |
Diverse and Scenic Trails: Hike through a range of picturesque terrains, including vibrant rhododendron forests, terraced agricultural lands, and serene alpine pastures, providing a constantly changing and visually captivating journey. | |
Comprehensive Trek Experience: Enjoy a well-rounded trekking adventure that combines stunning landscapes, cultural exploration, and wildlife spotting, all within a short but immersive journey through the Himalayas. |
Anybody with basic hiking experience and an active lifestyle can opt for the Pikey Peak Express Trek. For the most part, the gradient of the trail is fairly levelled with some gradual uphill except one day, where you will experience a mix of uphills and steep downhill stretching over hours. The highest elevation you will reach is Pikey Peak (4,065M / 13,337Ft), making the risk of altitude sickness very low. We maintain a very comfortable hiking pace throughout the trek.
The accommodation on the first few days is at basic mountain lodges. For a safe and fun experience, there will be experienced trekking guide and porters (carrying your luggage) accompanying you.
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JanFebMarAprMayJun
JulAugSepOctNovDec
Spring is one of the best times to trek in the region with gorgeous mountain vistas. The weather is blissful, and the trails are adorned with vibrant rhododendron flowers from mid-March onwards. The skies are sunny, clear, and the days are warm. The average daytime temperature ranges between 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) and drops lower at night. There are chances of occasional downpours and flight cancellations towards the end of May, so make sure to carry rain gear. Trails could be crowded as it is a busy time of the year.
Monsoon brings mysticism to the region, with dramatic clouds and wildflowers in the meadowy rolling hills. The trails will be slippery and have leeches, but trekking during June and September is very pleasant. Visibility can be compromised, and mountain views are not guaranteed. The average daytime temperature ranges between 12°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) and drops lower at night. The roads leading up to the trailhead can sometimes be affected by landslides and rockfalls (but are generally cleared fast). Flights may be irregular.
Fall is the absolute best time to trek. The skies are clear blue, and mountains grace their glorious presence on the horizon. Trekking in these months is perfect as the days are warm and sunny, and the nights are cold. The average daytime temperature ranges between 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) and drops lower at night. The trails will be busy with flocking trekkers, and so will the lodges.
Winter in the region is pretty cold, but trekking in the region from December to mid-January is extremely rewarding with great views of the snowcapped mountains. The average daytime temperature ranges between 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F) and drops at night. You will come across freezing temperatures in some parts. We take caution during some parts as there can be snowy patches atop Pikey Peak. Only a few lodges will be open during January and February.
Group Size | Price per person* |
3 people | USD 720 |
4- 7 people | USD 600 |
8 and above | USD 550 |
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Valid until Dec 31st, 2024
Day 1 |
Kathmandu - Singane |
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Day 2 |
Jhapre - Pikey Peak Base Camp |
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Day 3 |
Pikey Peak Base Camp - Pikey Peak - Junbesi |
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Day 4 |
Junbesi [Exploration to Thupten Choling Monastery] |
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Day 5 |
Junbesi - Kathmandu |
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Day 1 |
Kathmandu - Singane |
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Drive from Kathmandu to Singane 8 to 9 hrs Set off to Pattale on an eight-hour-long scenic drive along the winding hilly roads east of Kathmandu. You will witness tiny villages nestled in the hills as well as the modernizing highway cities on this journey that constantly follows a river. We make multiple stops on the way for lunch, tea, and restroom. Our stop for the night is Pattle, a tiny village that offers a range of mountains on the horizon. |
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Trek from Singane to Jhapre 2 to 2.5 hrs We start walking after getting dropped off at Dhap, and the sights of the mountains stay with us throughout. Jhapre is another lovely place with views of rolling valleys and mountains that start appearing closer. |
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Day 2 |
Jhapre - Pikey Peak Base Camp |
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Trek from Jhapre to Pikey Peak Base Camp 5 to 6 hrs The walk takes us above the treeline today, and in a wide prairie-like landscape, the panorama starts getting more dramatic. As we gain more elevation, we get 360-degree view of the mountains on one side and layers of hills on the other. It can get quite windy so have a windcheater handy. We check into a hotel at Pikey Peak Base Camp and have some hot food. Although we'll be going to Pikey Peak the following morning for sunrise, you may choose to either take rest for the day today or make it up to Pikey Peak in late afternoon to watch the sunset over the mountains. |
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Day 3 |
Pikey Peak Base Camp - Pikey Peak - Junbesi |
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Trek from Pikey Peak Base Camp to Junbesi, via Pikey Peak 7 to 8 hrs We set off to Pikey Peak early morning before dawn to catch the changing colors and sunrise over Khumbu mountains. Besides Everest, you can see other giant mountain ranges like Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Manaslu and Annapurna. After photo ops and catching final glimpses from Pikey Peak, we walk down to Jasmane Bhanjyang where we have a hearty breakfast, then on to the gorgeous monastery town of Junbesi through lush jungle. |
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Day 4 |
Junbesi [Exploration to Thupten Choling Monastery] |
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Explore Junbesi and hike to Thupten Choling 3 to 3.5 hrs Junbesi has a lot to offer. We explore this picturesque town of Junbesi and visit the biggest and oldest monastery of Solu- Thupten Choling. We spend some time in peace and make our way back to Junbesi for lunch. |
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Day 5 |
Junbesi - Kathmandu |
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Drive from Junbesi to Kathmandu 9 to 10 hrs We have an early breakfast in Junbesi before driving back to Kathmandu. |
Meals Included: Breakfast
Mountain Lodge |
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Mountain lodges are the basic accommodation set up by locals to cater to trekkers in the trails. The common features across all lodges are standard rooms, a spacious and heated dining hall, and a restaurant with a menu. The rooms in mountain lodges generally have two or three twin beds with a mattress and blanket. If you are used to sleeping warm, we highly recommend bringing your own sleeping bag and liner. Other amenities could be a table, hanger, and dustbin but do not expect to have charging ports and attached toilets in the rooms. Moreover, it is mandatory to have meals in the facility you’re staying at.
• | Shared Toilet |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Mountain Views |
Mountain Lodge |
X Close Accommodation Popup
X Close Popup
Mountain lodges are the basic accommodation set up by locals to cater to trekkers in the trails. The common features across all lodges are standard rooms, a spacious and heated dining hall, and a restaurant with a menu. The rooms in mountain lodges generally have two or three twin beds with a mattress and blanket. If you are used to sleeping warm, we highly recommend bringing your own sleeping bag and liner. Other amenities could be a table, hanger, and dustbin but do not expect to have charging ports and attached toilets in the rooms. Moreover, it is mandatory to have meals in the facility you’re staying at.
• | Shared Toilet |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Mountain Views |
Mountain Lodge |
X Close Accommodation Popup
X Close Popup
Mountain lodges are the basic accommodation set up by locals to cater to trekkers in the trails. The common features across all lodges are standard rooms, a spacious and heated dining hall, and a restaurant with a menu. The rooms in mountain lodges generally have two or three twin beds with a mattress and blanket. If you are used to sleeping warm, we highly recommend bringing your own sleeping bag and liner. Other amenities could be a table, hanger, and dustbin but do not expect to have charging ports and attached toilets in the rooms. Moreover, it is mandatory to have meals in the facility you’re staying at.
• | Shared Toilet |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Mountain Views |
Mountain Lodge |
X Close Accommodation Popup
X Close Popup
Mountain lodges are the basic accommodation set up by locals to cater to trekkers in the trails. The common features across all lodges are standard rooms, a spacious and heated dining hall, and a restaurant with a menu. The rooms in mountain lodges generally have two or three twin beds with a mattress and blanket. If you are used to sleeping warm, we highly recommend bringing your own sleeping bag and liner. Other amenities could be a table, hanger, and dustbin but do not expect to have charging ports and attached toilets in the rooms. Moreover, it is mandatory to have meals in the facility you’re staying at.
• | Shared Toilet |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Mountain Views |
For those short on time or looking to add an exhilarating experience of flying over the majestic Himalayas, you have the option to charter a private helicopter on the way down. Inquire for prices and options!
Group Size | Price per person* |
3 people | USD 720 |
4- 7 people | USD 600 |
8 and above | USD 550 |
Valid until Dec 31st, 2024
Important
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What are mountain lodges?
Mountain lodges are the basic accommodation set up by locals to cater to trekkers in the trails. The common features across all lodges are standard rooms, a spacious and heated dining hall, and a restaurant with a menu. The rooms in mountain lodges generally have two or three twin beds with a mattress and blanket. If you are used to sleeping warm, we highly recommend bringing your own sleeping bag and liner. Other amenities could be a table, hanger, and dustbin but do not expect to have charging ports and attached toilets in the rooms. Moreover, it is mandatory to have meals in the facility you’re staying at. Read More » |
What are mountain lodges? |
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We take altitude sickness very seriously and all our itineraries are designed to go on a slow pace, covering short distances as we go higher. With the increase in every thousand meters, we stay an extra night at the same stop or place with a similar elevation to acclimatize our bodies to the altitude.
During the trek, we will also take precautions by staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol consumption, and going for acclimatization hikes as needed. Our guide will check your vitals with oximeter every evening during the trek so we know how your body is reacting to the changing elevation. If you see any symptoms of AMS or have a headache, please contact our guide immediately. In most cases, mild headaches can be tackled with food, hydration and rest. We don’t recommend diamox (pills for altitude sickness) but you can take it as precaution starting a day or two before the trek if you are coming from sea level.
Our guide will have a well-equipped first-aid kit at all times. Please go through our equipment and medical checklist for better preparedness as the common problems like foot blisters and knee pain can be tackled with proper packing. If you have any pre-existing health conditions, kindly let us know when booking.
Pack your passport, flight tickets, phone, wallet, camera equipment, cash, and all your valuables in your day pack or waist belt. Please don’t bring or carry expensive items like jewellery etc or a large sum of cash while travelling for security reasons.
Buying and renting gears – Kathmandu has a lot of gear shops. If you happen to miss anything, you can buy them at Thamel before your trek. Items like a sleeping bag can be rented in Kathmandu for about USD 1 a day
What not to carry – Oxygen cylinders, drones and satellite phones without permission, and sharp items like nail clippers and scissors, etc., can be confiscated at the airport.
• | Hiking Boots with a good grip |
• | Rain gear (for you and your bag) |
• | Comfortable hiking pants |
• | Quick dry, breathable T-shirts |
• | Windproof Jacket |
• | Sleepwear |
• | Trekking Socks (thick) |
• | Underwear |
• | Neck buff/ gaiter |
• | Sun hat/cap |
• | Downjacket |
• | Thermals (top and bottom) |
• | Fleece jacket |
• | Sleeping bag |
• | Sleeping bag liner |
• | Gloves |
• | Woolen hat/beanie |
• | Day bag |
• | Duffel bag (for porter) |
• | Quick dry towel |
• | Extra pair of shoes (preferably, slip-ons) |
• | Water bottle or camel bladder (1.5 litres). |
• | LifeStraw filter or purification tablets |
• | Flask (for hot water) |
• | Walking Poles |
• | Sunglasses (Polarized, with good UV protection) |
• | Locks for your backpack/luggage |
• | Waist belt |
• | A pair of binoculars |
• | Trail snacks and energy bars |
• | Head lamp (with extra batteries) |
• | Camera with charger and extra batteries |
• | Phone with charger |
• | Power bank |
• | Travel adapter (type C, D and M) |
• | Sunscreen (SPF 30 or above) |
• | Sanitizer |
• | Wet wipes |
• | Toiletries (incl toilet papers, soap, etc) |
• | Personal first aid kit |
• | Rehydration salts/tablets |
• | Throat lozenges |
• | Prescription Medications |
• | Lipbalm (SPF 30 or above) |
• | Passport with visa |
• | A copy of Work ID (for expats) |
• | A copy of Insurance papers |
• | Permits (carried by guide) |
• | Flight tickets (carried by guide) |
• | Money |
• | Credit Card |
The overall baggage limit is 15kgs (33lbs) per passenger, a policy set by the airlines for mountain flights. Excess weight is allowed at an additional expense. However, we recommend not exceeding this weight limit as it should be sufficient for the trek.
During the trek, porters are assigned to carry your bags. One porter carries the luggage of two trekkers in a big duffel bag that the company provides. The maximum weight carried by one porter is 25kgs (55lbs). This means you will pack two bags for your trek: a day bag for yourself and a softshell duffel that goes inside the porter’s bag.
A duffel bag is your pack that goes inside the porter’s bag. You can also go for a backpack as long as it is soft-shelled and easy to squeeze in. Each duffel bag can be no more than 75 liters & 10-12 kg per person or 150 liters & 20-25 kg for two people. Everything that you will not need during the walking hours of the day will go in a duffel bag. Do not put your valuables in it, as well as any items like cameras/laptops with a risk of getting crushed.
A day bag is your backpack that you will carry during the trek. Anything that you will need during the day, like rain gear, a warm layer, a water bottle, sunscreen, basic toiletries, your phone, and camera, money, important documents, a pair of gloves, a hat, and a few snacks, goes in this bag. A 35-50 liters bag & 5-6 kgs is your ideal daypack. It is advised to buy a good quality bag with adjustable waist straps, as good load distribution makes all the difference while trekking.
Please print and fill up the Booking Form. It’s pretty simple and short, please let us know if we can help you with it.
We’ll send terms and conditions, along with payment details. To confirm your spot, please pay 50% of the trip cost in advance.
Note: Full payment to be made at least 7 days before trip departure.
A few days before the trip, the lead guide will host a small briefing to discuss logistics and safety matters, and also answer any questions you have.
Do some light training and set your gears. Then off to the mountains we go!
Experience the quintessential Nepali countryside - green terraced fields, deep valleys, high snowcapped Himalayas, lush forests, grazing cattle, ancient temples, great food and cheeky smiles - all the while trudging on mighty fine trails!
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