Pikey Peak Trek: Khumbu Foothills to Summit — 7 Days
Kathmandu to Junbesi via Pikey Peak (4,065m), passing Sherpa villages, rhododendron forests, and Thupten Choling Gompa
The Pikey Peak trek is a seven-day route through the lower Khumbu region of northeastern Nepal, connecting Kathmandu to the Solu Khumbu valley by road and foot. The route moves from Dhap Bazaar (2,850m) through the Sigane corridor to Jhapre, ascends to Pikey Base Camp (3,640m), and reaches the summit of Pikey Peak at 4,065m before descending to Junbesi (2,680m) and returning by road from Phaplu. At the summit, clear conditions reveal an arc of major Himalayan peaks — Everest, Kanchenjunga (8,586m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Manaslu (8,163m), and several peaks including Numbur Chuli, Thamserku, Kangtega, Gaurishankar, and Langtang. The trek crosses alpine coniferous and rhododendron forest, open yak-grazing grasslands, and traditional Sherpa settlements. A dedicated excursion on Day 5 visits Thupten Choling Gompa (2,920m), one of the more historically significant Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the Solu Khumbu region.
Best time to go: Spring and Autumn
Highlights
- Summit Pikey Peak at 4,065m with clear sightlines to Everest, Kanchenjunga (8,586m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Manaslu (8,163m), Numbur Chuli (6,959m), Thamserku (6,608m), and Gaurishankar (7,134m).
- Trek through rhododendron and alpine coniferous forest on the approach to Pikey Base Camp (3,640m), passing open grasslands where yak herders maintain seasonal cottages
- Visit Thupten Choling Gompa at 2,920m — a Tibetan Buddhist monastery above Junbesi, reached via suspension bridges over the Junbesi Khola and a trail through coniferous forest
- Pass through traditional Sherpa settlements including Jhapre, set in a deep valley with views toward Numbur Himal and Everest
- Drive alongside the Sunkoshi River on the 250km approach road from Kathmandu, passing terraced farmland, hill villages, and the roadside settlement of Ghurmi
- Cross the Sunkoshi River on suspension bridges during the approach and return legs of the route
- Overnight at Pikey Base Camp, where a cheese factory operates near the tea house accommodation at 3,640m
Day by day
1Kathmandu to Dhap Bazaar — Seven Hours Along the Sunkoshi RiverKathmandu to Dhap Bazaar · Dhap Bazaar · Sunkoshi River
The Pikey Peak trek begins with a seven-hour drive from Kathmandu to Dhap Bazaar (2,850m), covering 250km by private vehicle. The route winds alongside the Sunkoshi River, passing through Nepal's rural countryside—terraced farms, hill villages, and scattered settlements including Ghurmi. The landscape remains predominantly unsophisticated, with little infrastructure beyond small roadside communities. As the road climbs into the hills, views open across the valleys and agricultural terraces that define this region. By late afternoon, the terrain shifts noticeably: the quiet villages give way to the hectic markets of Dhap Bazaar itself, marking both the day's destination and the trailhead for tomorrow's trek. You'll spend the night in a tea house or lodge in town.
2Dhap Bazaar to Jhapre — First Steps on the Pikey Peak TrekDhap Bazaar · Jhapre · Dhap Bazaar to Jhapre via Sigane
The Pikey Peak trek officially begins at Dhap Bazaar. From here, the route heads toward Jhapre (2,815m) via Sigane, a 13km walk that takes approximately four hours. This opening day establishes our pace and acclimatization before the higher altitudes ahead.
The trail follows a mix of established paths and sections under active construction—typical of the remote valleys in this region. As elevation gradually increases, the landscape shifts from lower hillsides toward deeper terrain. Jhapre itself sits in a pronounced valley, ringed by steep ridgelines that frame distant views of Numbur Himal and Everest to the north.
The village centers around a monastery, a landmark that has long served as a natural stopping point for trekkers. Accommodation is in a tea house or lodge within the settlement. The deep valley location means temperatures can drop noticeably after sunset, so settling in early allows time to adjust and prepare for the days ahead.
3Jhapre to Pikey Base Camp — 15km Ascent Through Rhododendron Forest and Yak PastureJhapre to Pikey Base Camp · Pikey Base Camp · Bhulbhule · rhododendron forest of Lhamuje · beneath Taklung Danda · grassland with yak herders' cottages
The day's route ascends from Jhapre to Pikey Base Camp (3,640m), covering 15km over approximately five hours. The trail climbs first to the grassy ridge at Bhulbhule, where a single lodge offers views toward Everest. At Bhulbhule, the path forks; the Pikey Peak route takes the branch that ascends steadily from this point. The trail passes through the rhododendron forest of Lhamuje and through several small villages before opening onto a broad grassland where yaks graze. A lengthy Mani wall and the abandoned cottages of yak herders mark the upper section of this open ground. The route then curves beneath Taklung Danda before re-entering rhododendron forest for the final two hours to base camp. Pikey Base Camp sits at 3,640m and includes a functioning cheese factory alongside tea house accommodation.
4Pikey Base Camp to Junbesi via Pikey Peak Summit (4,065m) — 22km Descent Through Lamjura LaJunbesi · Pikey Peak summit · Lamjura La to Junbesi
This is the longest day of the trek — 22km over approximately six hours — and includes the ascent to Pikey Peak summit at 4,065m. The group departs before dawn to reach the summit at or near sunrise. The approach from base camp follows a steep, rocky ridgeline before a short final climb to the top. From the summit, unobstructed views extend across a wide arc of the Himalayan range: Everest, Kanchenjunga (8,586m), Manaslu (8,163m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Langtang (7,246m), Gaurishankar (7,134m), Dorje Lakpa (6,966m), Numbur Chuli (6,959m), Khatang (6,853m), Kangtega (6,685m), and Thamserku (6,608m) are all visible in clear conditions. After the summit, the route descends via Lamjura La to Junbesi (2,680m), where accommodation is in a tea house or lodge.
5Junbesi: Excursion to Thupten Choling Gompa at 2,920m — 9km Round TripJunbesi · Thupten Choling Gompa · Junbesi area · Junbesi Khola · monastery grounds
The day is spent in the Junbesi area with a return excursion to Thupten Choling Gompa, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery situated at approximately 2,920m — slightly above the village. The trail follows a path uphill alongside the Junbesi Khola, passing through coniferous forest with streams and small waterfalls. The route crosses the river on a suspension bridge and passes a large chorten (stupa) surrounded by stone carvings before the final approach to the monastery grounds, which begin at around 3,000m. Thupten Choling Gompa holds considerable significance in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition of the Khumbu region. The total walking distance is 9km over approximately four hours. The group returns to Junbesi for a second night at the tea house or lodge.
6Junbesi to Phaplu — Final Trek Along the Junbesi KholaJunbesi to Phaplu · Phaplu · Junbesi Khola · steel suspension bridge · Beni Ghat
We resume our journey after breakfast, completing the final leg of the Pikey Peak trek with a 11km descent to Phaplu (2,380m), taking approximately four hours. The trail winds through scenic terrain, crossing a steel suspension bridge before following a dusty track that descends alongside the Junbesi Khola. Along the way, we pass Beni Ghat, a lovely location that marks the approach to our destination. The descent offers views across the river valley as we make our way to Phaplu for the night. Accommodation is provided in a tea house or lodge at 2,380 meters.
7Phaplu to Kathmandu by Private VehiclePhaplu to Kathmandu · Hotel Altitude
A nine-hour drive brings you back to Kathmandu, covering 265 kilometres through changing terrain. The route climbs through Solukhumbu's uphill sections before descending to the Sunkoshi River, passing through Okhaldhunga. From there, the road heads west and joins the BP Highway for the final approach to the capital. You'll arrive at Hotel Altitude (1,400m) in Kathmandu, where you'll be transferred to your accommodation. This marks the conclusion of your seven-day Pikey Peak trek.
Included
- Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) including a cup of tea/coffee.
- Trekking Lodge (Tea House) accommodations throughout the trek.
- All necessary permits and paper works.
- Private Jeep from Kathmandu to Dhap and Kathmandu from Phaplu.
- A highly experience, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, well English speaking well trained, Government License holder guide With all his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance.
- Strong, helpful porters with proper equipment (1 porter= two people). with all his salary, food, drinks, accommodation and insurance.
- Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
- Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service which will be paid by your Travel insurance company.
- Use of sleeping bag, down Jacket and walking Poles (if you don’t have your own, To be return after trip completed). Using these 3 items you pay $10 USD each as maintenance and washing charge
- Nepal Eco Adventure T-shirt cap cap and duffel bag.
- Pike Peak route map.
- Oxymeter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS) symptoms)
- Assistant guide group size above 6+ person.
Not included
- Airport pick-up and drop for international flight arrival and departure.
- Accommodation and meals whilst you are in Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee $50 USD for 30 days visa on arrival.
- Your Travel insurance.
- International airfare.
- Your personal expenses.
- Water, any fizzy drinks extra tea coffer and desserts, snacks.
- Hot shower, battery charging, use of WIFI.
- Tips for the guide, porter and driver (highly expected)
Activities: WALKING, HIKING, TREKING