Pikey Peak Trek

01

Welcome to Kathmandu!

Flying into Kathmandu, you’ll have views over the valley, the Himalayas, and the terraced fields below. After completing customs, a representative will be waiting to greet you outside the airport and guide you through the initial culture shock of Kathmandu’s narrow, winding streets to your hotel.

02

Drive from Kathmandu to Dhap

Today, you’ll be picked up in a private 4×4 and transferred to Dhap. The 7-hour journey starts early in the morning as you leave the hustle-bustle of the city, via Okhaldungha, and drive along the Sun Koshi river. You’ll later join the roaring big Koshi River until you reach Ghurmi, where you’ll stop for lunch.The drive then continues uphill as you head north through subtropical pine forests and dense rhododendrons, passing several countryside villages, beautiful landscapes, and valleys until reaching Dhap Bazaar. Take the afternoon and evening to explore this fascinating village with several local shops and get to know the villagers and their way of life. If the skies are clear, keep an eye out for awesome mountain views of Numbur Chuli, reminding you that you’re getting closer to the Himalayas.Accommodation: TeahouseMeals included: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerOvernight: Dhap

03

Trek from Dhap to Jhapre (9,235 feet / 2,815 m)

This morning after breakfast, you’ll start your trek by walking along a dusty road until you reach the village of Sigane. The trail then follows a road under construction for the first couple of hours until you reach the tiny village of Jhapre, perched above a deep valley with nice views of Everest and Himal. There is a pretty little Buddhist gompa and stupa here to check out and another nice viewpoint just north of the village. Or you can simply wander around Jhapre’s streets with a few teahouses, cafés, and shops.Trekking time: 4-5 hoursAccommodation: TeahouseMeals included: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerOvernight: Jhapre

04

Trek from Jhapre to Pikey Base Camp (11,762 feet / 3,585 m)

Today, you’ll get an early morning start with views of Numbur Chuli, Everest, and the eastern Himalayan range. The trail starts on a dirt road for a while and then quickly turns into a gentle uphill climb through pine and rhododendron forests until you reach Bhulbule. You can take a break at the local tea shop there, and then continue on a gentle uphill climb, arriving in Lhamuje for lunch.The trail this afternoon begins a series of gentle ups and downs along the ridge, which eventually arrives at a pasture where you can see grazing yaks. In the spring, you’ll experience different species of rhododendron flowers during the walk, along with spectacular views of the Himalaya. You’ll pass a mani wall and then will climb a steep uphill zigzag trail to Pikey Peak Base Camp, where you can reward yourself with a visit to the local yak cheese factory.Trekking time: 5-6 hoursOvernight: Pikey Base Camp

05

Trek from Pikey Base Camp to Junbesi (8,776 ft / 2,675 m)

After breakfast, you’ll get an early morning start on a series of uphill switchbacks until reaching Pikey Peak, which takes about an hour. If the weather is clear, expect an unobstructed sunrise view over the Himalayan range with Mt. Everest, Thamserku, Khangtega, Khatang, Karyoling to the north, Kanchenjunga to the east, and Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, Gaurishankar, Dorje Lakpa, and Langtang to the west.The trek then heads downhill for a few hours and enters a rhododendron and pine forest until Jase Bhanjyang. Stay on the ridge, working your way up and down, until Lamjura, where you can stop for lunch. The trail then enters a long descent to the valley through fir and more rhododendron forests until reaching Taktor, and then stays level until you reach Junbesi passing several Mani walls and stone chortens. Visit the old monastery before dinner, taking in views of the Numbur Chuli peak looming high above the village.Trekking time: 5-6 hoursOvernight: Junebesi (8,792 feet / 2,680 m)Accommodation: TeahouseMeals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

06

Trek from Junbesi to Phaplu (7,874 feet / 2,400 m)

After breakfast, head out on the last day of the trek as you make your way to Phaplu—a scenic little village with a few shops, cafés, and restaurants. A number of different treks end in Phaplu, as this is where trekkers catch their flight back to Kathmandu.

07

Phaplu to Kathmandu 25 minutes flight.

After reaching the city, you’ll be transferred to your hotel and will be able to enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure. Explore the capital’s streets on foot, bicycle, or rickshaw, perhaps shopping for souvenirs or seeing anything you may have missed at the beginning of your trip.Overnight: KathmanduMeals included: Breakfast, LunchOvernight: Kathmandu

08

Depart from Kathmandu.

It’s time to say farewell to Nepal. Enjoy your last moments in Kathmandu with breakfast in a café, a final stroll through the narrow alleys and temples, and some souvenir shopping. A driver will be waiting for you at your hotel to take you to the airport for your return flight home. It’s best to be at the airport at least two hours prior to departure.