Food And Accommodation
Typical food offered during the Pikey peak trek consists of simple but healthy staple Nepali meals. Teahouses serve freshly prepared hot and comforting food that is highly nutritious. The most common foods include Dal Bhat Tarkari set (rice, lentil, and vegetable), noodles, and potato dishes. Likewise, you can enjoy Sherpa dishes such as shyakpa, thenthuk, rilduk, etc.
The breakfast menu consists of tea, coffee, Tibetan pancake, porridge, and eggs. Most common lunch options are rice and curry dishes, stir-fried noodles (chow mein), mo:mo, and thukpa. Lastly, the most served dinner option is the classic Dal Bhat Tarkari. However, you can ask the teahouses to prepare western foods like pasta dishes, pizza, and burgers at any time if these items are included on their menu.
Most of the accommodation on the trek comprises basic teahouses and lodges. They have a warm room with two beds, comfortable bedding, pillows, and blankets. The shared dining spaces also function as common heating spaces. For trekkers wanting a more luxurious stay, opt for guest houses.
They provide attached bathroom services and offer slightly better room and bedding facilities. However, this is available only up to Junbesi, after that, accommodations are limited to teahouses. As it is one of the less commercialized treks, luxury-focused accommodation is rarely available in the Everest region. In conclusion, typical Pikey peak accommodation focuses on providing basic but warm and safe shelter.
Difficulty of The Pikey Peak Trek
Trekking to the top of the Pikey peak is moderately difficult. It needs a basic fitness level and demands no prior trekking experience. So, it is perfect for beginners. Given the less demanding nature, it is a good alternative to the more difficult Everest treks. A typical trekking day consists of just 5 to 7 hours of walking and a few, but minor, steep climbs. Moreover, the trek is often completed within 7 to 9 days.
The highest altitude of the trek is 4,065 meters at the peak’s summit, which is much lower compared to other Everest treks. Also, altitude gain is slow and gradual, posing less risk of AMS. Likewise, it does not require any technical climbing skills.
However, there are possibilities of small landslides during the monsoon season around Junbesi that can make the trek slightly more difficult. To avoid such encounters, have a local and experienced guide with you and keep updated with the weather forecast. In conclusion, the trek is moderately difficult. With basic physical fitness and a professional guide, anyone can complete this summit.
How To Prepare Yourself For The Trek?
Even though the Pikey peak trek is not difficult, it is good to be prepared for what is to come. Go on small hikes 4 to 6 weeks prior to the trek. Likewise, practice stair workouts or go for short, uphill climbs. Breathing techniques help with better respiration in the higher and colder regions.
Go on daily runs, jogging, or cycling. For immediate care of small health issues, carry a first aid kit. Include band-aids, blister treatments and medicines like Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, and Diamox. Get travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation and helicopter evacuation. Lastly, prepare yourself mentally to leave the comfort of your home and sustain a week in a teahouse with basic facilities. Therefore, practicing exercises that build your core strength, stamina, and endurance can be helpful for easy completion of the trek.
List of Things To Pack For The Trek
- Breathable t-shirts and trekking pants for trekking in the lower region in the hotter seasons.
- Warm down and fleece jackets.
- Thermal innerwear for cold seasons.
- Comfortable and sturdy trekking boots.
- Trekking sticks/poles.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses to protect from UV rays.
- Waterproof trekking gear during rainy months.
- Headlamp and navigation tools.
- Power banks and adapters.
- First aid kit. With pain relievers, bandages and over-the-counter medicines like paracetamol and diamox.
- Passports, visas, and permits.
- Water bottle and purification tablets.
- Some cash. Because in higher regions, you cannot always rely on online payment services.
- Backpacks with enough compartments.
Health Issues and Safety Concerns
Altitude Sickness
Despite the moderate difficulty level, you can experience mild headache, nausea, and fatigue. Going slow and maintaining a steady pace reduces these symptoms significantly. Also, stay hydrated, eat nutritious food, and acclimate enough.
Cold-related problems
In the higher regions, be careful about possible hypothermia, a stuffed nose, and cold-induced headaches. So, wear gloves, an inner thermal layer, and a buff/neck gaiter to cover your mouth and nose.
Muscle fatigue and joint pain
If you are not used to long hours walking, then trekking continuously can cause knee pain, muscle fatigue and strain. Physical preparation is helpful to get your body prepared for these long walking. Moreover, take the help of trekking poles and wear comfortable trekking shoes.
Possible dehydration
On warmer days, your body loses more fluids due to frequent sweating. Likewise, on colder days the urge to drink water naturally reduces. This can cause dehydration, which increases the risk of AMS. Therefore, no matter the weather conditions, drink enough water and stay away from hard drinks like alcohol.
Stomach Issues
The change in drinking water and daily diet can cause stomach problems such as indigestion and diarrhea. To avoid this, only drink purified water, do not consume random tap and stream water. Likewise, eat simple and freshly cooked teahouse meals.
Blisters
If you are wearing poorly fitted trekking boots, you will most likely get blisters and foot soreness. Especially after trekking for long durations on uneven trails. Continuing to walk with such symptoms exerts repeated pressure on heels and toes, making it even worse. So, wear well-fitted trekking boots and apply blister tapes or moleskin in the affected area before they get worse. Take small breaks on the trail and let your feet rest.
Possibility of Landslides and rockfalls.
Risk of natural hazards like landslides and rockfalls is generally low during the trek. However, there is a slight risk of landslides and rockfalls in the Pikey peak trail, especially on the roadside from Kathmandu to Dhap and Phaplu. This can also stop the transportation temporarily if it damages the road. However, these disruptions are cleared quickly.
Permits, Guides, And Porters
The Pikey peak trail does not pass through any restricted areas, so there are no mandatory permits required for it. Major trekking areas in the Everest prohibit private trekkers. However, it is not applicable to the trek. Enjoy going on solo endeavours here.
As the trek poses no major risk, has a short length, and does not reach extremely high elevations, you can fully do it on your own. Likewise, the trail is safe, making it manageable for independent trekkers. However, for better safety and navigation, it is highly recommended to hire a licensed guide. They help reduce the language barrier between you and the local people. Likewise, guides understand trails and their possible risks better. Similarly, you get better insights into the cultural and historic sites.
Furthermore, having a porter is not mandatory either. But it is very beneficial to reduce the physical strain on the trail. Porters carry your extra luggage, which can be a burden to carry by yourself for a long time while walking. So, let them take care of it, and you can just enjoy a relaxing walk with scenic views. In conclusion, having a guide and porter is not mandatory but they help provide an overall better experience and safety.
Transportation for The Pikey Peak Trek
On the first day of the trek we take a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Dhap. Based on the group size and your preferences, we can complete the ride either with a jeep, HiAce or a local bus. What sets pikey trek apart from other Everest treks is the lack of a Lukla flight. Lastly, when returning from Phaplu to Kathmandu, we take another bus or jeep ride. In conclusion, the modes of transportation used in the trek are jeeps and local buses, and you do not have to take any flights.
Culture And Tradition
The majority of the pikey trek falls in the Solukhumbu region. It is mostly inhabited by the Sherpa, Tamang, and Magar communities. They have deeply rooted diverse cultures and practices. While on the trek, you are able to observe their simple day-to-day lifestyle. Similarly, explore their customs, festivals, and traditions.
Sherpa communities are most dominant in major parts of the region. Mani walls, prayer flags, and spinning prayer wheels adorn the trails, reflecting their rich culture. Likewise, you can see their heritage passed down to generations through their traditional clothes like bakhu, pangden, and chuba.
Similarly, lower villages such as Phaplu, Salleri, and Jhapre showcase the Magar and Tamang communities. You can enjoy the Magar folk songs, like sorathi and khyali. The Tamang people of this region follow Tibetan-influenced customs and practices. They celebrate festivals like Sonam Lhosar, the Tamang New year. You can enjoy their traditional dances (Tamang selo) and enjoy the sound of the damphu (traditional drum).
Furthermore, monasteries like Thupten Choling, Jhapre, and Junbesi preserve the local cultural practices. Most of the villagers start and end their day with prayer in these monasteries. These monastic practices gave rise to festivals such as Mani Rimdu, Lhosar, and Dumji, which people celebrate with masked dances, butter lamps, and prayers.
Therefore, the diversity in ethnic groups and their traditional beliefs makes an excellent opportunity for the trekkers to explore vivid customs, celebrations, and lifestyles.
Why Go On The Pikey Peak Trek?
Best View of the Everest
According to the first person to summit Mt. Everest, Sir Edmund Hillary, Pikey Peak offers the best view of the mountain. He even referred to it as his favourite view of the mountain. Likewise, the trek offers panoramic views of Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Lhotse, Numbur, and Gaurishankar. Also, it offers a breathtaking sunrise view with the golden rays striking in the white himalayas making them appear golden and pink.
Peaceful and off-the-beaten trails
As the trek has recently started gaining popularity, it remains far from overwhelming traffic. This brings a more calm and serene trekking experience. Likewise, it is not as commercialized as the famous trekking destinations of Nepal. So you can observe more of the raw himalayan lifestyle. Trail passes through rhododendron, pine forests, and grazing ridges, allowing trekkers a sense of wilderness and tranquility.
Easy Access And Short Length
The trek to Pikey starts with an effortless and peaceful road trip from Kathmandu to Dhap. As it does not require any mountain flights, it automatically reduces the stress of flight cancellations and delays of other Everest region treks. The entire journey can be completed within 7–9 days, making it suitable for people with limited time.
Beginner-Friendly
The trek does not require any technical climbing. Terrains of the trek consist of forest paths, dirt paths, and open ridges. While trekking up to the base camp and heading down from Junbesi, trekkers have to overcome steep sections. However, they are not physically demanding and even beginners can manage to trek through.
Furthermore, the maximum resting elevation of the trek is 3,640 meters at the Pikey base camp. The maximum trekking point reaches 4,065 meters at the summit of the peak. This elevation is significantly lower than that of other high-altitude treks. Hence, the risk of altitude sickness is comparatively lesser.
No stress and risk of the Lukla flight
The Pikey Peak trek bypasses the need for the Lukla Flight, which is a must on almost every Everest trek. This takes away major stress from people who are scared of flying or have a fear of heights. Moreover, trekkers do not have to worry about the possible risk and danger of flying during bad weather conditions.
It is the best alternative for people who want to see Everest without having to bear the stress of flying. Furthermore, due to the lack of flight delays and cancellations, you do not have to add extra trekking days either.
Rich Sherpa, Magar, and Tamang culture
The trek passes through the villages of Sherpa, Magar, and Tamang. It allows you to have close insight into their years-long customs and beliefs. Likewise, their traditional houses, dresses, and simple living showcase their cultural values. Interacting with the locals and tasting their homemade dishes makes you feel like a part of their family. Moreover, you can gain exposure to their ancient buddhist practices.
Sunrise and Sunset views
In the higher regions trails expand through stunning ridge walks. These high ridges provide exceptionally beautiful sunrise as well as sunset views. You will see layers of mountains in the skyline glowing in golden and pink hues as the sun's rays hit them. It is often compared to the view from the famous Poon hill trek but with less traffic.
Year-round trekking possibility
High-altitude treks like Everest Base Camp are very challenging during monsoon and winter seasons. In worst-case scenarios they even get completely inaccessible due to bad weather conditions. However, Pikey offers trek-worthy trails and weather most times of the year. Except for the change in temperature, the trek does not pose major issues with the change in season.
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