Pikey Peak Trek

Useful Info

Pikey Peak Trek Difficulty Level | Can I Do It?

Pikey Peak has a difficulty level of easy to moderately challenging. Though the trek takes us to an altitude of 4065 meters above sea level and features some challenging sections, there is no need for technical skills and other stuff. Anyone with basic trekking experience and ideas can join the group to hike to Pikey Peak.

That said, Pikey Peak is still a high altitude location at 4065 meters in altitude. Several hazards, like altitude sickness and bad weather, can play a vital role in making this trek challenging. However, with proper preparation and a strategic plan on the itinerary, any trekkers can embark on this trek easily. We recommend trekkers prepare strictly and go through weather forecasts before taking this beautiful hike.

Preparations Needed for Pikey Peak Trek

As mentioned, the Pikey Peak Trek is an easy to moderately challenging trek in Nepal. It takes trekkers to parts of the Everest region from Phaplu. The highest altitude trekkers reach during this trek is 4065 meters above sea level, and the trails are mostly rocky and rugged, needing a high level of preparation. But what kinds of preparation do we need to embark on Pikey Peak Trek? Let’s explore more in detail here!

Physical Preparation: Pikey Peak Trek has a short itinerary of seven days. Though the itinerary is short, the average hiking duration on this trek is around 5 hours daily. It means that trekkers must walk for 5 straight hours daily, and it needs a wide array of preparation on the physical side of their body.

Having a good range of physical stamina, energy, strength, and endurance is considered best for trekking around 5 hours a day. So trekkers are encouraged to build up their physical fitness through several trainings, including cardiovascular muscle training, altitude training, and gym workouts. Similarly, trekkers can indulge in the experience of short treks at high altitudes to prepare themselves to delve into Pikey Peak Trek.

Moreover, mental preparation is also equally important. Trekkers must be ready to face the challenges of the routes and trails, physical exhaustion, and potential altitude-related illnesses. If prepared well, the journey becomes more comfortable and safe. Guides and porters also motivate the trekkers to stay positive and continue their journey with a positive mindset.

Cost and Budget Allocation: One of the most important things to consider during the Pikey Peak Trek is budget. For your prior information, Pikey Peak Trek is one of the cheapest trekking packages in Nepal. The average cost of this beautiful trek is around $500 per person. However, factors like time of the year, group size, gear & equipment, activities, and itinerary makes a difference in the cost range.

It takes around USD 495 per person for a solo trekker [Solo Trekking has been banned in Nepal]. If you are traveling in a group of 2, 3, or 4, the price range will be around USD 400, 395, and 380, respectively. The more trekkers you have in your group, the less budget it requires to embark on this journey. If you have a large group of 10 trekkers, then the cost will come to USD 350 per person, which is relatively cheaper compared to another group size.

Permits: Two types of permits are required to embark on the Pikey Peak Trek. The first one is Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit. It is required since some phases of treks are located inside Everest Region, a region within Sagarmatha National Park. It is a protected land area around Everest Region designed to conserve the wild flora and fauna of the region. So to enter through its premises, trekkers must obtain Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit from Nepal Tourism Board or Monjo Checkpost. The cost of this permit is NRs. 3000 per person for foreign trekkers, NRs. 1000 for SAARC Nationals, and NRs. 100 for Nepalese trekkers.

Similarly, another permit you need to obtain is TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management). It costs NRs. 2000 for foreign trekkers and NRs. 1000 for SAARC Nationals.

See also: Pikey Peak Trek Cost

You can get these two permits by submitting the following documents:

• Copies of your passport
• Copies of your passport-sized photographs
• Permit fees
• Entry and exit dates from Nepal
• Duration of trek
• Itinerary of the trek
• Travel Insurance Policy Number

Gear and Equipment: To embark on the Pikey Peak Trek, there must be strict preparation with essential gear and equipment. Since this trek takes trekkers to the remote destination of Solukhumbu, trekkers must enhance their journey with the help of trekking gear. The trekking experience becomes more soothing with them as they provide both safety and comfort.

Here is the list of trekking gear you need for Pikey Peak Trek:

• Trekking poles
• A Pair of Sturdy Hiking Boots
• Backpack and Duffel bags
• Sleeping Bags
• Sleeping Pads
• Camping Tents
• Waterproof and windproof jackets
• Thermal layers [Inner wear and outer wear]
• Flexible trekking pants
• Warm socks, hats, and gloves
• Sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses to save yourself from the sun’s UV Rays.
• Guidebooks, maps, and compasses
• First aid kits and other safety measures.

Guide and Porter Services: There is a strict regulation to hire compulsorily a professional guide for any treks within Nepal. Looking at the severity of missing and injury cases, the Nepal Government and Nepal Tourism Board introduced new rules in the tourism industry. Now, every trekker must hire a certified guide to embark on a trek, and they cannot go for a solo trek.

Hiring a guide for Pikey Peak Trek comes with several benefits. They can help you navigate the remote destinations and trails around Phaplu to Pikey Peak Base Camp. Similarly, they can suggest the best viewpoints for sightseeing and the best tea houses to accommodate during the hike. Moreover, guides can always help in cross-cultural activities as they can help us communicate with the local people. It allows us to learn about the local people and delve deep into the insights of their culture, tradition, and history. Similarly, if you need medical or physical support due to injury or something unexpected, guides are always there to aid you.

Besides hiring guides, porters are also equally important for Pikey Peak Trek. Since the itinerary of this trek includes hiking for over 5 hours daily, carrying the backpacks and loads of gear might be challenging. This is where porters can help you. Porters help you by carrying your belongings and allow you to have a lightweight journey enjoying the scenes of the region. It makes you comfortable walking on the remote trail and removes your physical burden.

Which Time Is Best To Go To Pikey Peak Trek?

The best time to go for Pikey Peak Trek depends on the preference of trekkers. Some like to take their trekking experience to the next level by trekking in the peak seasons of Spring and Autumn, while some are adventure seekers and embark on the off-peak season trek during monsoon and winter. But based on the trekker’s experience and preference, the best time to go for Pikey Peak Trek is Spring and Autumn. Here is why they are considered the best:

Spring Season:

Spring season starts in March and ends in May every year, and it is the season of a colorful environment. While trekkers embark on Pikey Peak Trek, they can indulge in the beauty of blooming landscapes as the forest goes green and flowers are in full bloom. Moreover, the pleasant weather is the major reason for being the best season to go for this trek. The temperature is moderate, and the skies are clear with fewer clouds, allowing trekkers to have breathtaking views and picturesque surroundings. Moreover, there is less chance of rainfall and snowfall, so trekkers don’t need to worry about natural hazards like landslides, floods, and heavy snowfall.

Autumn Season:

Autumn Season starts in September and ends in November every year. The weather patterns of the autumn season are somehow similar to the Spring season. Stable weather conditions with less wind and rain precipitation are the main features of this season. Similarly, Autumn features mild temperatures with less rainfall and snowfall, which keeps the chances of low and high temperatures minimal.

The clear skies with fewer clouds offer spectacular views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga.

Similarly, the Autumn season offers a festive vibe in the country, with major festivals like Dashain and Tihar falling under this timeframe. Trekkers can delve into the Hindu culture and tradition as they can participate in these festivals during their stay in Nepal.