Pikey Peak Trek: Difficulty
Pikey Peak Trek is a moderate-grade trek with a fair share of challenging steep ascends and descends. Mind you, descents are as difficult as ascents, so don't take it lightly and be careful on the track. You will be walking 6 to 7 hours a day at a minimum; therefore, you have to be in good health and fitness. you can check Travel Advise and About Us.
The trail winds through dense forests, and the region gets remote with an increase in elevation. You have to walk in thin air before touching Pikey Peak, which can get challenging for some trekkers. Along with that, you always have to look for altitude sickness and make sure you do not get any symptoms. You can learn more about altitude sickness here.
Best time to go on Pikey Peak Trek
To enjoy the trek to its fullest, you have to trek in the spring and autumn. Spring (March to April) and autumn (October to November) are the best times of the year to go on the Pikey Peak Trek. These seasons have moderate climates and stable weather. The trail sees hundreds of flowers bloom in the spring.
Autumn adds the warmth of festivity to the environment as the Nepalese celebrate their biggest festivals in this season. Trekking to Pikey Peak in winter is possible, but you have to be well prepared to face cold and possible trail blockage. The monsoon is not a good time of the year to trek to Pikey Peak.
Food & Accommodation during Pikey Peak Trek
The Pikey Peak Trekking route is one of the most developed trekking routes in the Himalayas; therefore, you will get both luxury and budget-friendly accommodations and food. Our Pikey Peak Trek package includes a lodge stay. The rooms will be small, with limited furniture and a double bed. Likewise, the washroom will be shared or private, depending upon the lodge.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided during the trek. The food will be served as per the menu of the lodge. You can get dishes like rice, curries, momo, noodles, pasta, pizza, sandwiches, soup, toast, eggs, meat, veggies, porridge, bakery items, tea, coffee, Thukpa, etc.
Pikey Peak Weather and Temperature
The Pikey Peak Trek is a high-altitude area where you can feel the temperature variations throughout the year. The weather conditions are unpredictable. Below is a brief overview of the average weather and temperatures in the Pikey Peak Trek:
- Spring season: During the spring season, the daytime temperature ranges from 14 to 16 degrees Celsius, and the nighttime temperature ranges from 0 to -2 degrees Celsius.
- Monsoon season: During the monsoon season, the normal temperature at daytime is 22 degrees Celsius, and the temperature at nighttime is 4 degrees Celsius.
- Autumn season: The daytime temperature is around 17 degrees Celsius and the nighttime temperature is -8 degrees Celsius.
- Winter season: The winter season is cold, especially in the Himalayan region, like Everest base camp and its areas. The daytime temperature is -5 degrees Celsius, and the nighttime temperature is -15 degrees Celsius.
Flight, transportation, and luggage for the Pikey Peak trek
When going on the Pikey Peak trek, you should be serious about flight prebookings, transportation planning, and luggage packing. Below is some useful information regarding flight transportation and luggage for the Pikey Peak Trek.
- International and internal Flights: If you are traveling from abroad, then you will need a visa and passport. Visa on arrival is only for some countries. So, check your eligibility for the visa on arrival before booking the flight. You can carry 23 kg, including your hold baggage and hand luggage, on your international flight. If you choose to travel to Lukla via flight, then you can carry up to 15 kg for the internal flights. For the extra weight of the duffel bag or day pack, you will have to pay an extra amount of money.
- Luggage: For your trek, a duffel bag with an 80-liter capacity and a 50 to 65-liter backpack is enough for carrying essential equipment like gear and other items. Typically, the porter will carry the duffel bag while you are responsible for carrying your own backpack. You may need a small, 20–30-liter day backpack to carry your essentials during the day’s hike.
Altitude sickness
High-altitude sickness is common in high-altitude areas like Pikey Peak Trek. So, before going on the Pikey Peak trek, prepare yourself for the coming challenges and possible altitude-related risks. Some of the common symptoms seen in patients facing altitude sickness are shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, erratic Sleep, and insomnia.
So, to be able to adapt to the increasing altitude and decreasing oxygen levels, acclimatization is necessary. Inform your trek leader if you see any symptoms of your mate or your own. In case of any emergencies, descend to the lower altitudes quickly.
The above symptoms can be overcome by following enough acclimatization strategies. Slow ascent, taking rest while climbing, sleeping at lower altitudes, staying hydrated, and having nutritious foods also help in acclimating at higher altitudes.
Trekking grade
Pikey Peak is a moderate-level trek for those who have previous trekking experience. Some of the key factors that contribute to the difficulty of the trek are higher altitude levels of up to 4,068 meters, paths with steep ascents and descents, rocky trails, glaciers, long walking hours, basic accommodations, and so on. While preparing for the challenges, adequate acclimatization, a good level of physical fitness, and proper gear can help overcome the challenges.
Pikey Peak Trek: Toilet and shower facilities
The toilet facilities in the Pikey Peak trek are basic, like traditional squat-type toilets. In some newly built houses, you can see the western-style flush toilets. Bring your toilet paper, as there may not be toilet paper available in some teahouses.
Moreover, hot shower facilities are available in lower-altitude areas like Lukla and Namche Bazaar. You don’t have to pay extra money for the hot shower in these areas. When you go to higher altitudes, the same hot shower may be expensive for you.
In places near the Pikey Peak Trek, there may not be available shower facilities. You have to shower by using buckets. And in some teahouses, there may be only a cold shower option.
Pikey Peak Trek: Telephone, Internet, and Electricity
In most of the teahouses, you can find the electricity generated from the solar panels. Charging facilities may be available; it is better to carry a power bank for your convenience. In terms of internet facilities, you can get internet facilities, just like charging facilities, in the lower altitudes. However, it may be difficult to find reliable internet facilities. For telephone facilities, buy a local SIM card before going for the Pikey Peak trek. Just keep in mind that the local SIM card may not work in some places.
Trekking Equipments
In terms of trekking equipment, you will need the following:
- Clothes: The essential clothes include thermal tops and leggings (3+ sets), trekking trousers (2 pairs), underwear (minimum 3 pairs), trekking socks (4+ pairs), light gloves, a sunhat with ear protection, a waterproof jacket and trousers, an insulating jacket (down or synthetic), and so on.
- Essentials like water bottles, headlamps with spare batteries, Sunglasses and hard case, Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF, Toiletries and towels, Basic first aid kit, Trekking poles, and so on.
- Sturdy trekking boots with ankle support
- A 35-45L day backpack for daily use and a duffel bag of 80L capacity
- Season sleeping bag and sleeping pad for insulation, warmth, and comfort.
Pikey Peak Trek: Customize Itineraries and Trip Extensions
Pikey Peak Trek itinerary can be customized and trips can be extended further based on your preferences and fitness level. The customization of the trek itinerary means extra days for acclimatization days, side trips to nearby landmarks, and so on. The trip extensions include visiting the nearby villages, monasteries, or viewpoints, or even extending your trek to include other destinations. As a Mystic Adventure representative, we will organize, customize, and extend your trekking journey through the Himalayas.
Tips to make your Pikey Peak trekking smooth
- Respect the privacy of local people and kindly ask for permission before photographing them or their children.
- Appreciate and respect the local culture and customs.
- When donkeys are passing by, always stay on the trail's uphill side for your safety.
- In landslide zones, either traverse them quickly or climb over and around if at all feasible.
- Smoking and drinking alcohol at altitudes above 3000 meters are not recommended.
- Drink a minimum of three liters of water per day.
- Remain aware of symptoms related to altitude sickness and be honest about any signs with yourself and your guide.
- Even when not mandated, there are always benefits to using the invaluable services of a guide on a trek.
- The Pikey Peak Trek distance is around 50–70 kilometers (31–43 miles).
- Pikey Peak's difficulty level is moderate.
- The small itineraries, like the Pikey Peak Trek for 5 days, are also enjoyable.