Pikey Peak Trek

Difficulty level of the trek

The Pikey Peak trek difficulty level is graded as moderate. The trekkers with a reasonable level of fitness and some prior hiking experience are beneficial for the trek. It is because the total Pikey Peak trek distance that you will cover while trekking is 61 km, which is covered within 5 days with average trekking hours of 4–5 hours per day. 

The Pikey Peak short trek itinerary is designed in a way to avoid overexertion and maintain a steady ascent. However, the well-defined paths and rocky, uneven sections may add some challenges to the trek. The journey includes steep climbs and descents. So, proper physical and mental preparations are needed for beginners. 

Best time to go for the trek

The best time for the Pikey Peak Trek is during March to May and September to November. During these months, the weather conditions are stable; the skies are clear with fewer clouds and moderate temperatures. In short, these months are perfect for trekking. 

In addition, you can see the breathtaking views of the snowcapped peaks like Mount Everest, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga. In the months of March, April, and May, you can see the rhododendron bloom. However, the Pikey Peak trekking cost may be higher in those seasons as the flow of trekkers in the region increases. 

Accommodation and food

The accommodations during the trek are mostly in local teahouses. Those teahouses offer shared rooms with basic bedding and blankets, common dining areas, and limited amenities such as shared bathrooms and electricity. The prices may vary according to the location and availability of services like hot showers. 

There are camping options available too. It becomes beneficial where the teahouse facilities are not available. You have to manage all the logistics, including cooking and sleeping arrangements, on your own along with the Pikey Trek cost. 

In addition, the meals included in the package of the Pikey Peak Trek from Kathmandu are given three times a day. The meal options include both local Nepali dishes and some Western options. 

For example, you will get options like Tibetan bread with curry, chapati, eggs, porridge, muesli, and pancakes for breakfast, and Dal Bhat (a staple dish with unlimited refills), fried rice or noodles, Mo Mo (dumplings), Thukpa (noodle soup), burgers, pasta, pizza, and various potato dishes for lunch and dinner. 

Toilet and shower facilities

During the Pikey Peak trek, you can expect basic toilet and shower facilities. The facilities are primarily provided by teahouses and homestays along the route. The toilets are mostly squat-style and on a sharing basis.

However, some teahouses may offer the attached bathroom facilities at the higher Pikey Peak trek cost. 

Hot showers are available at some teahouses for an additional fee. The showers may be provided through gas geysers or buckets. However, the hot shower may be inconsistent depending on the location and season. 

Telephone, internet, and electricity

The telephone services may be inconsistent in the remote areas. However, you can still use the satellite phones for communication. It is recommended to buy the local SIM cards for the affordable service. The cost of these services is not added to the Pikey trekking cost inclusions. 

In the case of internet facilities, several teahouses provide the wifi facilities. The internet speed may be slow and intermittent. You can use the affordable data package for mobile internet access or the Everest link for better connectivity.

The Pikey Peak short trekking itinerary is of 10 days, so you will need a power bank to stay connected through the phone. Most teahouses are equipped with electric power where you can charge your device. While in some places, you may find the solar power system. 

Permit required for the trek

The permits required for the Pikey trek are the Sagarmatha National Park Entry (SNPE) Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. 

You can get SNPE permits from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or at the entry point of the Sagarmatha National Park. While you can obtain the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit at the Lukla checkpost. 

The cost of the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit is NPR 3,000 (around USD 30) per person for foreign trekkers and NPR 2,000 for SAARC nationals. While the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit costs NPR 2,000 to NPR 2,500 (approximately USD 17 to USD 22) per person per week. 

If you want to fly the drones in this region, you will need a drone permit. Learn more about the drone laws in Nepal from the link. 

Note: All the permit costs are included in the Pikey Peak short trek cost inclusions. 

Travel Insurance requirements

Although it is not mandatory, however, as a trekking expert, I strongly recommend having travel insurance. It is because the Pikey Trek itinerary includes potential risks such as altitude sickness, accidents, and the need for emergency evacuation.

The travel insurance is beneficial when medical expenses, evacuation costs, and trip cancellations happen. Having travel insurance facilitates access to necessary medical services if the medical condition is severe. 

Note: The expenses of travel insurance are not included in the Pikey Peak short trekking cost. 

Weather and temperature

The weather and temperatures vary according to the seasons and altitude level. Below is the seasonal breakdown of the weather and temperature around the Pikey Peak trekking trails. 

• Spring season: The average daytime temperature ranges from 10°C to 20°C at lower elevations, while at higher altitudes, temperatures can drop below 10°C. The nighttime temperature can drop below 5°C. The overall weather condition is stable, and there is less chance of rainfall. 
• Summer season: During this season, the average daytime temperatures are between 7°C and 17°C. The nighttime temperatures can drop below 10°C. The overall weather conditions are unstable, and it can rain at any time. 
• Autumn season: the average daytime temperature in the autumn season typically ranges from 9°C to 17°C, while the nighttime lows drop to around -5°C at higher elevations. The overall weather conditions are stable with less precipitation. 
• Winter season: the temperature during daytime highs is around 2°C to 4°C, with nighttime lows potentially dropping below -10°C. The winter comes with dry conditions and possibly snowfall. 

For the real time info, you can also use the weather forecast apps. 

Flight, transportation, and luggage

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 daypack, 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 backpack. You may need a small, 20–30-liter day backpack to carry your essentials during the day’s hike. 

Altitude sickness issues and acclimatization

The altitude sickness issues can be a concern when going for the trek to Pikey Peak. It is because the highest reached Pikey Peak Trek altitude level is 4,065 meters (13,370 feet). The symptoms of the altitude sickness issues are headaches, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, and so on. 

If not addressed properly, these symptoms can escalate quickly to life-threatening conditions like high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE). 

Some of the acclimatization strategies include gradual ascent, scheduling acclimatization days into your itinerary, staying hydrated, focusing on a balanced diet, avoiding alcohol and smoking, being vigilant about any symptoms you experience, and more. 

Trekking equipment and gear

Proper preparation is important. Packing is part of proper preparation. It is essential to include all the important things in your backpack when going for the Pikey Peak Trek in Nepal. Here are some of the recommended things to consider when packing for your next trip. 

• Clothing: thermal underwear, moisture-wicking t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, fleece jacket, waterproof and windproof jackets, waterproof pants, trekking pants, hiking shorts, sun hat, warm beanie, neck gaiter, gloves, waterproof hiking boots, warm socks, camp shoes, and so on. 
• Trekking gear: Medium-sized rucksack (45-60 liters), daypack (25-30 liters), four-season sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, Head torch, Pikey Peak trek map, Water bottles, a water filter or purification tablets, one pair of trekking poles, and more. 
• Personal items: First Aid Kit (including antiseptic cream, band-aids, pain relievers, and any personal medications); Toiletries (like biodegradable soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, lip balm, wet wipes, etc.); Sunscreen and sunglasses, a quick-dry towel, snacks (energy bars, nuts, etc.), a camera with extra batteries, and many more. 
• Optional items: a lightweight book or e-reader, playing cards or travel games, binoculars, etc. 

Customize itineraries and trip extensions.

The Pikey trekking 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, 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. The Pikey Peak trek price may be higher but gives you greater satisfaction. 

Tips to make the journey smooth

• Engage in regular cardiovascular exercises such as jogging, cycling, and swimming to improve your endurance.
• Invest in high-quality gear and equipment for comfort and safety.
• Drink plenty of water and consume a balanced diet to maintain energy levels. 
• Be prepared for unpredictable weather and regularly monitor the weather forecasts.
• Avoid overexertion and seek medical help if necessary.
• Hire a local guide to enhance your experience.
• Engage with local communities respectfully and respect their culture and traditions. 
• Kindly ask for permission before photographing them or their children.
• 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.
• Consider using the trekking poles for stability on uneven terrain.
• Be aware of altitude sickness symptoms and monitor it regularly.