Description
Trip Highlights
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Duration 11 Days
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Max Altitude 4065m
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Season March-May/September-November
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Group Size 2-15
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Difficulty moderate
The Pikey Pass Trek is one of the Everest Region's best kept secrets — a quiet, rewarding, and visually stunning journey through the lower Solu Khumbu that offers some of the finest panoramic views of the Everest massif available on any trekking route in Nepal. Far from the crowds of the main Everest trail, this trek delivers a deeply authentic and personal Himalayan experience.
The route travels through rhododendron and pine forests, traditional Sherpa and Rai villages, and open ridgelines with sweeping views stretching from Dhaulagiri in the west to Kanchenjunga in the east. The crossing of Pikey Pass itself is the highlight of the trek — a high, open ridgeline from which Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and countless other giants of the Himalaya are visible in one breathtaking panorama.
Sir Edmund Hillary, who first summited Everest in 1953, reportedly described the view from Pikey Peak as one of his favourite in all of Nepal. It is a statement that every trekker who stands on that ridge will immediately and completely understand.
With Virgin Nepal Treks and Expeditions, you explore this hidden gem of the Everest Region with a professional and caring team committed to making your journey safe, comfortable, and truly memorable.
Culture of the Everest Region
The Pikey Pass trail passes through the Solu Khumbu, a region rich in Sherpa and Rai heritage. Villages along the route maintain strong traditions of Buddhist and animist practice, and the landscape is dotted with small monasteries, mani walls, and chortens that reflect the deep spiritual connection between these communities and the mountains they call home. The unhurried pace of life in these lesser-visited villages offers one of the most genuine cultural encounters available on any trekking route in the Everest Region.
Best Season
Spring (March to May): Rhododendron forests are in full bloom, skies are clear, and the panoramic views from Pikey Pass are at their most vivid and spectacular.
Autumn (September to November): Crisp, settled weather and outstanding mountain visibility make this an excellent season for the Pikey Pass Trek.
Contact our team to plan your Pikey Pass Trek with the right timing and support for you.
Day By Day Itinerary
Welcome to Himalayan country of Nepal. All of members should gather at hotel of Kathmandu today ,And for today our agency have arrange vehicle for pick up from airport.
From Kathmandu, we will take a flight to Phaplu which takes approximately around 35 minutes. After landing at Phaplu we will start our trek to Salleri where we can wander around the busy local market and make visits to fascinating monasteries such as Chewang Monastery.
Leaving Salleri we will follow the trail that passes through several cultural and traditional villages inhabited by Tamang, Magar and Sherpa tribe communities of Nepal. During the trek, we will have good views of the surrounding mountains and beautiful landscapes. We will continue our trekking until we arrive at Ghunsa.
Today we will trek on a moderate trail that passes through several monasteries and beautifully painted mani walls. At Kerung we will make a visit to some of the ancient monasteries and take a look at the Buddhist stupa. Along our trekking route, we will get a chance to interact with local peoples mainly with Tamang, Magar and Sherpa community backgrounds. We will trek until we arrive at Pattale.
From Pattale we will trek exploring the rich flora and fauna of the region. The area is rich with wild orchids offering trekkers an awesome feeling for trekkers while trekking. Our further trekking passes through additional monasteries and Buddhist stupas. After arriving at Jhapre, we will spend some time watching the traditional and cultural local performance in Jhapre which is definitely one of the best ways to understand the culture of the region.
Leaving Jhapre we will follow the trail that heads higher up into the alpine vegetation. Gradually ascending we will trek through monasteries dating bak to hundreds of years, Buddhist stupas and mani walls. We will continue to trek through several yak herding open fields with good views of the surrounding environment. We will camp at a good camping site near the base camp of Pipek peak.
Pikey peak base camp is one of the best spots to witness the morning sunrise view. We will wake up early for the magnificent sunrise view over Himalayan Ranges from Kanchenjunga to Dhaulagiri as well as Mount Everest. After spending quality time in the morning, we will follow the trail that is an easy downhill trekking through the scenic landscapes and scattered settlements to arrive at Junbesi.
From Junbesi we will make an uphill climb towards Thuptenchholing where we will visit Thuptenchholing monastery and observe the traditional Tibetan medicinal therapy. From the top, we can enjoy the whole Junbesi valley down below. After spending a few hours at Thuptenchholing we will head back to Junbesi. We can also observe the Sherpa cultural dance performance on request at Junbesi.
From Junbesi we will start our trek following the trail that is an easy downhill walking. This is the last day of our trek, therefore we will take it easy and try to enjoy every bit of our trek. At Phaplu we will celebrate the end of our trek with tasty local food and Sherpa cultural program.
Today we will take a scenic flight from Phaplu back to Kathmandu that takes approximately about 30 minutes. After arriving at Kathmandu, you can relax at the Hotel or do sightseeing around Kathmandu valley before heading back to your destination.
Inclusion and Exclusion
- Airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu
- Domestic transport as per itinerary
- Required trekking permits and local fees
- TIMS Card
- Experienced English-speaking guide and porter
- Tea house accommodation and all meals during the trek
- First aid kit and emergency coordination
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
- International airfare and Nepal visa fee
- Personal travel and rescue insurance
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Snacks, beverages, and laundry
- Tips for guides and porters
- Any personal expenses not listed above
Gallery Highlights
Gear List & Preparation Notes
Clothing: Base layers, insulated jacket, waterproof shell, fleece, trekking trousers, gloves, warm hat, sun cap
Footwear: Waterproof trekking boots, camp sandals, trekking socks
Equipment: Trekking poles, headlamp, daypack, duffel bag
Personal Items: Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, water bottles, purification tablets, sleeping bag (-10°C), personal medication, toiletries
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Physical: Begin training 6–8 weeks before departure with regular hiking and walks with a loaded pack. The trek involves moderate daily elevation gains that respond well to a basic fitness routine.
Technical: No technical skills are required. This trek is well suited to trekkers with a moderate level of fitness and some prior experience on mountain trails.
Altitude: The trek reaches 4,068 m. Stay hydrated, maintain a steady pace, and communicate openly with your guide if you feel any signs of altitude discomfort.
Mental: The Pikey Pass Trek is a slower, quieter journey. It rewards those who appreciate unspoiled landscapes, genuine village life, and the simple pleasure of walking through the mountains.
Insurance: Ensure your policy covers high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation up to at least 5,000 m.
Gear: Comfortable, well broken-in boots and warm layers for the pass crossing are the most important items to prepare in advance.
