Pikey Peak
In Nepali: पिके पिक
Pikey Peak (about 4,065 m) rises above the forests and yak pastures of lower Solu, and Sherpas regard it as the home of a protective deity. Edmund Hillary is often quoted as saying it gave him his favourite view of Everest.
The Pikey Peak trek is a short, uncrowded loop of about a week through Sherpa villages, monasteries and rhododendron forest, reached by road from Kathmandu. Simple lodges and homestays have opened along the way.
What to see and do
The highlight is sunrise from the summit, where prayer flags flutter over a view of more than a dozen major peaks, including Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga on very clear days, Numbur and the Annapurnas far to the west. Along the way are Sherpa villages such as Jhapre and Loding, the Thupten Chholing monastery near Junbesi, and yak pastures.
Good to know
This is a gentle, uncrowded trek of about 5–7 days, suitable for people short on time who want a Himalayan panorama without high passes. Lodges and homestays are simple; nights at Pikey base camp are cold. Combine it with Junbesi and the old Everest trail for a longer walk.
Quick answers
- Where is Pikey Peak?
- Pikey Peak is in Solukhumbu district, Koshi Province, in the Himal belt of Nepal.
- What is the altitude of Pikey Peak?
- About 4,065 m (13,337 ft) above sea level.
- How much does it cost to visit Pikey Peak?
- For a 9-day trip from Janakpur, about NPR 50,000 (≈ US$370) per person on a budget, or NPR 77,000 (≈ US$570) with standard hotels and private transport — for two foreign visitors sharing, including transport, stay, food, entry fees, a guide and porter. Nepali visitors on a budget: about NPR 25,000 per person. These are estimates; adjust them in the trip planner.
- How many days do I need for Pikey Peak?
- Plan 6 nights there for the trek; with travel from Janakpur and back, about 9 days in all.
- Do I need a permit or ticket for Pikey Peak?
- Foreign visitors pay about NPR 5,000 / US$37 to enter Sagarmatha National Park plus the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu municipality fee (SAARC visitors about half, Nepali citizens a small fee).
- Do I need a guide for Pikey Peak?
- Yes, for foreign trekkers: since 2023 a licensed guide is required in Nepal’s national parks and conservation areas. Nepali trekkers may go on their own.
- When is the best time to visit Pikey Peak?
- October–November; March–April for rhododendrons
- How do I get to Pikey Peak?
- Drive to Dhap or Phaplu, then a 5–7 day loop. It is about 108 km (straight line) from Janakpur.
- What is Pikey Peak called in Nepali?
- पिके पिक
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