Pikey Peak Trek Difficulty
This exciting trekking adventure that takes place in the lower Everest region is considered one of the easiest and least demanding Himalayan endeavors. Pikey Peak Trek difficulty is just at a relatively easier to moderate level. This is one of the shortest and easiest trekking adventures in the Himalayas that doesn’t take you to significant altitudes on the mountain. There is also an absence of a technical section in the trekking route, and even beginner trekkers will complete this short trek without much of an issue.
Still, as this trek takes you to the maximum altitude of over 4,000 meters (alpine zone) at Pikey Peak Summit, you shouldn’t underestimate its challenges. It will be wise to prepare for this short and relatively easy trek like any other high-altitude journey in the Himalayas. The total trekking distance of this short Himalayan trek is about 50 km to 60 km (31 miles to 37 miles). You will need to walk at least 5 to 6 hours on average during the trekking period.
Similarly, even if the altitude gain is not that high in this trip, you will still traverse across the region above 3,500 and 4,000 meters. So, even if the risk of altitude sickness is pretty low on this route, you should still take its precautionary methods and acclimatization seriously.
Gain Insights On:
How to Train for Pikey Peak Trek?
Like any other high-altitude trekking adventure in the Himalayas, you should train for the trekking Pikey Peak in a similar manner. You should consider training for at least 3 to 6 weeks for this trip and stay consistent with your training, allotting a specific time from your daily schedule. If you are not that active physically, you can also extend the training period as per your requirements after assessing your physical capabilities.
Practice hikes are considered one of the most effective ways to prepare for the Himalayan treks. Select the steep hiking section close to you and carry your backpack for your hike. This will not only give you the opportunity to test your gear but will also help you understand the overall trek difficulty and what aspects you need to improve. Your other part of training should emphasize developing your strength, endurance, and stamina aspects.
Strength and Endurance Exercises: Push Up, Squat, Weightlift, Plank, Pull Up, Overhead Press, Bicep Curl, Dip, Front Raise, Calf Raise, Leg Press, etc
Stamina Exercises: Jogging, Cycling, Swimming, Dancing, Jumping Rope, Mountain Climber, Jumping Jack, Burpee, etc
Best Time for Trek
Pikey Peak Trek is a low-altitude and short trekking adventure in the lower Everest region. This trek route is easily accessible via a driving route and doesn’t require flights like the mainstream Everest Base Camp Trek, where you need to take a flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. So, this trek can be pretty much done throughout the year in different climatic conditions. However, for the comfortable and memorable, the peak points of the year, autumn (Septemeber to November) and spring (March to April), still take the crown home.
Spring is nature’s season, and the landscapes are decorated with colorful flowers during this period. Your everyday’s exploration will unveil new aspects of Himalayan beauty, and it is also the most appropriate to explore the Himalayan flora of the protected areas in the region. Similarly, the autumn season is particularly popular for the most ideal climatic setting. Days in this season are generally clear, the temperatures pleasant, the walking trails are dry and comfortable, and most of all, this season is the best period for experiencing the cultural side of the country.
This trek can also be done in the off-seasons/low seasons, like monsoon (June to August) and winter (December to February). However, during the monsoon season, the wet and slippery trails due to continuous rainfall can be challenging. You will need the right gear and rain-proof layers to overcome the challenges of the rainy season. As for the winter, the temperatures are extremely cold at higher altitudes. It is not possible to trek in this season without thick layers and gear to keep yourself warm.
What Can You Expect During Pikey Peak Trek Days?
During your trekking part, you will gradually move along the ascending trail, admiring the fascinating Himalayan beauty that each day of your trek will unveil. Your standard trekking day will begin with an early morning breakfast from around 7 AM to 8 AM. You will then move along the trail led by your guide, checking out the popular highlights.
Advancing further on your trekking trail for around 4 hours, you will then reach your lunch destination. As you had a light breakfast, the lunch menu will be filling and nourishing; eat your fill to replenish the lost energy. After the meal, you will take a short rest and then move along the remaining part of the day’s trail. The trekking distance after lunch, in general, isn’t that long. You will rest your determined destinated in the itinerary plan in about 2 to 3 hours after lunch.
After reaching your destination, you can also admire the cultural prospects and natural beauty of the region. But make sure to consult your guide before heading out on your self-exploration. The dinner is then served from around 6 PM to 7 PM; you will have plenty of time to make conversation with your group and other trekkers exploring the region. Before bedtime, your guide will provide you with details about the next day’s trek so you can prepare accordingly.
Who Can Do This Trek?
As the difficulty level of trekking Pikey Peak Nepal is on the relatively easier side, and it is one of the shortest Himalayan trekking adventures, pretty much anyone can take part in this excursion. There aren’t any physically challenging and strenuous segments along the way, so overcoming the milder trail won’t be a challenge, even for a diverse age group. A good health condition and general fitness will be enough to truly relish this remarkable Himalayan endeavor.
Considering other high-altitude journeys, the trekking distance is also not that significant in this trek, and the itinerary plans are designed for slow-paced walking. So, covering the walking distance won’t be a problem; trekkers will also get enough rest breaks along the way. As for the altitude gain, you will get enough time to acclimatize before climbing to higher regions. So, you don’t have to worry about the risk of altitude sickness and exhaustion during your trip.
The success rate of Pikey Peak Trek is an absolute 100%, and there are no age restrictions on this trek. There are no high passes on the trail and no significant alpine altitudes besides the summit of Pikey Peak. So, anyone determined and willing to put some effort into training will be able to complete this trek quite easily.
Permit and Fee
There are generally three permits that you will require for trekking Pikey Peak. Your trekking trail will take you across two major protected areas in the Himalayas as well as the restricted area in the lower Everest region. The required permits for this trek are as follows:
Required Permits
- Sagarmatha National Park Permit
- Gaurisankhar Conservation Area Permit
- Local Area Permit
Both the Sagarmatha National Park Permit and the Gaurisankhar Conservation Area Permit cost approximately US$ 30. As for the Local Area Permit, it costs only about US$ 20 and will give you access to the restricted area in the region. Green Society Adventure will collect all the necessary permits for this trip for you.
Guide and Porter
Guide and porters are the backbone of the trekking industry; these professionals add comfort and excitement to your adventures. The guide adds value to your exploration, providing information about your trip and taking care of every detail so you can just enjoy the experience. Similarly, they are also responsible for your safety and well-being; they care for your health during your adventure and check your condition daily. They will also monitor your comfort level and give their best to ensure you have a safe journey.
As for the porters, they are strong and helpful professionals who assist you with your luggage. They make it possible for you to travel light, and you will actually be able to immerse in your odyssey rather than feeling exhausted after long hours of walking. The porters are also mostly the natives of the region, and they will provide you with insights from a native’s perspective. The maximum weight limit for a porter is about30 kg; they will carry 15 kg worth of luggage for two trekkers (generally, 1 porter is provided for two trekkers).
Food and Accommodation
The Pikey Peak Trek is a newly developed trekking route in the lower Everest region. Although the Everest region is the mainstream trekking destination in the Himalayas, this newly introduced trekking route has yet to earn such recognition. Still, this trekking region is easily accessible by road, and the available services are on a moderate level.
Food During Trek
Nepal is a haven for food exploration as it houses a diverse range of ethnic groups with their own unique culture and traditions. So, the meals at the teahouses along the trekking route will be like food tasting of a wide range of delights that represent different parts of the country and are bursting with flavors. Besides the traditional dishes, other Asian country delicacies (especially Tibetan and Indian), including Western menus, are also available at teahouses.
The morning breakfast is generally light and nourishing, like Tsampa Porridge, Tibetan Bread, Chapati, Muesli, Fruit Salad, Toast, Eggs, Butter, Jam, Honey, Teah, Coffee Juice, Cereals, Oats, etc. As for the dinner and lunch, they comprise incredible delicacies that have unique blends of species like Dal Bhat, Dhindo, Gundruk, Chhoyela, Momo, Chowmein, Thukpa, Shyaphale, Steak, Sherpa Stew, Curry, etc.
Accommodation During Trek
In your standard 8 Days Pikey Peak Trek, you will spend about 6 nights at the teahouses on the mountain and 1 night in Kathmandu. If your Pikey Peak Trek itinerary is slightly longer, then you might spend a few extra nights at Kathmandu before departure. The accommodation facilities in the capital city are of top-notch quality, and every kind of modern amenities are available.
However, during your trek, you spend your night at moderate-scale teahouses run mostly by the natives. You will rest during the nights in cozy private rooms with two or three adjacent beds. The bathrooms are also generally shared; the teahouses at the lower trails do have modern-style bathrooms, while at the higher altitudes, they are more adept to the traditional-styled ones.
Trekking Equipment
During this thrilling lower Everest region exploration, you will traverse several climatic zones. That’s why it is important to pack comfortable layers that fit perfectly in different regions. Besides the appropriate layers, you will also need to consider packing helpful gear that will make the experience enjoyable. Also, don’t forget to bring enough personal hygiene products and snacks that can last throughout the trip.
It is a good strategy to think about refilling the stock along the teahouses on the mountain. However, there are two drawbacks to that: you might not always find the products that you are looking for, and the prices can be high due to the remoteness. So, make sure to sort out your packing during your stay in Kathmandu.
Here are some our packing suggestions that you can take as reference for trekking Pikey Peak:
Head and Body
- Sunblock hat
- Headscarf
- Neck cowl or gaiter
- Lightweight t-shirt and shirt
- Thermal vest
- Sweater
- Breathable jacket
- Hoodden waterproof and windproof jacket
- Down jacket
- Trekking shorts
- Cotton pant
- Waterproof/windproof jacket
- Warm insulated trouser
- Undergarments
- Gloves
Feet
- Comfortable trekking boot
- Flexible sports shoes with good traction
- Crocs or sandals
- Waterproof feet gaiter
- Several pairs of socks
Personal Hygiene
- Sunscreen cream
- Soap and shampoo
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Body lotion and lip care
- Travel towel
- Tissue paper, wet wipes
- Toilet paper
- Water purification
- Bug spray
- Body spray or perfume
- Nail clipper
- Small mirror
- Personal medication
- First aid kit
- Disposable razor
- Feminine hygiene products
Trekking Equipment/Gear
- Sunglass with UV protection
- Trekking pole
- Sleeping bag
- Backpack
- Wastage bag
- Headlamp
- Power bank
- Packing sack
- Map and GPS
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Multi-tool knife
- Books and magazines
- Journals
- Board and card games
