Pikey Peak’s summit stands at 4,067 meters (13,337 ft) above sea level. On a clear day, the summit rewards you with a rare Himalayan panorama of more than six 8,000-meter giants: Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Manaslu, and Dhaulagiri.
I went in early February 2026, when the trail to Pikey Peak felt almost forgotten. The sky stayed open and clear from early morning until around 2 pm each day. After that, clouds would roll in and hide the mountains. Once the sun went down, temperatures dropped rapidly.
The tea houses were empty. The grass was brown. Rhododendron plants lined the trail, but there were no flowers yet. There was no snow on the trail, but nights were cold, and the wind at the summit was strong. The trail carried a deep stillness that stayed with me long after the trek ended.
This trek is flexible, not intense, and suitable for first-time trekkers or anyone looking for a relaxed Himalayan walk. As of now, no trekking permit is required, even for foreign trekkers. Daily walking distances can easily be adjusted, and extra exploration days can be added depending on pace, weather, and interest in local villages or monasteries.
Trail Sections
| Trail Section | Distance (km) | Approx. Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Dhap → Tadapani → Jhapre | 12.00 | 3 hrs 30 mins |
| Tadapani → Lamujhe | 10.00 | 3 hrs 30 mins |
| Lamujhe → Pikey Base Camp | 7.33 | 3 hrs |
| Pikey Base Camp → High Camp | 1.00 | 20 mins |
| High Camp → Pikey Peak Summit | 1.21 | 45 mins |
| Summit → Jasmane Bhanjhyang | 2.81 | 1 hr 30 mins |
| Bhanjhyang → Taktor | 6.78 | 3 hrs |
| Taktor → Junbesi | 5.10 | 2 hrs |
Note: After the summit, there is a ~20-minute stretch of trail that is not for the faint-hearted, with a narrow path and steep drop on one side.
Itinerary Options
Option 1: Evenly Paced – 7 Days
| Day | Route |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Kathmandu → Dhap (jeep or flight to Phaplu) |
| Day 2 | Dhap → Tadapani or Jhapre |
| Day 3 | Tadapani → Lamujhe → Pikey Base Camp |
| Day 4 | Base Camp → Pikey Peak → Bhanjhyang → Taktor |
| Day 5 | Taktor → Junbesi |
| Day 6 | Junbesi → Monastery above Junbesi |
| Day 7 | Salleri or Phaplu → Kathmandu |
Option 2: Longer Walks – 4 Days (More Hectic)
| Day | Route |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Kathmandu → Dhap → Tadapani |
| Day 2 | Tadapani → Lamujhe → Pikey High Camp |
| Day 3 | High Camp → Pikey Peak → Bhanjhyang → Junbesi → Phaplu |
| Day 4 | Salleri or Phaplu → Kathmandu |
Packing Checklist – February Trek
Clothing (Layering is Key)
- Thermal base layers (top & bottom)
- Fleece or light insulated mid-layer
- Warm down jacket (essential)
- Windproof outer shell (very important for summit)
- Trekking pants
- Warm hat + sun hat
- Warm gloves (windproof preferred)
- Buff or scarf
- Warm evening clothes
- Extra wool or thermal socks
Footwear
- Broken-in trekking boots
- Camp shoes / sandals (tea houses may lend them in off-season)
Backpack & Gear
- Daypack
- Sleeping bag (recommended despite blankets)
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp (for summit morning)
- Sunglasses
- Water bottles or hydration bladder
Other Essentials
- Sunscreen & lip balm
- Moisturiser
- Rain cover or poncho
- Basic first-aid kit & personal medication
- Hand sanitiser & wet wipes
- Rehydration salts
- Cash or mobile banking app (no ATMs on trail)
- Snacks & protein bars
Day-by-Day Experience Highlights
Day 1: Kathmandu → Dhap
We left Kathmandu around 4 am by jeep, as flights to Phaplu were unavailable. We reached Dhap at about 2:30 pm and decided to start hiking the same day.
The trail toward Tadapani followed gentle ridges with no tea shops for hours. We stayed at Viewpoint Tadapani Tea House (📞 9742506820), which turned out to be the best tea house experience of the trek thanks to a very kind host.
Option: Resting in Dhap and starting fresh the next morning is also a good choice.
Day 2: Toward Pikey Base Camp
The section between Tadapani and Lamujhe was stunning, with mountain views all around. After lunch at Lamujhe, the trail climbed steadily toward base camp as the air grew colder. We continued another 20 minutes to High Camp.
Day 3: Summit Morning & Long Descent
We started only 20 minutes before sunrise and missed the sunrise from the peak—don’t make this mistake. Summit day should begin at least an hour before sunrise.
After the summit, the trail narrows briefly with steep exposure for about 20 minutes. The long descent continues through Jasmane Bhanjhyang, Taktor, and finally Junbesi.
Day 4: Junbesi & Monastery Visit
Junbesi is a charming mountain town. Above the village lies Thupten Chöling Monastery (approx. 3,000 m), one of the largest monasteries in Nepal. The walk is easy and takes about 4 hours round trip including the visit. A guesthouse is also available at the monastery.
From Junbesi, you can walk down or take a jeep to Salleri or Phaplu.
Practical Tips for Winter Trekking Pikey Peak
- Expect freezing nights at Base Camp and High Camp
- Daytime walking is comfortable; end hikes before sunset
- With fewer trekkers, tea houses cook on demand—call ahead if possible
- Wind chill on the summit can feel much colder than expected
Planning Your Pikey Peak Trek
The Pikey Peak trek is forgiving and highly flexible, making it suitable for both first-time trekkers and those looking for a relaxed Himalayan walk. You can adjust daily walking distances, choose where to stay overnight, and even add extra exploration days depending on your pace, weather conditions, and interest in villages or monasteries along the route.
| Trail Section | Distance (km) | Approx. Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Dhap → Tadapani | 12.00 | 3 hrs 30 mins |
| Tadapani → Lamjhe | 10.00 | 3 hrs 30 mins |
| Lamjhe → Pikey Base Camp | 7.33 | 3 hrs 00 mins |
| High Camp → Pikey Peak Summit | 1.21 | 35 mins |
| Summit → Jasmane Bhanjhyang | 2.81 | 1 hr 10 mins |
| Bhanjhyang → Taktor | 6.78 | 2 hrs 40 mins |
| Taktor → Junbesi | 5.10 | 1 hr 50 mins |
Photo Credit : @iamasunray
