Best Season for Pikey Peak Trek
The best time for Pikey Peak Trek is during the pre-monsoon (spring) and post-monsoon (autumn) seasons. These periods offer the most favorable weather conditions for trekking in Nepal Himalayas.
Both seasons offer good weather conditions, but April, May, October, and November are considered the best months for the Pikey Peak Trek. These months provide suitable conditions for trekking without significant hazards. However, keep in mind that the weather in the mountains can be changeable, so it's always advisable to be prepared for sudden changes regardless of the season.
Choosing the best time depends on your preferences, availability, and tolerance for crowds, as both spring and autumn have their unique advantages.
- Spring season (March to May):
Spring is considered the best time for the Pikey Peak Trek. During this season, the weather is generally stable, with mild temperatures during the day and clear skies, providing excellent visibility of the surrounding landscape and mountains. The trekking trail is also adorned with vibrant rhododendron blooms, creating a colorful and picturesque setting. The pleasant temperatures make it a comfortable time for hiking, and the longer days allow for more exploration during the trek.
- Autumn season (September to November):
Autumn is another popular and recommended season for the Pikey Peak Trek. The weather tends to be dry, with generally clear skies, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks. Temperatures are moderate, and the environment is favorable for hiking. Autumn, being the post-monsoon season, features crisp, clean air after the rains, providing stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains and landscapes during the trek.
- Summer & winter season (July - August & Nov - Feb)
Pikey Peak Trek is possible during the summer and winter seasons, but these times can be more challenging compared to the preferred trekking seasons of spring and autumn. Summer is less recommended due to challenging weather conditions and potential risks, such as monsoon rains and leeches. Winter can be suitable for experienced trekkers, but it requires preparation for cold conditions and the appropriate gear and equipment. During the winter months (December to February), you may encounter snow, while summer months (June to August) may bring rain and leeches, making the weather and trail conditions less favorable.
Pikey Peak Trek Difficulty
The difficulty level of the Pikey Peak Trek is considered easy to moderate, as the trail is at a lower altitude in the lower Everest region, making it less challenging. Daily walking distances are 5 to 8 hours, and there are not many obstacles along the route. However, it can be somewhat challenging for those without previous trekking experience and requires good physical and mental health and fitness. Therefore, we advise engaging in physical exercises before the hike, such as walking, hiking, jogging, gym workouts, yoga, stretching, swimming, cycling, and running, to better prepare for and complete the trek.
The trail is well-maintained through forests and villages, but it can be narrow and steep, sometimes becoming muddy and slippery during bad weather, which can make the trek more challenging. Booking accommodations in advance is crucial during peak season, as it can be very crowded, adding another layer of difficulty. The monsoon season is not ideal due to slippery trails from heavy rain, and winter is also not recommended due to heavy snow. Summer and winter seasons present additional challenges for completing the trek.
To minimize difficulty and make the Pikey Peak Trek more enjoyable and hassle-free, consider having an experienced guide and porter, use proper rain and cold weather gear, stay in teahouses, take rest days for acclimatization, walk slowly, and take short, easy steps
Transport for the Pikey Peak Trek
For the Pikey Peak Trek, there are both road and airport accessible starting and ending points, so you can choose either a flight or a vehicle for your journey. Road transport is highly recommended over flights because flights are not regular and often experience delays due to weather conditions. Therefore, the transport options for the Pikey Peak Trek are generally straightforward, but due to the remote nature of the area and variable weather conditions, planning and flexibility are important for a smooth travel experience.
Transportations typically involve the following:
From Kathmandu to Phaplu/Salleri and Back:
Private Vehicle: A comfortable option for groups, offering more flexibility and a direct route.
- Costs: USD 330, Kathmandu to Pattale Dhap
- Costs: USD 350, Phaplu to Kathmandu
Public Vehicle: More economical but can be less comfortable. Public vehicles often leave from Kathmandu’s bus parks (Chabahil) and may take longer due to frequent stops.
- Costs: USD 20 per person, Kathmandu to Pattale Dhap
- Costs: USD 25 per person, Phaplu to Kathmandu
Travel Duration: Approximately 8-10 hours by road.
Road distance: Approximately 267.0 km to Pattale Dhap and 297.0 Km to Phaplu
Road Conditions: The drive involves traveling on hilly and winding roads, with some narrow and zigzag sections, so it's important to be prepared for a long and potentially bumpy journey.
Flight to Phaplu from Kathmandu and back:
- Airline: Tara Air or Sita Air (from Kathmandu and back)
- Duration: Approximately 30-40 minutes
- Flight Time: Flights are not daily and depend on the number of passengers, with weather permitting. Some time can delays or cancellations can occur. It's recommended to allow extra time for potential delays.
- Flight cost: The cost is US$ 200 per person for one way.
Accommodation in the Pikey Peak Trek
Accommodation options along the Pikey Peak Trekking route are generally basic but comfortable teahouses. There are sufficient accommodations but during peak season, it can be difficult to find accommodation, but guides can manage this by making advance bookings via phone calls.
Normally, lodges offer basic private accommodation (typically with 2 beds per room) for twin-sharing, equipped with beds, blankets, and pillows. The bathrooms are commonly shared indoor facilities with squat and western toilets, and sometimes hot showers are available, often using solar power or a gas geyser for an additional charge. Every lodge has a communal dining area with a heater, where trekkers can eat, relax, and socialize with others.
However, the cost of a hot shower will be high, ranging from 200 to 500 NPR per shower, especially at higher altitudes where heating water is more challenging due to the cold temperatures.
Food in Pikey Peak Trek
During the Pikey Peak Trekking, food options primarily consist of local Nepali and Sherpa dishes, with some basic Western options available in more popular areas. Every teahouse has a food menu, and the food items are almost the same at every teahouse in each location. You can choose food from the menu based on your requirements. Most teahouses grow fresh vegetables in their gardens and serve them to customers, especially except the Pikey Peak Base Camp.
The cooks are generally trained, often hired from more urban areas, but the taste of the food might differ from Western cuisine. It is advisable to eat vegetarian during the journey because it can be difficult to obtain fresh meat due to the remote location and the less popularity route.
Local Nepali and Sherpa food:
- Dal Bhat:A staple dish served to accompany, consisting of rice served with lentil soup (dal), seasonal vegetables, and pickle.
- Momos:Steamed or fried dumplings filled with vegetables, tuna fish, cheese, eggs, potatoes, or a mix, served with dipping sauces.
- Thukpa:An energetic noodle soup with vegetables and sometimes eggs, flavored with local spices.
- Tibetan Bread:Flatbread fried or baked, often served with honey jam or butter for breakfast or as a snack.
- Tsampa:Roasted barley flour, eaten as porridge or mixed with butter tea (suja). It looks similar to baby food.
Western and International Options:
- Pasta and Noodles:Available in tea houses, often prepared with local ingredients and sauces.
- Omelets:Commonly served for breakfast with items like omelet, fried, boiled, poached eggs, accompanied by Tibetan bread or toast.
- Potatoes and Vegetables:Sometimes served as standalone dishes or as sides with main meals, featuring various varieties flavored with local spices.
- Others:Soups, Piza, fried items, pancake, and some others
Beverages:
- Hot Drinks:All types of hot drinks such as tea, coffee, hot lemon, lemon ginger honey, and hot chocolate are available throughout the trek, but they are often served without sugar; sugar will be provided separately.
- Soft Drinks:Carbonated beverages like cola and Sprite, as well as bottled water, are available throughout the trek.
Drinking Water in Pikey Peak Trek
Safe drinking water is essential during the Pikey Peak Trek, especially since you are from a different place and the journey through the Himalayas is lengthy. Staying hydrated is vital for completing the journey successfully. It's recommended to consume bottled, boiled, or treated water to prevent waterborne illnesses, digest the food and high altitude sickness. Bottled water is available at teahouses and shops along the route, with prices increasing as altitude rises, typically ranging from NPR 100 to NPR 300 per liter.
It's highly recommended that all trekkers bring a reusable water bottle for refilling from natural water sources. Many natural sources such as streams, rivers, and taps are available along the route, but this water should always be purified before drinking. Methods for purification include water purification tablets, filters, or UV purification. Your guide can also provide information about safe drinking water sources during the Pikey Peak trekking.
Electricity and Charging Facilities
Most teahouses along the Pikey Peak Trekking trail have electricity, but availability is limited at Pikey Peak Base Camp. Electricity in most areas is often generated by mini hydroelectric power, while solar power is more common in teahouses at Pikey Peak Base Camp. Charging electronic devices like phones and cameras usually incurs an extra cost, typically ranging from 200 to 500 NPR per device for a full charge. During the busy trekking season, charging facilities will be in high demand, so it is highly recommended to bring a power bank to charge your electronic devices.
Communication (mobile & Wi-Fi Network) along the trek
Communication (mobile and Wi-Fi) options along the Pikey Peak Trek are generally available with good network coverage, but some remote areas may have weak or intermittent signals.
Mobile Network: Mobile network coverage is available in many places along the Pikey Peak Trek. It is advisable to carry SIM cards from both major providers (Ncell and Nepal Telecom) to increase the chances of having a signal. You can purchase these SIM cards in Kathmandu. The quality of the mobile network can vary; in some locations, you might get 3G or 4G connectivity, while in others, you might only have 2G or no signal at all.
Wi-Fi Network: Most teahouses along the Pikey Peak Trek offer Wi-Fi for an additional cost. However, the connection can be slow and may not always be available due to weather conditions or technical issues. Therefore, we highly recommend not relying on Wi-Fi to regularly connect with your family and friends. If you have an emergency and need to contact your family, our guide will assist you in managing the connection by mobile network
Tipping information
The trekking and climbing guide, as well as the porter, is essential to the success of the trip, ensuring that it is completed smoothly and without issues. Tipping is an important aspect of trekking in Nepal, as it acknowledges and appreciates the hard work of the local staff who assist you throughout your journey. It is customary to tip at the end of the trek, and you should gather all team members (guide, porter, assistant guide) together to distribute the tip. Tips are generally given in cash, preferably in US dollars or Nepalese rupees, and it is best to use small denominations to facilitate easier distribution
While the typical guideline is to tip around 10% of the total payable amount, you can adjust this based on the quality of service provided. Recommended tipping amounts are as follows:
- Guide: $12-$15 per day
- Climbing Guide: US$ 80 total
- Porter: $8-$10 per day
- Assistant Guide: $8-$12 per day
These tips are highly recommended to motivate the team and reward them for their outstanding service, contributing to a memorable and inspiring experience.
Pikey Peak Trek – Travel Insurance Information
Travel insurance is essential for the Pikey Peak Trek because the route passes through remote areas at high elevations, far from your home country. Unexpected situations such as accidents, health issues, altitude sickness, lost belongings, or flight delays may occur. These situations could require medical treatment or emergency evacuation, which can be very expensive.
It is crucial to have travel insurance that covers emergency medical treatment, helicopter evacuation (air ambulance), and other travel-related risks such as lost, stolen, damaged, or delayed baggage, as well as flight cancellations or delays. Your policy should cover all activities planned during the trek and your stay in Nepal.
Ensure your insurance covers high-altitude trekking above 4,000 meters. Without proper coverage, you will be personally responsible for all unexpected expenses, which can be costly. If you need assistance, we can recommend reliable travel insurance for the Pikey Peak Trek.
Required packing list for Pikey Peak Trek
Travel equipment is essential to pack before your trip. Below is the recommended packing list. We understand it may seem like a lot to carry from home, so we suggest packing light and bringing only the necessary items. If you’re missing something, you can hire or buy it in Kathmandu, especially around Thamel.
These general items are suitable for all seasons while trekking in Nepal, but the list may vary depending on the season and the duration of your chosen trek. It is highly recommended to choose lightweight and multi-functional gear and to minimize unnecessary items. This approach will help reduce the weight of your pack and make your trekking experience more comfortable. Therefore, it’s important to ask your trekking organizer for a detailed packing list specific to your trek. They will provide you with clear information about what to bring.
Requerements Documents for Pikey Peak Trek:
- Passport and 4 passport size photos
- Travel insurance details (in case an emergency evacuation if needed)
- Boarding passes for flights
- Driver’s license (if needed)
- Cash USD
- Credit/Debit Card (Ensure you have $500 on your card incase an emergency helicopter evacuation is needed)
Logistics for Pikey Peak Trek
- Sleeping bag (Comfort rating -15 Celsius recommended)
- Sleeping bag liner (Optional)
Footwear Check List for Pikey Peak Trek:
- Trekking boots: one pair lightweight
- Sandals for city and tea house footwear
- Shoes for the plane and tea houses (Optional)
- Gaiters for hiking in winter to the base camp
- Thin, lightweight inner socks
- Thick, warm wool hiking socks
Clothing for body:
Please make sure that you have non-cotton clothing for trekking:
- Base-layer t-shirts (e.g. running t-shirts)
- Fleece/Windproof jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Down jacket for warmth
- Travel clothes and City Wear
- Underwear
- Base-layer trousers (optional)
- Waterproof trousers
- Trekking trousers
- Trekking shorts (Optional)
- Gloves and wool hat
- Bandanna or scarf
Health Requirements (Basic First Aid Kit)
- First-aid kit; should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea
- Re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking if any particular
- Wet wipes for cleaning can be purchased in Kathmandu
Others Things:
- Sunglasses and Sun cream
- Towel
- Book (reading and writing materials)
- MP-3 /Music, headphones and ear plug (who know some people on group are snoring) as optional.
- Travel wash
- Hand Sanitizer, wet wipes
- A day bag: 35 liters
- A duffel or rucksack with straps to go over your back (Max 12 kg of weight for porters to carry)
- Dry Liner or Dry Bag
- Water bottle/thermos/ camel bag: At least 2 L. Nalgen bottles best.
General Toiletries
- Toilet papers/ tissue
- Contact lenses, Glasses (if needed)
- 1 medium sized quick drying towel
- Tooth brush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
- Multipurpose soaps (preferably biodegradable)
- Nail clippers
- Face and body moisturizer
- Feminine hygiene products
- Small mirror
- On Personal Hygiene
- Wet wipes (baby wipes)
- Anti-bacterial hands wash
Others (Optional)
- Trekking Poles
- Large plastic bags – for keeping items dry inside your kit / duffel bag
- Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, and scrabble. (for luxuries)
- Binoculars (for luxuries)
- Trail Map/Guide book (if you are alone)
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