Pikey Peak Trek

The journey starts early in the morning and we will leave the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu valley to Dhap Bazaar via Okhaldungha by private vehicle. It is a 7-hour drive along the Sun Koshi, later joining Tama Koshi and becomes a roaring big Koshi River. We will stop en route for lunch in a small local restaurant. It takes about 4 hours of driving to arrive in Ghurmi. Then a smooth drive uphill towards the north through the sub-tropical forests of Pine to dense forests of Rhododendron follows. We will be passing several countryside villages, beautiful landscapes and valleys until we reach Dhap Bazaar (2850m) which takes about 3 hours. Exploring the fascinating village and several local shops will give you a different experience; of knowing local people, their culture and their way of life. In the clear sky, the awesome mountain view of Numbur Chuli makes you feel that you are already closed to the Himalayas. Stay overnight at lodge

After breakfast, we set out on the walking trail, which stays on dusty roads ffor about two and half hours. Once we reach Sigane, the trail from there follows a road under construction for the first couple of hours. The first village enroute is called Jahpre (2815m). It’s perched above a deep valley with nice views of Everest and the Number Himal. There’s a pretty little Gompa and Stupa here. This is also another best view point for all high Himalayan range to north. Here you find few lodges with its comfort and plenty of food items. We stay overnight at Lodge.

The morning brings an awesome mountain scenery of Numbur Chuli and Everest, including the eastern Himalayan range. The Trekking Trail starts on dirt roads for a while and quickly goes through a gentle uphill route. We go through the Pine and Rhododendron forests until reaching Bhulbule (3210m) and it takes about 2 hours. You will find small tea shop there. We will then arrive in Lhamuje (3330m) which takes an hour. We will have lunch here in a newly built tea-house. In the spring season, you will enjoy different spices of Rhododendron flowers during the walk and the spectacular Himalayan range. Afterwards, the trail is mostly gentle ups and downs in the ridge till we arrive at the Yak pasture land where we can see many grazing Yaks. We will then climb steep hills with zigzag trails to arrive at Pikey Peak Base Camp (3585m) which takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. You can visit Yak Cheese factory and they produce Cheese during Monsoon. The two lodges you will find serves basic local food. Overnight stay at Lodge.

Early morning, we set out on the uphill trail until reaching Pikey Peak (4065m) and it takes about an hour. The unobstructed view of the sunrise over the Himalayan range and the spectacular views of mountains including Mt. Everest, Number Chuli, Thamserku, Khangtega, Khatang, Karyoling to the north, Kanchenjunga to the east, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, Gaurishankar, Dorje Lakpa, Langtang to the west is beautiful. We then go downhill in the gully stone trail for a few hours and enter to the Rhododendron and Pine forest until Jase Bhanjyang (3550m) and it takes about 2 hours. 

Then trail then leads us to Lamjura (3530m) which takes about 2 hours. You can stop for lunch here. After lunch we continue on the trail and rhododendron forests until we reach Taktor. After that it a relaxed walk to Junbesi (2680m), passing several mani walls and stone chhortens. It takes 2 and half hours. 

The Numbur Chuli ( peak) to the north looms high above the village. You may visit an old monastery in the village and explore the village, to know their culture and way of life. There are several nice lodges with good food. We stay overnight at Lodge.

The next morning, you follow the river once more, meandering through fields and flowers, towards a very special place; Thupten Choling, home to 800 monks living in tiny cottages dotting the hill behind the main Gompa. His Holiness, the late Trulsik Rinpoche founded the monastery in the 1960’s after fleeing Tibet. Thupten Choling houses, feeds, and educates a large population, 80% of whom are Tibetan refugees. This is one of the first contact points for the many Tibetans who find their way into Nepal each year. Although most refugees continue on to India, about 40 nuns per year stay on and join the monastery. 

From here you continue up the valley for another hour to your first campsite where you are joined by the full camping crew for the first time. You will now be camping each night until you reach Taksindu.

As you will be ascending steadily in the next few days, it is important to pay attention to how your body is acclimatizing. Your visit to Pike Peak earlier in the trek would have helped considerably with your acclimatization. However, do pay attention to any of the early signs of altitude sickness and make sure you drink plenty of water. Today takes you through a magical forest up towards a pass near where you will spend the night.

Over the next two days, you follow a ridge bringing you ever closer to the snow covered peaks of the Rowaling Himal. It is hard to imagine, but this lonely trail teems with pilgrims at festival time! You will most likely have the whole landscape to yourself and camp in meadows, surrounded by rock faces and yak grazing.

Dudh Kunda Lake (4560m), at the foot of Mt. Numbur and Karyalung Glacier, is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. The full moon in August sees pilgrims flock to the lake as Buddhist and Hindu devotees believe that taking a dip in the icy lake will absolve them of their sins. It only takes a couple hours walking from your last camp and you can spend the rest of the day at leisure in this incredibly stunning place.

After a morning Kora (circumambulation of the lake) you retrace our steps to Thadarbug and rejoin the classic pilgrim route towards the Taksindu La. You follow the ridgeline south and camp in one of the herder’s camps along this trail.

This morning, you continue down the ridgeline towards the main Jiri to Everest trail at Taksindu La, from where you again have great mountains views. A short descent takes you to the Taksindu Monastery and the village where you can stay in a local tea house.

Today you leave the main trekking route again and take a beautiful path down to Phaplu through the forest. You have the option to hike up to Chiwong Gompa, perched high on a cliff overlooking the valley. This monastery was founded in 1923 and has magnificent celebrations for the Mani Rimdu festival in autumn. You continue down into Phaplu and celebrate the completion of a great trek in your cozy tea house in the village.

 This is a cushion day for any eventuality that may include, delays or cancellation of flight or any other reasons beyond our control. 

Phaplu to Kathmandu (35 minutes by air) and transfer to the hotel.

In case everything works out fine, you may have the opportunity of using this day for sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley, hunting souvenirs or any other option that may interest you.

Breakfast at the hotel and departure from the airport.