Pikey Peak Trek in Winter

Sir Edmund Hillary once said that the Pikey Peak (4065 m) is his favorite place to spot Mt. Everest. The mountaineering legend approved the beauty of the place. Therefore, Pikey Peak Trek is one of the major short trekking routes of Nepal. Interestingly, the trail is less risky in terms of altitude sickness which makes it easier for trekkers to trek. Today’s blog is about getting an idea of the Pikey Peak Trek in winter season. Normally, Nepal trekking is ideal during the months of spring season (March – May) and autumn season (September – November). However, there are places where you can trek throughout the year. Yes, the Pikey Peak Trek is also one of them.

Before delving deeper into finding out information on the Pikey Peak Trek in winter, let’s know in brief about possible best short winter treks in Nepal.

Best Short Winter Treks in Nepal

Among several trekking trails of Nepal, there are few routes where you can trek even during the off season like winter (December – February). Some of the best short winter treks in Nepal are as follows:

• Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
• Mohare Danda Trek
• Mardi Himal Trek
• Khopra Ridge Trek
• Pikey Peak Trek
• Everest View Trek
• Annapurna Royal Trek
• Chisapani Nagarkot Trek
• Tamang Heritage Trail Trek

Adventurers and trekkers with lots of experience in the high mountains can choose to do long trekking trips in winter season. For example, these experienced trekkers with an experienced trekking guide can successfully complete the iconic trekking trips like Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, etc. even during the winter season. Please check our blogs about winter trekking in Nepal. You can get more idea about various tips for trekking in adverse weather conditions.

Pikey Peak Trek in Winter

Now, let’s know more about doing the Pikey Peak Trek in winter season. Lots of people wonder why Sir Edmund Hillary declared the place as his favorite. The answer is there. If you are on this amazing trekking journey of the Pikey Peak Trek in winter, then you will be blessed by the scenery like never before. The snowy hills and the clear skies even during winter season make it an ideal winter trekking destination.

Make sure that you are trekking with an experienced trekking guide and buy the trekking package from reliable trekking company. For your ease, this blogger highly recommends the Everest Trekking Routes Pvt. Ltd. as the number one company for the Pikey Peak Trek in winter. The company is one of the pioneer trekking companies of Nepal who actively participated in maintaining the trekking trail in the region. In addition, you can also get the different itinerary than the rest for the trek.

What makes Pikey Peak Trek ideal for winter trek?

Experience the snowfall which is not risky but picturesque in the Pikey Peak (4065 m). Surrounding hills drape in the snow provide enticing moment to travelers. In addition, the skies are clear than the spring and autumn season especially in the Pikey Peak area. Therefore, you get to enjoy the majestic view of mountains as far as Makalu, Everest, and Kanchenjunga. It is truly the best way to experience the mountain vista without risk of altitude sickness.

Low Altitude Everest View Trek Alternative

It is indeed the best alternative lower elevation trekking to the Everest View Trek. The sight of Mt. Everest looks spectacular from the summit of the peak. Explore the lower altitude Sherpa and Rai villages of the Solukhumbu district of Nepal. Note down that Solu is the lower elevation places and Khumbu is higher elevation places. So, if you are on the Pikey Peak Trek in winter, then you are exploring the places of Solu whereas the trip like the Everest Base Camp Trek is the exploration of the places of the Khumbu.

Winter Cost and Itinerary of Pikey Peak Trekking in Nepal

Let’s know in brief about the itinerary of the Pikey Peak Trek in winter season. Before that, the cost of the Pikey Peak Trek starts from 490 $ per person for standard package that includes lodging, transportation, food, guide, permits, and porter.

Here is the brief itinerary of the Pikey Peak Trek

Drive to Jhapre

The journey starts from Kathmandu. Trekkers have to take a jeep to the village of Jhapre via Dhap. Earlier, trekkers had to start the trek from Dhap village but the road condition has improved now. You get to travel on a well tarred road until the Jhapre Village. The village is on the top of the cliff and it offers great scenery of cascading hills and villages. Moreover, the place is the home of Rai and Sherpa people where you can explore small chortens and stupas. The journey is about 8 to 9 hours long and total road distance is about 245 kilometers long.

Trek to Pikey Peak Base Camp (3640 m)

The trail is well trodden through green lush forests and open ridges all the way to the Pikey Peak Base Camp. It takes about 5 to 6 hours of walking from Jhapre village to reach the base camp. There are quality tea houses and lodges in the base camp. If you are doing the Pikey Peak Trek in winter, then you may have to keep at least 1 reserve day in case of heavy snowfall. Spend two nights in the base camp before heading to the summit if it is snowing heavily. Moreover, you can also consult with the locals and trekking guide.

Sunrise from Pikey Peak (4065 m)

You have to wake up early in the morning before dawn and hike for about 1.5 hours to reach the summit. Enjoy the majestic sunrise from the Pikey Peak summit (4065 m). Relish the scenery of mountains like Everest, Lhotse, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and others.

Explore Classical Everest Base Camp Trek Route Trail Head

The choice is always yours whether to return the same trail or trek through the villages located in the classical Everest Base Camp Trek route. It is highly recommended to use the route of the Jasmane Bhanjyang, Junbeshi, and Phaplu village if you have time. For trekkers on limited time, you can retrace the same trail back to Jhapre and drive back to Kathmandu.