Trip Facts
Duration
13 days
Trip Grade
Difficult
Group Size
2-9
Highlights
- Experience one of Sir Edmund Hillary’s favourite views of Mount Everest
- Hike through lush rhododendron forests, traditional Sherpa villages, and remote monasteries
- Panoramic views of Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and more from Pikey Peak (4,065m)
- The off-the-beaten-path route in the lower Everest region with fewer trekkers
- Rich blend of Buddhist culture, yak pastures, and highland hospitality
- Sunrise and sunset photography opportunities from Pikey Hill Top
- Visit ancient stupas, gompas, and the cultural town of Junbesi
- Ideal for trekkers seeking short Everest region experiences with moderate difficulty
Overview
The Pikey Hill Top Everest Panorama Trekking is a scenic and culturally enriching 13-day journey through the less-trodden trails of the lower Khumbu. If you’re dreaming of stunning views of Mount Everest without the crowds, this trek is your answer. It offers unmatched panoramic vistas from Pikey Peak (4,065m), a spot Sir Edmund Hillary named his favourite viewpoint of Everest. Unlike other EBC paths, this one lets you enjoy the beauty of the Himalayas while also learning about real Sherpa culture.
The trip starts with a beautiful drive to Dhap. From there, it goes through cute towns, dense forests, terraced farmlands, and yak pastures until it reaches the Pikey Ridge. You’ll wake early to witness the golden sunrise hitting the Himalayan giants—from Everest to Annapurna. You’ll also visit Junbesi and the historic Thupten Chholing Monastery, blending spiritual experience with natural wonders.
This trek suits those with moderate fitness and a love for culture and nature. It’s a terrific place for families, photographers, and explorers who wish to see the Himalayas in a short amount of time. The Pikey Hill Top Everest Panorama Trekking is now open for business. It’s one of Nepal’s best-kept secrets. It has nice tea houses, hearty meals, and hosts who know a lot about the area.
Itinerary
After landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, our friendly team will receive you at the terminal and transfer you to your hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu's vibrant tourist district. Once settled, you'll meet your guide for a short briefing. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Nepali welcome dinner at a local restaurant with live cultural music—your introduction to Nepal’s warm hospitality.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel | Meals: Dinner
Today, you'll explore Kathmandu Valley's most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Begin at the majestic Pashupatinath Temple, where Hindu pilgrims gather along the Bagmati River. Next, visit Boudhanath Stupa, a spiritual hub for Tibetan Buddhists. Then ascend to Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) for a sweeping view of the city. In the afternoon, return to Thamel for gear checks, last-minute shopping, and pre-trek packing.
Accommodation: Hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Leave the city behind and begin your Himalayan road journey through winding mountain highways. The scenic drive follows the Sunkoshi River before climbing into the mid-hills. You’ll pass rural villages, farms, and forested ridges as you enter the Solu region. Dhap is a small Sherpa settlement and serves as the official starting point of your trek.
Accommodation: Lodge | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your first day of trekking starts on a dirt jeep road lined with pine trees and pasturelands. The trail passes through Sigane and slowly ascends to Jhapre, a peaceful Sherpa village perched on a ridge. You’ll visit a small Buddhist stupa and local monastery here. On clear days, the horizon offers your first distant glimpses of Mount Everest and Numbur Himal.
Accommodation: Teahouse | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start your day with a hot tea and mountain views. The trail gently climbs past yak herder huts and alpine meadows, gradually turning steeper as you reach Bhulbhule. Continue through rhododendron forests—especially magical in spring—to reach Pikey Base Camp. This is your base for tomorrow’s summit push. Enjoy an early dinner and rest well at altitude.
Accommodation: Lodge | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is the highlight of your trek! Wake before dawn and ascend the steep ridge to the summit of Pikey Peak. You'll see one of the most beautiful sunrises over the Himalayas from the top. You can see Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Dhaulagiri, and even Annapurna in all their golden glory on a clear day. After taking in the view, go down through lush meadows and pine forests to reach Loding, a small town tucked into the side of a hill.
Place to stay: lodge | Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
The walk today is both cultural and beautiful. You can walk through trails through forests, open valleys, and farmlands. As you get closer to Junbesi, one of the oldest Sherpa towns in the area, you'll see prayer flags, mani walls, and small gompas. This charming village is filled with traditional stone houses and surrounded by views of Numbur Himal. Spend the evening interacting with locals or relaxing in a teahouse garden.
Accommodation: Lodge | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a short, easy walk up the hill to see the famous Thupten Chholing Monastery, which was built by Trulsik Rinpoche as a place of spiritual seclusion. Hundreds of monks and nuns live in the monastery and follow the traditional Tibetan Buddhist way of life. Enjoy the serene settings while you watch the monks meditate in prayer rooms, spin prayer wheels, and drink butter tea. Go back to Junbesi for a peaceful night.
Accommodation: Lodge | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continue your descent through thick forests and fertile farmland. Today’s walk is less strenuous, giving you time to absorb the natural beauty and take photographs. Arrive in Phaplu, a small town with a regional airstrip and a nearby Sherpa heritage museum. It’s the final stop of your trek. Celebrate with a warm meal and reflections on your journey.
Accommodation: Lodge | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, board a private vehicle for the return drive to Kathmandu. Retrace your path through the Solu hills, crossing rivers, gorges, and green landscapes. Upon arrival, check back into your hotel and enjoy a hot shower, soft bed, and perhaps a fresh cup of coffee in a Thamel café.
Accommodation: Hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Enjoy a free day in the capital city. You can choose to relax, shop for souvenirs like yak wool scarves or singing bowls, or indulge in a spa or traditional massage. Optional experiences include an Everest scenic mountain flight, art galleries, or a momo cooking class.
Accommodation: Hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Use your final day for any last-minute shopping, café-hopping, or strolling through the quiet courtyards of Patan or Bhaktapur. In the evening, we’ll host a farewell dinner with a live performance of Nepali folk dance and music—a perfect end to your trekking journey.
Accommodation: Hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Depending on your flight schedule, we’ll transfer you to the airport with plenty of time to spare. As you say goodbye to Nepal, carry with you memories of mountains, monasteries, and the warm smiles of the Himalayas.
Meals: Breakfast
Cost Details
Included
- Airport pickup and drop (private vehicle)
- 3 nights’ hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
- All ground transportation by private jeep
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Teahouse/lodge accommodation during trek
- Licensed and English-speaking trekking guide
- Porter service (1 porter for two trekkers)
- Pikey Peak region permits and local taxes
- First aid kit and necessary medical support
- Eco Himalaya trekking t-shirt and trek completion certificate
Excluded
- International airfare and Nepal visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Extra meals and drinks outside the itinerary
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Tips for guide, porter, and driver
- Emergency evacuation (if needed)
- Optional tours or extra hotel nights
- Any services not mentioned in “Cost Includes”
Useful Information
Best Time to Trek: Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are the best times to go on the Pikey Hill Top Everest Panorama Trekking. Rhododendron forests will be in bloom in the spring, and the days will be warmer and the skies will usually be clearer. Autumn is also very popular because you can see the mountains clearly, the weather is nice, and there are often festivals in the area that make the mood lively. From December to February, the trail is much quieter and can be peaceful. However, it can get very cold, and higher parts of the path may be closed because of snow. From June to August, during the monsoon season, you shouldn’t go because the paths are slippery, there are leeches, and it rains a lot.
Altitude and Acclimatisation:
The highest point on the trek is Pikey Peak, standing at 4,065 meters. While this is a moderate altitude compared to other treks in the Everest region, we include an acclimatisation day in Junbesi to help your body adjust and reduce the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). The trek is planned with a gradual ascent profile, and your guide will ensure regular breaks for rest and hydration to keep you safe and comfortable.
Trek Difficulty:
This walk is not too strenuous, so anyone who is in decent shape can complete it. You will walk for 4 to 7 hours every day. There are a lot of different types of trails, like woodland roads, slow climbs, and stone paths through villages. This is the greatest option for first-timers, families with kids, and elderly travellers who want to view Everest without having to do a lot of hard labour.
Where to stay:
You’ll stay in Kathmandu at a nice 3-star hotel with private bathrooms and meals. During the trip, people stay in teahouses and lodges that are run by locals, usually Sherpa families. The rooms are simple but cosy, and blankets are given for people who share a room. Most teahouses have shared bathrooms, and some charge extra for hot showers.
Meals and Water:
While you’re on the trip, you’ll be given three healthy meals a day. You can expect to eat traditional Nepali and Tibetan food like momos, soups, noodles, dal bhat (rice with lentils and veggies), and noodles. You can get drinking water in either a bottle or a kettle. But you should bring purification pills or a filtered water bottle with you to make sure you stay safe while you’re travelling.
Electricity and Charging:
Most of the villages along the path have electricity, though in some remote areas it may come from the sun. Depending on where you are, charging your phone or camera will usually cost between NPR 100 and 300 per hour. To stay charged during the trip, you should definitely bring a power bank and a universal adapter.
Online and Phone:
Some teahouses charge a small fee (usually NPR 200 to 500) to use Wi-Fi. But internet speed and security are not the same for everyone. Mobile signals aren’t always strong, especially in wooded and high-altitude places. For limited connection, getting a Nepali SIM card in Kathmandu (either NTC or Ncell) before the trek is a good idea.
Important Things to Pack:
A warm down jacket, thermal base layers, fleece coats, and a windproof outer layer are some of the most important things to pack. You’ll also need strong hiking boots, warm socks, gloves, a hat, and sunglasses that block UV rays. It is also important to bring a flashlight, sunscreen, lip balm, and basic toiletries. You should also include a sleeping bag that can endure temperatures between -10°C and -15°C, hiking poles, and a suitable daypack. You’ll get a thorough packing list before you go to help you get ready.
Respect for Culture and Travel Tips:
It’s important to follow the rules when you walk through traditional Sherpa villages and visit Buddhist places. Always wear something modest, especially when you’re near temples and gompas. Before taking pictures of people or holy things, make sure you have their permission. Take off your shoes before going into a house or a church. Learning a few greetings from the area, like “Namaste” or “Tashi Delek,” will help you connect with people there and show your thanks for their hospitality.
FAQs
It’s a moderate trek ideal for beginners with average fitness. No technical skills required.
You get a panoramic sweep of the Himalayan range—from Everest and Lhotse to Annapurna and Kanchenjunga—all from one point.
Yes, we handle all required local area permits and fees on your behalf.
Teahouses during the trek—clean, comfortable, and family-run. Hotels in Kathmandu are 3-star standard.
It’s less likely as the trek doesn’t go beyond 4,065m. Our itinerary includes proper acclimatisation and rest days.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (Sept–Nov) are best for clear skies and great views.