Discover why Pikey Peak is considered one of the best viewpoints for enjoying Mount Everest in Nepal. Explore its spectacular Himalayan panoramas, unforgettable sunrise views, peaceful trekking trails, traditional Sherpa villages and rich Buddhist culture. From the scenic forests of Solukhumbu to the summit at 4,065 metres, find out what makes the Pikey Peak Trek a memorable alternative to Nepal's busier trekking routes.
While Everest Base Camp is often the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about visiting Mount Everest, there is another spot in Nepal where you can enjoy this magnificent sight in an equally amazing way. Situated within the lower Solukhumbu region, Pikey Peak has become a popular spot amongst trekkers to enjoy some outstanding views of the Himalayas.
Pikey peak reaches an elevation of 4,065m and is one of the best viewpoints in the region. On a clear day you will be treated to some incredible panoramic views of the Himalayan range with Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Kanchenjunga and many more impressive peaks on show.
The peaceful trekking routes, Sherpa villages, stunning forests and friendly local community make this place feel very different compared to the more busy trekking spots in Nepal.
So why is Pikey Peak such an amazing view point for Mount Everest? Let's take a look!
One of the biggest attractions to visit Pikey Peak is the amazing mountain views.
As opposed to having a close up view of one mountain this viewpoint offers a great overview of the Himalayas. You have an amazing view of a large selection of snowy mountains.
On a clear day you can see:
Mount Everest (8,848.86m) – The tallest mountain in the world and is a major attraction to many people.
Mount Lhotse (8,516m) – The 4 th tallest mountain and is very close to Everest.
Mount Makalu (8,485m) – This is a stunning pyramid like mountain.
Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586m) – The 3 rd tallest mountain in the world and can be seen on favourable weather conditions.
Mount Nuptse – One of the most prominent mountains in the Himalayas.
Mount Thamserku – Another amazing mountain that can be seen from some parts of the Solukhumbu region.
Due to being able to see several of the largest mountains in the Himalayas this is a very popular spot for mountain lovers and photographers.
Watching the sun rise over the Himalayas has a special feel to it.
The trek up to the summit generally starts quite early. After leaving wherever you're staying, you’ll head off along a quiet path up the mountain to the viewpoint. As the altitude gets higher and higher you start to see hints of the sun appearing over the horizon.
Initially all you can see are black silhouettes of the mountains. But as the sun starts to rise you'll notice the highest snowy summits catching the first rays of light. Everest and surrounding peaks will slowly start to turn a golden colour with hints of orange and gentle pink.
With the changing light comes an incredible view. The ridges of the mountains become much clearer and the valleys will be bathed in morning shadows.
Buddhist prayer flags of every colour will be fluttering in the chilly mountain air at the summit. Often trekkers will take a few minutes to just stand there and take some photos.
This experience is definitely worth getting up early for. Even if you have visited the Himalayas before seeing the first light hit the mountains from Pikey Peak can be an unforgettable experience.
Whilst most people know Everest from the Everest Base Camp Trek, getting a view from afar can give you a whole new appreciation for Mount Everest.
From Pikey Peak you get an overall view of the mountain range. You can now see how Everest is part of a much larger mountain range and how it stands out amongst the other peaks.
You can really appreciate the vastness of the mountain range. With snow covered summits, beautiful ridges and distant valleys.
Everest Base Camp may not actually be the best place to get a full view of the mountain. The surrounding peaks and landscape mean you won't get the best view from here. Kala Patthar, which can be reached on the traditional Everest Base Camp itinerary, is known for having an incredible close up view of Everest.
However Pikey Peak provides you with a whole new experience. It is perfect if you love getting an overview of a mountain range. The wide angle view of Everest and the surrounding Himalayas is a huge plus for this destination.
Whilst the paths leading to Everest Base Camp are busy. Pikey Peak provides you with a much calmer trekking experience. Whilst more people are starting to visit this destination it still provides you with a tranquil environment that makes exploring the lower Solukhumbu region so enjoyable.
Along the path you are much more likely to see small mountain villages, animals grazing and locals going about their day to day.
The wide open ridges provide an incredible amount of places to stop and take in your surroundings. Something that I found incredibly enjoyable was staying in one of the small mountain villages in the evening. The pace of life is very different compared to busy cities.
Higher up the mountain you will notice how calm it is. The wind whistling through the trees, distant village life and the occasional ringing of bells from the grazing animals.
If you like visiting a destination with less tourists then this is definitely one of the biggest perks of visiting Pikey Peak.
The trek to Pikey Peak isn't just all about getting to the high viewpoint. Along the way you will pass through some traditional villages.
Starting the trek from Dhap you will slowly start to pass through villages like Jhapre. This will introduce you to the culture in the area with traditional houses, prayer flags and small places of worship.
Jhapre is a lovely place to visit. It is very peaceful and has lots of open mountain views. From various spots in the village you can take in the lush green hills and distant mountain ridges.
As you continue your journey you will pass through forests, grazing fields and smaller villages. Eventually arriving at Junbesi. This traditional Sherpa village is well known for its Buddhist culture, stone houses and friendly environment.
Getting to know the villages gives you the opportunity to see a different side to Nepal. You can see how the locals live their lives with their traditions. You can interact with the locals and learn how they connect with their surroundings.
Often these cultural experiences make for some of the most memorable moments of your trek.
Another reason why Pikey Peak stands out is the variety of scenery you will see along the way.
Starting off in the lower mountain villages you will see lots of terraced fields and green hills. As you start to head higher you will enter into the forested areas. Pines, Rhododendrons and other native plants will surround you.
In the spring months you will see some incredible Rhododendron forests. The flowers will add extra colour to your journey.
Eventually you will start to enter into large mountain fields and open ridges. This will give you larger views and a more alpine feel.
You could be walking under tall trees one minute and then be walking along an open ridge with mountains in the distance.
Overall this keeps the trek interesting and there are plenty of stops to take in your surroundings. The journey itself becomes an important part of your experience.
The weather plays a big role when attempting to see Mount Everest from Pikey Peak. While there are amazing views of the mountains, sometimes the weather will not allow you to get the best views due to rain and cloud cover.
Spring & Autumn are generally considered the best seasons for visiting
Spring (March-May)
Spring is a great time to visit as there is a noticeable change to the landscape of Solukhumbu. The hills turn a greener colour and Rhododendron forests begin to bloom. Temperatures are typically pleasant throughout the day.
March and April are a beautiful time to visit. During your walk through the forests you will see vibrant blooms of flowers. Higher up the ridges there will be amazing views of the distant mountains.
Typically the weather will be good but sometimes there can be clouds in the afternoon.
Autumn (September-November)
Autumn is another great time to visit. As the monsoon season has finished there is often clearer skies which makes for great mountain photography.
October and November are a popular time to visit. The weather is typically pleasant throughout the day and if there are clear mornings then you will get some stunning panoramic views of the mountains.
For those looking to see Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks this is often a great time to visit.
Winter (December-February)
Winter can be a peaceful time to visit but the temperatures can become very cold, especially in the early mornings and higher altitudes.
There may be snowfall on the trail making some parts of the trek challenging. However if you have the correct equipment this can be a great way to see a different side of the Himalayas.
Monsoon (June-August)
During monsoon there will be high amounts of rain, cloudy skies and potentially challenging roads and trails. For those wanting panoramic views this is not the best time to visit as you may not get great views of the mountains for long periods of time.
Those wanting to experience the Everest region but do not have the time for a longer expedition may find Pikey Peak a great alternative.
One of the main benefits of visiting Pikey Peak is that you will not need to fly domestically to Lukla. The standard trek will take you by road from Kathmandu to Dhap.
The highest point is also significantly lower than Everest Base Camp. Pikey Peak is only 4065m whereas Everest Base Camp is around 5364m. This means it is a shorter and less strenuous trek however it is still important to acclimatise and be aware of the risks of altitude.
The experience itself is also very different. Everest Base Camp will take you through the famous Khumbu trekking route whereas Pikey Peak will take you through quieter villages.
Pikey Peak is ideal for those:
Looking to visit the Everest region but do not have much time.
Preferring quieter trails and traditional mountain villages.
Wanting to enjoy great panoramic views of Everest.
Looking for a moderate trek.
Loving nature, culture and mountain photography.
Whilst it is not an alternative to Everest Base Camp it can be a great choice depending on what type of adventure you are looking for.
The time it takes to reach Pikey Peak depends on your route, how fast you are walking and how much time you wish to spend exploring the villages.
Some routes will take you up and back in a shorter amount of time whereas others will add extra days to allow you to experience the culture.
A 10 day trek is a great option if you wish to explore the area.
You will begin your trek from Kathmandu. You will travel by scenic road to Dhap. From here you will trek through Jhapre and Lhamuje to reach Pikey Peak Base Camp.
The next morning you will attempt the summit. Once you have enjoyed the sunrise and panoramic views you will descend down towards Jasmane Bhanjyang. The next day you will continue to Junbesi.
One of the highlights of this route is that you will have an extra day in Junbesi. This gives you time to explore the village, learn about the local culture and visit some of the local cultural spots.
This slower pace means you will get to enjoy more than just the summit and will greatly enhance your experience.
Whilst some treks are known for being challenging, others are special due to the experience you get along the way. Pikey Peak combines many of these aspects.
Whilst the panoramic views are a huge draw, the trek itself is also a rewarding experience. You will pass through traditional villages, walk through Rhododendron forests and enjoy open mountain ridges. You will also experience the friendly nature of the locals.
You will also feel a great sense of achievement when reaching a viewpoint that is not as busy as some of the more well known trekking spots in Nepal.
For photographers there will be endless opportunities to capture the Himalayas with varying mountain lighting. Nature lovers will enjoy the forested areas and open landscapes. Culture lovers will enjoy visiting villages such as Jhapre and Junbesi to see some of the local traditions.
Overall this is not just about seeing Mount Everest but experiencing the mountains, people and landscapes that make this region of Nepal so special.
Pikey Peak is a great place to really appreciate Mount Everest from a different angle. With amazing panoramic views, peaceful trekking routes and traditional Sherpa villages it is definitely worth visiting if you are planning a Himalayan adventure in Nepal.
Whether you are watching the first rays of sun hit Everest, enjoying the peaceful forests of Solukhumbu or exploring Junbesi for an afternoon you will have some amazing experiences.
If you are planning to explore this beautiful region, Our 10 Days Pikey Peak Trek has been thoughtfully designed to take you on a journey through some amazing mountainous landscapes. You will get to experience some culture and enjoy the surroundings at a comfortable pace.
Discover the beauty of the Solukhumbu region and enjoy one of the most memorable viewpoints in Nepal.
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