Pikey Peak
Lower Solukhumbu trek with arguably the best Everest sunrise — said to be Hillary's favourite.
Overview
The Pikey Peak trek is a short, low-altitude trek in the lower Solukhumbu that climbs to a 4,065 m summit famous for a sunrise panorama that reputedly was Sir Edmund Hillary’s favourite Everest view. The skyline stretches from Everest and Makalu to Kanchenjunga and the Annapurnas.
Passing Sherpa villages, monasteries and rhododendron forest with very few other trekkers, it is an ideal short, off-the-beaten-track option for an Everest-region view without the altitude or crowds of the base-camp trail.
Highlights
- ▸Sunrise over Everest, Makalu and Kanchenjunga from Pikey Peak (4,065 m)
- ▸Quiet Sherpa villages and monasteries
- ▸Rhododendron forest and ridge walking
- ▸Low altitude and beginner-friendly
- ▸Off-the-beaten-path with few crowds
What's included — from $540
- ✓Government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- ✓Porter support (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
- ✓All teahouse / lodge accommodation on the trail
- ✓Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) while trekking
- ✓All trekking permits and conservation-area fees
- ✓Ground transport between the city and the trailhead
- ✓Guide and porter wages, insurance, meals and lodging
- ✓Government taxes and official paperwork
- ✕International flights to and from Nepal
- ✕Nepal entry visa fee
- ✕Travel and high-altitude rescue insurance (mandatory)
- ✕Personal trekking gear and clothing
- ✕Meals and accommodation in cities / on rest days
- ✕Hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging and bottled water on the trail
- ✕Tips for your guide and porter
- ✕Personal expenses and anything not listed as included
Best time to go
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Pikey Peak trek cost in 2026?
A guided Pikey Peak trek typically costs USD 450–750 per person including guide, porter, lodging, trail meals and transport — no expensive Lukla flight required.
How hard is the Pikey Peak trek?
It is graded Easy to Moderate. The summit is a modest 4,065 m and the trek is short, making altitude sickness unlikely and the trail suitable for beginners.
How many days is the Pikey Peak trek?
A typical Pikey Peak trek is 5–7 days, reached by road (via Dhap) from Kathmandu rather than by air.
What permits do I need for Pikey Peak?
You generally need a local-area / rural-municipality entry permit and a licensed guide; no national-park permit is required for the standard route. Lekaly arranges the current permits.
When is the best time for the Pikey Peak trek?
October–December and March–April give the clearest Everest sunrises. Its low altitude makes it pleasant even in winter; the monsoon brings cloud.
Related treks
Plan Pikey Peak with Lekaly
Get this itinerary, offline maps, verified teahouse contacts and permit help in the Lekaly app — or request a quote from vetted local agencies.