Trip Overview

Layers

1 set of Base/Thermal Layer (Merino is ideal)

1 mid-layer/Hoody (fleece or similar).

1 Set of outer layer 

2 sets of Merino Top.

Waterproof trousers and top (gore-tex is ideal)

1 pair of lightweight trekking trousers or zip-off pants.

Fleece trouser

2 trekking t-shirts/shirts-merino is ideal

Two Season Sleeping bag.

Two Season Down Jacket.

1 pair of liner gloves.

1 warm wool hat.

1 buff or similar.

Sleeping bag liner

Feet

1 pair of trekking boots (must be worn in).

Sandals or hut shoes.

2 pairs thick walking socks / 1 pair lighter walking socks.

Toiletries

Travel towel.

Sun cream.

Hand gel.

Moisturizer.

Lip Balm.

Face Wash.

Listerine mouthwash.

Toilet Paper.

Soap

Shampoo

Optional

Trekking poles.

Personal medication and first aid kit.

Hiking shorts

Running Shoes or sneakers.

Power bank.

Playing Cards.

Book.

1 small folding knife.

Maps.

Note and pen.

Thermal Flask 

Permanent Marker 

Warm scarf 

Fleece Pants

What can I rent in Kathmandu?

What can I rent in Kathmandu?

What currency do I bring?

Nepal uses the Nepalese Rupee (NPR) as its currency, which is a viable way to carry and to pay for the meals and other services you use along the way. As you trek in the mountains, you will notice that all the prices for the services, meals, drinks, etc., are quoted in NPR.

You can bring US$/GBP/AUS $/Euro also and exchange them at an exchange booth on every street in Thamel. However, they don’t follow the rate published by the Central Bank of Nepal. 

Make sure that the foreign currency notes you bring are not old, torn, or faded as it is difficult to exchange them.

For better rates, you can go to the local bank in Kathmandu with your passport, which may take between an hour to hour and half. Please bear in mind that they only do cash service till 3 pm local time. Moreover, Saturday is a bank holiday and Friday is a half holiday. 

While getting cash out of an ATM gives the best exchange rate, they will charge around $5 on each transaction. In a single day, you can withdraw NPR 100000 only but not more than NPR 35000 in one transaction. Which means you have to make multiple transactions and on each transaction, you will be charged around $5. Also, if you are planning to use cards to withdraw cash from an ATM booth, make sure to inform your card issuer that you will be using it outside Europe/America/Australia.

Do I Need to Have a Backup fund?

The itinerary we have planned is subject to change locally due to unavoidable circumstances. In such an event, the extra cost incurred is subject to be covered by you. Unavoidable circumstances we generally categorize are:

• Extreme weather
• Natural Disaster
• Pandemic
• Political Unrest, riots, and demonstrations. Road Closure due to landslides, broken bridges, accidents, etc. Health issues experienced by guests Common accidents that can occur such as slips and falls, ankle twists, etc. 

Can I store my excess luggage at the hotel in Kathmandu?

You can store your excess luggage at the hotel free of charge after filling out the luggage storage form, which you must bring back when collecting your luggage.

What should I do about drinking water?

The quality and quantity of drinking water at Everest Base Camp are crucial. During the trek, we advise the following options: 

1. Purification pills: 

Purification pills are the cheapest and easiest methods to purify the water. But please note that they alter the taste of water. You can buy water purification pills at the local pharmacies in Kathmandu.  

1. Water filter:

There are two common types of water filters available on the market: external filters and internal filters integrated into bottles. External filters typically use a pump or gravity to purify water, while internal filters are built into water bottles for convenience. Although water filters are slightly more expensive than purification pills, they have the advantage of preserving the natural taste of water.

1. Boiled water: 

Boiled Water is available at most of the tea houses at the price ranging between 2 to 600 Rs per liter. Using the boiled water requires heat-resistant bottles. 

1. Bottled water: 

Bottled water is available at tea houses and small trailside shops. Using bottled water is the easiest way to access drinking water. The cost for bottled water ranges between Rs. 100 to 400 per liter. But since it is not environmentally friendly, we recommend avoiding its use unless absolutely necessary. An exception is at Gorakshep, where the water may appear dirty and might not be suitable even with filters or purification tablets.

What are the accommodations like on Pikey Peak Trek?

The lodges in Pikey Peak area are often called tea houses though the tea itself is one of the many things they sell. They primarily provide accommodation and meals. A typical tea house has a communal dining hall with a warm chimney which they lit after 5 pm. 

Accommodations in Pikey Peak Trekking are basic and functional. Rooms usually have twin beds with a small table, a window and a bulb. The beds in tea houses are not spacious enough but enough for one person. The beds often come with blankets but it is still good to have your own sleeping bag. Most of the tea houses have electricity, and those that don’t are equipped with solar back ups. So you don’t need to spend a night without a light but a charging facility is not available at your room. Toilets and bathrooms are not attached to your room so you will need to use shared facilities, most of which are western-style.  

What is the food like on Pikey Peak Trek?

The range of food you will get to eat on Pikey Peak Trek is limited. Though you will get the menu but they don’t have wide varieties, but still they manage to cook some traditional Nepali dishes and western cuisines. Here is the overview of the foods.

Traditional Food:

Dal Bhat: Combo meals of rice, lentil and mixed vegetables. Served as lunch or dinner. 

Momos: Dumpling filled with meat and vegetables. Served as lunch or dinner

Tibetan Bread: A deep fried bread served with jam/honey/vegetable curry. Served as lunch or dinner

Sherpa Stew: A broth mixed with vegetables, noodles and meat. Served as lunch or dinner

International Food:

Pasta, fried noodles: Served as lunch or dinner

Pan cakes, porridge and Eggs: Served as breakfast

Soup: Garlic soup is very popular and often considered as a remedy for AMS. 

Breakfast: Porridge, Eggs (in different styles). Tibetan bread, pancakes, chapatis, bread/toast, butter and Jam.

Are there internet services available? 

Internet facilities are available at most locations along the Pikey Peak Trek, except at Pikey Peak Base Camp. The cost ranges from NPR 100 to 200, but the reception may be weak.

How Difficult is Pikey Peak Trek?

The difficulty level of this trek is rated easy to moderate due to its total length, daily walking hours and elevation profile.  The daily walking hours range anywhere between 4 to 6 hours. The highest elevation you will gain on the entire trek is only 4100m which is high but there are acclimatization halts before scaling that height. The terrain features moderate ascents and descents through forests, meadows, and fields, with only a few short steep sections. Overall, it is not overly challenging. But the key is to pace yourself no matter how fit you are at sea level. 

Do I get altitude Sickness on Everest Three Pass trek?

Trekking the Pikey Peak involves the possibility of getting AMS, but only few people get it. You might experience mild symptoms such as mild headaches but it should go the other day. Altitude Sickness can impact your body from various perspectives depending on your medical history, age, rest, food and water intake. The general guidelines to avoid are to eat and drink properly, sleep well, avoid speeding up the pace, and have a positive mindset. It is very important to prioritize safety and listen to your body. If the symptoms seem too severe, get down, regardless of how close you are to the top and how fit you are.

How To Train For Pikey Peak Trek?

The Pikey Peak Trek is classified as an easy to moderate trekking route and is one of the best options for beginners. However, some pre-trek training, including running, cardio, weightlifting, and light hiking, can help you complete the trek more comfortably and without significant challenges.

Can I do the Pikey Peak Trekking solo?

It would be wrong to say No. But it is important to have past experience on high altitude trekking and the ability to adapt with altitude, navigate, and manage logistics. 

We highly recommend hiring a guide or at least a porter for safety and managing logistics. With unpredictable weather, dense forests, and limited number of tea houses, having a guide ensures both safety and a stress-free trekking experience. A guide navigates the routes, providing essential local knowledge, and assisting in case of emergencies. Meanwhile, a porter helps carry your load, reducing physical strain and allowing you to focus on the journey.

Is Pikey Peak Trek for beginners?

If you’re a beginner hiker with a sedentary lifestyle, the Pikey Peak Trek is an excellent choice. The trek involves just four days of hiking, with 4 to 6 hours of walking per day. The terrain is relatively easy and non-technical. The highest elevation reached is 4,065m, which is only for a short sunrise hike.

What is the best time for Pikey Peak trek?

The best time to trek Pikey Peak is Spring and Autumn. Both seasons are around the monsoon. 

Spring: Spring is considered the best time because of its warmer temperature, longer days and rhododendron flower that adds extra flavour. Trekking to Pikey Peak in the spring season offers good weather, creating favorable conditions and stunning views. 

Autumn: Autumn is another great season to trek to Pikey Peak because of clear sky and stable weather, favourable temperature, and festive atmosphere. Since Autumn is followed by monsoon, trekking in early autumn offers green, fresh and colorful landscapes.

How to get there?

The trip starts and ends in Kathmandu so make sure to book the flight accordingly. You can book any flight you want that fits your trip’s start and end date. However, it is good to arrive before 3 pm local time so that you can make it to the group meeting and welcome dinner.

How to get the visa to Nepal?

Visas are available upon arrival at the airport in Kathmandu. When you arrive, you will fill out a form first at a kiosk and then proceed to a banking desk where you will pay the Visa fee (USD 50 for 30 days US$30 for 15 days). You might be able to pay with a credit card, but bringing cash (USD) with you expedites the process. With that receipt and the form you filled out, you will proceed to the immigration officer who will issue you a visa. During the peak tourist season, the immigration desk can get congested, which can be a hassle. 

What should I do if my luggage did not arrive on my flight?

File a report: Report it to the airline’s baggage service office at the airport. 

Get a tracking number: Ask for a tracking number so that you can check the status of your luggage. 

Provide contact information: Provide the airline with your contact information and the name and address of the hotel you are staying at. Keep the form: Make sure to keep a copy of the report you filed at the airline’s office in the airport. To be on the safe side it is advisable to pack essential trekking gear in your hand luggage on an international flight.

What type of transportation is provided?

We will provide private vehicles for all the ground transportation as mentioned in the itinerary. 

How much do I need to budget?

The cost for Pikey Peak Trekking depends on your personal preferences and appetite. As a general guideline, it is recommended to budget around US$25-30 per day for expenses such as meals, chocolates, showers, internet, and drinking water. Accommodations, ground transportation, supporting staff and their wages.

What to Expect from the Weather on Your Trek?

If you’re trekking during the peak season, you can expect favorable conditions. However, it’s important to be prepared for unexpected changes, including rain, clouds, and even snow, even during the peak season.

Unpredictable weather patterns, influenced by global warming, have made it harder to predict conditions in recent years. To ensure a smooth trekking experience, pack accordingly and stay flexible with your schedule.

Safety Tips.

Trekking to Pikey Peak is a great experience, but safety should always come first. It is very essential to follow your guide’s advice regarding your pace, hydration and food. Besides, it is equally important to carry essential trekking gear such as a first aid kit, proper trekking gears, layers for different temperatures, and energy bars as backup meals. Similarly, following the trail etiquette, such as sticking to the marked trail, and keeping to the mountain side when passing by yaks and mules, are equally essential. It is also very important to avoid using headphones and earplugs while walking on the trail. Not to mention, respecing your limits, listening to your body and mind, pacing yourself and taking short breaks are of equal importance. Last but not the least, don’t stick with-never give up mindset. 

What is the local culture like?

Nepal has a diverse and rich culture that is heavily influenced by its history, and religion. As a tourist, you may encounter locals who approach you to chat, take pictures, or sell goods.

The roads in Kathmandu are busy most of the time, so you might get stuck in traffic jams whenever you take local transportation. It is not uncommon to see cows, and dogs in the middle of the roads, beggars around the temple, and street children in the streets of Thamel. Please avoid giving money or food to people you meet in the city or mountains. 

The local vendors and shopkeepers try to charge higher than the normal price. So make sure you have a good deal before you pay for whatever you want to buy. 

However local restaurants have fixed prices for the meals they serve so no need to bargain the cost. 

Local restaurants close after ten and bars but pubs remain open all night but it is good to go to bed before 10 pm. 

Atmosphere of the Trek.

As you hit the trail, the tapestry of the mule train, prayer flags, and mane walls bring you lots of energy and excitement. Morning offers stunning views and fresh air while evening provides the opportunity to be social, by the fire, talking to your fellow trekkers, playing cards, riddles, or other fun games. But as you go high, the terrain becomes rugged, dry, and hostile, testing your body and mind. Now you have ten reasons to quit but you must propel yourself. Don’t lose hope and follow your dream. Let your mental and physical resilience guide you. Believe in yourself and try to get the best out of what is before you, and you will have the experience of a lifetime.  

A typcial day in the mountains.

A typical day begins between 8-9 am depending on the length you are to cover. After walking for a couple of hours, there is a tea break, followed by a lunch break at another place. Upon reaching the overnight lodge, check in your room, freshen up, and gather in the dining hall. Sit around the warm chimney, and order dinner, served between 6 and 7 pm. After dinner, you will get the briefing about the next day and play cards, riddles, and other fun games.