Solu Sherpa Villages: Pikey Peak Trek
This Pikey Peak trek, located in the Solu region, offers a peaceful and off-the-beaten-path experience through Sherpa villages rich in culture and hospitality. The trail passes through forests, monasteries, and pastures, leading to the summit at 4,070 meters, which provides a spectacular view of Everest and other Himalayan peaks. It is a short but deeply rewarding trek for lovers of nature and culture.
Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu – Phaplu (2,500 m)
Early morning departure by private local jeep to the village of Phaplu. Approximately 8 hours of travel. Overnight stay in a lodge.
Day 2: Phaplu – Ringmo – Taksindo La (3,070 m) – Taksindo (2,950 m)
Start of the trek, ascending to Chiwang Gompa. Pass through villages and a beautiful forest of firs and rhododendrons to reach the village of Ringmo. Gradual ascent through the forest to Taksindo La Pass (3,070 m), offering stunning views of the Himalayan range: Thamserku (6,608 m), Mera Peak (6,476 m), Numbur Himal (6,959 m). Descend to the small village of Taksindo. Approximately 5–6 hours of walking. Overnight stay in a lodge.
Day 3: Taksindo – Junbesi (2,680 m)
Ascend to Taksindo La Pass. Descend to the village of Ringmo, cross a bridge, then ascend towards Salung and Phurteng, from where there are beautiful views of Everest, Thamserku (6,608 m), and Makalu (8,475 m). Descend to cross the Junbesi Khola, then ascend to the village of Junbesi. Approximately 4–5 hours of walking. Overnight stay in a lodge.
Day 4: Junbesi – Thupten Choling – Junbesi
Ascend the Junbesi Khola valley to the impressive Thupten Choling Monastery, which houses around 400 monks and nuns. Visit the monastery, then return to Junbesi via the village of Pungmuche. Approximately 4 hours of walking. Overnight stay in a lodge.
Day 5: Junbesi – Taktor – Jasmane Bhanjyang (3,520 m)
Gentle ascent to Taktor. The trail passes through a forest of conifers and rhododendrons. Continue with a long stair-like climb to reach a small pass marked by a cairn and fluttering prayer flags. Walk along a ridge before descending to Jasmane Bhanjyang Pass at 3,520 m. Approximately 6 hours of walking. Overnight stay in a lodge.
Day 6: Jasmane Bhanjyang – Pikey Peak (4,070 m) – Pikey Base Camp (3,640 m)
Early morning departure for the ascent of Pikey Peak. On the right, the massive snow-covered Gauri Shanker dominates, and the peaks of the Everest region come into view. After about an hour of climbing, you reach the summit of Pikey Peak, marked by cairns and prayer flags. On a clear day, you can see Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas behind you, then Manaslu, Langtang, and Gauri Shankar, followed by the pyramid of Everest and neighboring Lhotse. In the distance, you may even spot Makalu and Kanchenjunga to the northeast. After enjoying this exceptional panorama, descend to Pikey Base Camp, marked by two lodges and an old dairy. Approximately 3 hours of walking. Overnight stay in a lodge.
Day 7: Pikey Base Camp – Dimil (2,900 m)
Today, we leave the classic Pikey Peak trail and descend to the Sherpa village of Dimil. We pass through pastures, rhododendron and juniper shrubs at first, then rhododendron forests in bloom during spring. We may also have the chance to spot a Danphe, the national bird of Nepal. Approximately 5.5 hours of walking. Overnight stay with a Sherpa family.
Day 8: Dimil – Jhapre (2,820 m)
Descend into the Lumsa Khola valley, then ascend through the villages of Solnassa and Tapting to reach the village of Jhapre with its monastery. Approximately 4.5 hours of walking. Overnight stay in a lodge.
Day 9: Jhapre – Dhap
Pleasant walk along Pokhte Danda through pine forests, with occasional distant mountain views. Approximately 4 hours of walking. Overnight stay in a lodge.
Day 10: Dhap – Kathmandu
Early morning departure to Kathmandu by private local jeep. Approximately 7 hours of driving.
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