Best Time for Pikey Peak Trek
Pikey Peak Trekking expedition is one of the closest Himalayan adventures from the Kathmandu Valley. The ideal time to enjoy this beautiful expedition is during the peak seasons like autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May). Although the Pikey Peak Trek is doable year around for the most enjoyable experience, the peak seasons are the best choice.
The weather is stable during the peak seasons, and the temperatures are on the warmer side; the natural landscapes are in their top forms, and the Himalayan vistas are just unparalleled. However, even among the peak seasons, both spring and autumn have their own specialty.
Autumn season is known as the number one season for the Himalayan trekking and mountain expedition. The weather is most stable during this season; the temperature is pleasant- neither too cold nor too hot; trekking trails are dry and fresh washed by the monsoon rain, plus the clear days in this season offer the most stunning views of the Himalayan peaks. The temperature of the Pikey Peak region during the autumn season is around 14° C to 19 ° C during the daytime. You can expect the temperature to fall to minus degrees at an altitude above 4,000 meters in this season.
Talking about the second most popular season for trekking adventures, spring is known as the blooming season in the Himalayas. The lower trails of the Pikey Peak Trek are decorated with wildflowers, and the dotted rhododendron flowers cover the entire forest area. The scenery of this season amidst the lush green landscapes and white mountain reflections under the clear blue sky makes it the most suitable time for nature photography. The temperature of the Pikey Peak region hovers around 16° C to 22° C during the spring season.
What is the Difficulty Level of Pikey Peak Trek?
The Pikey Peak Trek is regarded as a ‘relatively easy to moderate’ trekking expedition. Unlike other Himalayan circuits and base camp adventures, the Pikey Peak Trek isn’t that physically strenuous and trekkers don’t have to spend a significant amount of time at altitudes of 4,000- meters and 5,000 meters.
To do this beautiful Himalayan adventure, you will not require any kind of technical skills nor do you need to have previous high-altitude trekking experience. With adequate preparation, you will able to make your Pikey Peak Trek a remarkable and enjoyable experience. Nonetheless, this is still a Himalayan trekking adventure, so you will still need to overcome several difficult factors of this adventure. Let’s break down some of the toughest hurdles that you have to overcome during your Pikey Peak Trek.
Altitude Sickness
Even though you don’t have to overcome a significant altitude over 4,000 meters and 5,000 meters in your Pikey Peak Trek, you will still push for an altitude above 2,500 meters. And there are risks for the human body to catch altitude sickness at an altitude above 2,500 meters.
Starting your adventure from Dhap (2,900 meters), you will move along other high elevation points like Jhapre (2,921 meters), Peak Base Camp (3,640 meters), and the highest elevation point of this adventure Pikey Peak at an elevation of 4,065 meters (13,336 feet). Thus, although it is a relatively easier trekking expedition than other circuit and base camp adventures in the Himalayas, you will still need to stay on the lookout for the symptoms of altitude sickness.
Trekking Route
The normal length of the Pikey Peak Trek adventure is about 5 to 7 days, you will cover an approximate trekking distance of 5- 6 hours during each day of your trekking expedition. So, if you slack out on the training part just because this trek has been graded as an easy to moderate level of adventure, pulling a 5- 6 hour trek at the rising altitude can be quite challenging.
On top of that, the trekking route is not leveled; you will have to overcome several steep sections along the way and walk on rugged dirt and stone paths. Furthermore, you will also be carrying your luggage with significant weight, which makes the trek physically draining and quite tough for the unprepared trekkers.
Acclimatization Process
If you have done any kind of Himlayan adventures before, then you understand the significance of the acclimatization days in your adventure. It is recommended that you shouldn’t gain an altitude over 500 meters in a single day’s adventure and after moving above the altitude over 1,000 meters, you should have an acclimatization day.
However, the Pikey Peak Trek is a short Himalayan expedition; there aren’t any acclimatization days in this expedition. Although it is not that physically demanding adventure, and you will be covering a distance, moving slowly and acclimatizing properly, some may find it hard to do this trek without any rest days.
Remoteness
Pikey Peak Trek is a Himalayan expedition that takes place in the remote part of the Himalayas. You cannot expect the top-tier services and amenities that you would find in an exotic vacation destination. This trekking trail is a relatively new adventure introduced in the Himalayan expedition, so unlike the mainstream trekking routes, the level of services in this region is pretty much basic.
So, you have to prepare for very less of technological facilities, fewer health institutions,s and very limited transportation facilities during your Pikey Peak Trek.
Is This Trek Right For Me?
Even if you have to be on the lookout for some hurdles in your journey, Pikey Peak Trek is the best-suited introductory trekking adventure in Nepal. Unlike other high-altitude base camps and circuit treks, this beautiful expedition is not that physically demanding, and you don’t need to have any kind of skills or experience for this trek.
Closer to the Kathmandu Valley, this short trekking expedition offers you the opportunity to relish the Himalayan ambiance. It still explores around the regions with driving road access not completely isolated as other Himalayan adventures.
With a basic level of fitness and good health condition, you will be able to complete this remarkable adventure without a hitch. Although the success rate of Pikey Peak Climbing is at 100%, make sure to give enough time for the preparation period; just because of its relatively easy to moderate grading, you shouldn’t underestimate the challenges.
Training and Preparation for the Pikey Peak Trek
As Pikey Peak Trek is a Himalayan expedition with several difficulty factors, you are recommended to prepare at least 4- 8 weeks prior to the expedition. If you are an athlete or work out regularly, you may not need to put that much effort into your preparation; however, if you are not physically active, you can first assess your physical capabilities and design a training program based on that.
Remember, this is a Himalayan expedition where you have to traverse across several steep segments and remote trails moving toward high-altitude regions. So, in preparation for Pikey Peak Trek, make sure to add strength and endurance exercises in your training regime so every day’s adventure won’t leave you completely drained out.
If you do some practice hikes at naturally steep segments, you will have a proper understanding of the trekking trails you have to overcome during your real adventure. Also, make sure to carry a rucksack or backpack during your practice, this will get you used to carrying your luggage during your Pikey Peak Trek.
Here are some exercises that you can include in your training program for Pikey Peak Trek.
Strength and Endurance Exercises
- Push up
- Plank
- Pull up
- Deadlift
- Bench press
- Squat
- Bicep curl
- Barbell lunges
- Overhead press
- Hammer curls
- Lateral raise
- Rope pushdown
- Dip
- Leg curl
- Leg press
- Box jump
- Hip thrust
- Step up
Cardiovascular Exercises
- Jogging
- Swimming
- Jumping ropes
- Cycling
- Burpee
- Jumping jack
- Power walking
- Dancing
- Rowing
- Lateral shuffle
**Note: Cardiovascular exercises your body’s capabilities to deliver oxygen to your muscles which makes your day-to-day trekking adventures more enjoyable and the acclimatization process easier**
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Food and Accommodation
Although the teahouses on the trekking trail of the Pikey Peak Trek are not as advanced as the mainstream trekking routes, you will still be able to enjoy a moderate level of food and accommodation services during your stay.
For food, you can enjoy a diverse range of delicacies from tasty and healthy local dishes to Tibetan culture-influenced cuisines and some popular menus from the continental dishes. Here are some food menus that you can enjoy at the teahouses along your Pikey Peak Trek.
For Breakfast
- Eggs
- Tea, coffee, fresh juice
- Bread, toast
- Pancake
- Pudding
- Oats
- Porridge
- Corn flakes
- Cereals
- Paratha
- Chapati
- Pappad
- Fresh fruits
- Salad
For Lunch and Dinner
- Dal, bhat and tarkari (tradtional Nepali dish)
- Chowmein
- Momo
- Pizza
- Pie
- Soup
- Spaghetti
- Macaroni
- Spring rolls
- Potato chips
- Meat items
- Thukpa
- Rikikur
- Shyakpa
- Sherpa momo
- Tingmo
- Rildok
- Tsampa
Accommodation
The accommodation facilities at teahouses in your Pikey Peak Trek are pretty much basic. You will stay in dormitory-style comfortable and well-furnished rooms with 2-3 adjacent beds.
You will receive a comfortable mattress, clean sheets, pillow, and blankets during your teahouse stay. Like the rooms, you will also be sharing the bathroom; this relatively new trekking route isn’t yet developed for a luxurious trekking option.
Beverages
During your Pikey Peak Trek, you will be able to enjoy a wide range of beverages, from fresh fruit juice, canned juice, and cold drinks to alcoholic beverages, both local and international brands.
As for water, it is not safe to consume tap water, and bottled mineral water can sometimes cost about US$ 4- US$ 5 at higher altitudes. The best way to drink 3- 4 liters of water during each trek day is to drink and store the boiled water at the teahouses. You can also use purification tablets or solutions to stay safe.
**Note: Alcoholic beverages are not recommended during high-altitude trekking as they put your life at risk, and also, too much alcohol can complicate the acclimatization procedure**