Pikey Hill (4,065 m)
is one of the tallest hills of Solu. From Pikey you
can see most of the central and eastern Himalayan peaks
Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest), Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Annapurna,
Gauri Shanker, Lhotse, Numbur, Khatang, Karyalung, Shishapangma,
Mera Peak, Thamserku, Lhotseshar, Nuptse and a little
of Ama Dablam. The peak also offers breathtaking sunrise
and sunset views during good weather. The trail passes
through some of the most beautiful settlements of the
region. A trail through Jiri-Chaulakharka-Ngaur- leads
to the Pikey Danda area. The trail starts at Phaplu
and passes through Kerung, Pattale, Jhapre, Pikey peak,
Lamajura, Junbesi and ends at Salleri.
The name Pikey is derived
from the name of a Sherpa clan deity. During the month
of July the locals hold celebrations to worship their
clan god, the eastern Chyabo Pikey, as Pikey Hlapchen
Karbu. There are other interesting possibilities of
undertaking tourism activities at Pikey such as paragliding,
mountain biking, birdwatching, pilgrimage and meditation.
From here the trail descends through dense forest finally
meeting the Everest trail at Beni. July is a good time
to take a trip to Pikey, as this is when the local people
hold their celebrations of the clan god, the eastern
Chyabo Pikey. From Pikey one can also continue on to
the Dudhkunda trail. Rumjatar and Jiri are other alternative
entries to Pikey Cultural Trail.
As mentioned above, after
reaching Pikey one also has the option of taking the
Dudhkunda Cultural Trail via Taksindu. The trail passes
through Junbesi, Phaplu, Taksindu, Beni, Dudhkunda,
Taksindu and back to Salleri. This trek goes through
beautiful settlements and landscapes. One of the most
beautiful Sherpa villages, Junbesi, is on the way from
Pikey to Dudhkunda. One can also visit the famous Thuptenchholing
monastery on the way.
Pikey Cultural Trekking Itinerary (Lower Solukhumbu)
Day 01 : Arrive in ktm airport drive
to hotel
Day 02 : Sightseeing around kathamndu
valley
Day 03 : Kathmandu-Phaplu-Salleri
Flying from Kathmandu-Phaplu. See the local market in
Salleri and visit local monasteries. Visit Chewang monastery.
Walking to Salleri from Phaplu. 35 min. (Flight) 4 hrs.
(Visit to Chiwang monastery) 30 min. (Walking) Salleri
(Tea shops, lodges)
Day 04 : Salleri-Dorpu-Ghunsa
Trekking to Salleri-Dorpu-Ghunsa. Experience of Tamang,
Magar, Sherpa culture on the way. View of beautiful
sceneries of mountains and landscapes. 5-6 hrs. (Trekking)
Ghunsa (Camping, teashops)
Day 05 : Ghunsa-Kerung -Pattale
Trekking from Ghunsa-Kerung -Pattale Visiting monasteries,
Buddhist stupa at Kerung. See mixed settlements of Tamangs,
Magar, Sherpa and others. See panoramic mountain views
in the evening and next morning. 7-8 hrs. (Trekking)
Pattale (Camping, basic lodges)
Day 06 : Pattale
- Jhapre Trekking from Pattale - Jhapre. Viewing
beautiful landscapes along the Solu – Okhaldhunga
border. Visiting Buddhist stupa in Jhapre. Watching
Sherpa cultural shows. 5-6 hrs. (Trekking) Jhapre (Camping,
lodges and teashops)
Day 07 : Jhapre
- Pikey Base Camp Trekking from Jhapre-Pikey
Base Camp. Experience of high-altitude vegetation, Himalayan
flora and fauna. Visiting centuries old monasteries,
Buddhist stupas and Mani stones. See wild orchids on
the way. Seeing yak herding. Viewing unique landscapes
and sceneries. The area is feasible for marathon and
mountain bike race. 5-6 hrs. (Trekking) Pikey (Camping)
Day 08 : Pikey
-Junbesi Trekking from Pikey to Junbesi . Experience
wilderness and beautiful landscapes. Watch Sherpa cultural
show at Junbesi.1 ½ hrs. (Trekking to Pikey peak)4-5
hrs. (Trekking from Pikey to Junbesi) Junbesi (Wide
range of tea shops, lodges)
Day 09 : Junbesi
- Thuptenchholing-Junbesi. Trekking from Junbesi
- Thuptenchholing-Junbesi. Visit Thuptenchholing monastery.
Observe traditional Tibetan medicinal therapy at Thuptenchholing.Take
a tour of the Junbesi village. Taste local food and
drink. Watch Sherpa cultural show performed on request.
4 hrs. (Trekking) Junbesi (Wide range of tea shops,
lodges)
Day 10 : Junbesi
-Phaplu Trekking from Junbesi -Phaplu. Taste
local food. Participate in cultural farewell programs.
5-6 hrs. (Trekking) Phaplu(Lodges, tea shops and camping)
Day 11 : Phaplu-Kathmandu
Flying from Phaplu- Kathmandu. 35 min. (Flight) Kathmandu
transfer to Hotel
Day 12 : Drive
to KTM Airport departure.
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