Pike Himalayan Panorama Trek - 13 Days

Quick Facts:

Destination Introduction:

Lhamuje and Pike form a long ridgeline above many valleys with streams and rivers. This is a new trekking destination situated in Okhaldunga (northwest highlands) and Solu Khumbu (central southwest) Districts. We trek through the foothills of the spectacular Numbur Himal, which also has one of the best viewpoints.

This lies southwest of Mount Everest and adjacent to the old expedition route south of Lhamjura pass. The summit of Pike at (13,776ft) above sea level gives you an ample opportunity to enjoy stunning Himalayan views and scenic valleys. Standing on the summit of Pike on a clear day, you can see Mount Everest, Lhotse Shar, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Thamserku, Kusum Kanguru, Mera Peak, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga far in the east, Numbur Himal and Karyolung above Dudh Kunda (closest to Pike), Ghaurishankar, Langtang Lirung, Ganesh, Manaslu, Annapurna range and Dhaulagiri in the west. No place in Nepal, but Pike summit can promise you the grandeur of the panorama of almost the entire Himalaya of Nepal.

The 13,776 feet Pike viewpoint is mostly grassy, and some exposed rocks adorned with some Buddhist prayer flags. In the summer the Yaks and Naks graze here. In the month of July/August each year, the local people settled in the valleys hold a celebration on top of Pike. During this festival, all the locals come here in their finest attire with much fanfare. The blessings of the festival and the meaning it carries is to thank the god of this mountain, the earth, water and all the sentient beings for helping the well being of the people in the area.

Trekking in July is not suggested unless you love being in the nature.
July is the peak of monsoon where leeches greet you, muddy and slippery trails, cloudy and rainy weather is the condition. The beauty of this weather is that the entire upper hill region is filled with animals as the locals bring their animals during the harvest season. The entire mountains and forests are so lush green and beautiful. Flowers and butterflies come to life.

The surrounding valleys of Lhamuje (aka Lamje Danda) and Pike hold some of the most extensive Sherpa settlements and the hub of their culture, which has not been explored because the region is off the main trekking route to Everest. Trekking down the valley an hour or two in any direction will lead you to Sherpa villages where most locals have never seen outsiders. Visitors will be welcomed with traditional Sherpa hospitality.

Along the trek, we’ll visit Kingurding Monastery, Phapre Monastery, Tolu Tharling Monastery, Tapting Jhapre Monastery, Ngaur Monastery, Golela Monastery, Thupten Chholing Monastery, Taksindu Monastery, and Chiwong Monastery and local homes to see the Sherpa way of life. The spring trekking in the region is extraordinarily beautiful with blossoms of Rhododendrons in various colors of red, purple, pink, magenta, and white while other colorful spring blooms complement the scenery. Fall treks offer the clearest weather with spectacular Himalayan panorama.

If you are looking for a cultural trek and enjoy traveling in the less travelled trails without modern amenities, where you can see traditional Sherpa villages and monasteries that has not yet been influenced by modernization, then this is a trip to consider.

The trekking route I have created to be is based on my personal experience and vision for the region as a local boy of the area well-conditioned by the winds of Pike. Pike viewpoint has six plus routes to trek there. I have been promoting trekking to this area for almost three decades and have operated a few successful trips. 

Comfortable Lodging in Kathmandu Valley:

Quality boutique hotels Nepali Ghar Hotel or Hotel Thamel House close to the hustle and bustle of Thamel will be your comfort when traveling with Sherpa Travel.

If these hotels are full, similar lodging will be provided. We strongly suggest to book your trip far in advance to get the best desired lodging and airfares.

Lodge to Lodge and Homestay Trekking Program:

This journey involves overnights in small local lodges and trekking on the main trail and off the beaten paths.

Breakfast and dinners are served at the lodges where you spend the night. Lunches are served at local inn cafes on the trekking route. 

Trip leadership by local English-speaking Nepali guide throughout the trip and support staff guides (1 porter per 2 clients) are employed to carry your luggage on the trek. 

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1 Arrive Kathmandu (4,400ft)

Meet on arrival at Kathmandu and transfer to hotel,

Check in and remainder of the day at leisure.

Evening: trip briefing and welcome dinner served at the hotel.

Overnight in hotel in Kathmandu / 2 nights.

Day 2 Kathmandu World Heritage Site Tour

Breakfast will be served at your hotel, and then depart to visit various Cultural World Heritage Sites to see ancient Nepalese arts and architect. This is an easy day which allows you to overcome your jetlag after a long flight. Afternoon return to hotel and remainder of the day free.

Day 3 Kathmandu to Dhap by road

Early morning departure by jeep. Breakfast and lunch served at restaurants along the way. We will travel east through Dhelikhel, Sun Koshi River valley and then up the hilly roads with great views. 

Arrive, unload and check into our lodge. Great mountain views from Dhap.

Dinner and overnight at lodge.

Day 4 Trek to Jhapre

Breakfast and hike to Jhapre.

Arrive Jhapre Village, have lunch and visit the monastery.

Overnight at lodge.

Day 5 trek to Pike campsite (12,490ft)
Early wake-up to see sunrise over the Himalaya.

Breakfast and trek to Pike. Along the way, enjoy the Himalayan panorama and scenic views. We will picnic lunch en route and overnight teahouse lodge. 

Trail passes through summer pasture area, a vast open forest and hills, above tree line and through forests of Rhododendron, fir, hemlock, and others.

We will trek through a scenic and beautiful trail to Pike campsite.

Majority of today’s hike is easy except the last part close to the campsite is uphill for about 45 minutes to an hour. This part can be chilly if there is wind and cloudy. So, pack your warm jacket in the day pack today.

Day 6 trek to Pike viewpoint and trek to Golela

Wake-up early morning, trek to Pike summit viewpoint at 13,776ft to see sunrise over the majestic Himalayas. We will enjoy the sunrise and mountain panorama and return to camp for breakfast and then trek downhill.

Today’s Himalayan view and scenic vistas will be the highlight of this trek.

After we enjoy the great views, we’ll continue trek downhill through the fir and mixed forest to Golela village. We will have lunch at Ngaur Monastery campsite and visit the local monastery there. After lunch, we will hike some more downhill trail and then a small uphill to reach our campsite by the monastery. Overnight homestay / 2 nights.

Day 7 Rest Day in Golela Village

Wake up to a beautiful day with spectacular view of Numbur Himal and the surrounding scenery. Enjoy breakfast and then visit the monastery and nearby village. Remainder of the day free to rest.

Day 8 trek to Bhandar (7,183ft)

Breakfast and trek downhill most of the morning.

We will see spectacular view of Numbur Himal, Karyolung, and Bigphera Goshar peaks above the Likhu Khola River valley. 

We will have lunch by Likhu Khola riverside where we connect with the old Everest trail to Jiri road head.

After lunch, it is uphill hike until we reach Bhandar. Dinner will be cooked by our cooking crew and served at the lodge dining hall. Overnight at local lodge.

Day 9 trek to Shivalaya

Breakfast and trek uphill to Deurali and then trek downhill Shivalaya rest of the afternoon. From Deurali, we will see Mount Gaurishanker and Langtang mountain range. lunch served en route. Dinner will be cooked by our cooking crew and served at the lodge dining hall. Overnight at local lodge.

Day 10 trek to Jiri

Breakfast and trek uphill to Mali Danda lunch and then downhill to Jiri Bazaar. Arrive, check into lodge and remainder of the day free to explore local market. Dinner will be cooked by our cooking crew and served. Overnight at local lodge.

Day 11 Jiri to Kathmandu by road

Breakfast and transfer by road to Kathmandu. 

Picnic lunch served along the way where convenient. Arrive Kathmandu early evening, check into our hotel. Farewell dinner with group at the hotel or elsewhere at a restaurant.

Day 12 Kathmandu free day

Breakfast served at the hotel and day at leisure.

Leisure day activities to do would be souvenir shopping, visit a site you have not seen yet, take a spa treatment or simply relax and pack for your next destination.

Day 13 Depart Nepal for your next destination

Breakfast served at the hotel and a complimentary transfer provided to airport for your next destination flight. Our services end when you are transferred to the airport.