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Monday October 7, 2024
4:00pm to 4:00pm
This trek is a unique, camping-style adventure that delves into the lush foothills beneath the majestic views of Mount Everest.
Our Pikey Peak Trek unveils a less-travelled path, offered by only two operators in all of Nepal. Our adventure is designed to provide an intimate experience with nature, where you'll rarely encounter other people (in fact we didn’t for three days last year!). This route was meticulously planned by Surrender, one of our local Nepalese guides. It takes you along yak trails and through the rolling foothills, culminating in scenic camping spots.
From the onset of our trek, we leave the village of Phaplu in our behind. As we commence our first ascent, we bid farewell to any villages and welcome the tranquillity of remote camping. The trails, while occasionally narrow, steep, and muddy, are manageable.
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| Contact Name: | Women Want Adventure |
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| Contact Number: | 0403918346 |
| Email Address: | [email protected] |
| Venue: | Kathmandu Guest House (map) |
| Saat Ghumti Marg 16, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal |
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| Title | Description |
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| Day 1: Arrival Day in Kathmandu |
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you'll be greeted by one of our friendly team members outside the terminal building. We will then escort you to The Kathmandu Guest House in Thamel in the comfort of a private vehicle. Don't worry if your flight arrives late at night; we'll be there to welcome you, no matter the hour. The drive to the hotel is typically around 35 minutes, depending on traffic. Once at the hotel, you’ll find the check-in process a breeze. Settle into your private room and let the weariness of your flight dissolve into the coziness and comfort awaiting you. For important details on visas and helpful tips for your flight arrival, please refer to the essential information we've provided.
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| Day 02: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation |
Kathmandu is a wonderful mix of the ancient alongside the modern. Crowded, busy streets, cars, motorbikes, and buses thread their way between ancient temples, crumbling shrines and modern offices, as picturesque palaces slowly sag into dereliction and Buddhist stupas gaze over the bustling scene with their all-seeing eyes. Although a crowded, noisy, and polluted city, it is also friendly, fascinating and vibrant. Today is free time for you to explore and enjoy sight-seeing in your own time. Join up with other women on the trip, or enjoy experiencing these sites individually. If you’re looking to get the most from your time here, we recommend the following: Pashupatinath – The largest Hindu Temple of Nepal, dedicated to the supreme Hindu God, Shiva, situated on the banks of the Bagmati River. At Pashupatinath, you’ll see exceptionally carved statues and idols of Hindu deities, as well as a long row of Shiva-Lingas. This complex of small temples – and the golden hood at the top of the main Temple – are truly fascinating. Moreover, you’ll get the opportunity to witness a Hindu death ritual at Pashupati Aryaghat – a unique cultural experience that will linger long in your memory. Boudhanath – A site that holds huge religious significance among the Tibetan Buddhists of Nepal. A major shrine on the ancient Indo-China trade route, traders and scholars would visit Boudhanath seeking blessings for a safe journey through the high Himalayan passes to Tibet. Even today, saffron-robed monks practice daily circumambulations of Boudhanath, as colourful prayer flags touch the skyline from the dome pinnacle to the base of the large monument. The centre of Tibetan culture in Nepal, Boudhanath is a truly special place. Durbar Square – Located before the old royal palace of the former Kathmandu Kingdom, the exemplary wooden and stone craftsmanship of this site makes it a prominent attraction. Stone-paved streets and pagoda-style religious monuments displaying different Hindu deities reveal the cultural delights and exquisite craftsmanship of ancient and medieval Nepal at Kathmandu Durbar Square. Swayambhunath – High atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, the ancient religious complex of Swayambhunath is home to a stupa and various temples honouring the ‘Self-Created’ nature of the valley, over which the painted eyes of the Buddha maintain an eternal watch. As one of the oldest religious sites in Nepal and the second-most sacred site in Tibetan Buddhism after Boudhanath, you’ll get to experience an authentic taste of one of the world’s greatest, most beautiful faiths here at Swayambhunath. In the evening, we’ll meet as a group at Kathmandu Guest House at 4pm or our pre-trek briefing. The briefing will be approximately 1hr in in duration.
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| Day 03: Fly to Phaphlu |
Today, we check out of our hotel in Thamel and are picked up in the morning for a drive to the domestic airport, approximately a 35-minute journey. Once at the airport, be aware that planes can depart at unusual times (despite the ticket time), so be prepared to either wait at the airport or leave earlier. Bring your snacks , water and book in your day pack. Your host, along with airport staff, will assist you. This is due to the varying weather conditions between Kathmandu and Phaplu. If there is a favourable weather window, we will promptly depart! The flight lasts about 45 minutes on a small 15-seater plane. It is VERY exciting!!! You will be awestruck by the magnificent mountains visible from the air before you even start your trek. Upon landing, it’s just a 5-minute walk from the airport strip to our Tea House where lunch awaits, along with the trekking porters, sherpas, and guides (who do not accompany us on the plane). The team will great you at the airport on your arrival and help you carry the duffle bags of your gear to the Tea House. Phaplu is situated at an altitude of approximately 2413 meters.
After lunch, we will settle into the Tea House and take a leisurely stroll around the village, visiting the monastery and gardens down the road. This offers a chance to explore this beautiful, remote village and its mountainous surroundings. It’s advisable to rest on this day as the flight's landing time can vary due to weather conditions. In the afternoon, dinner will be served in the Tea House. You’ll notice the team setting up camp kitchen tents in the yard, giving you a glimpse of the incredible effort they put in to ensure the group's comfort. Tips:
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| Day 04: Trek to Tenkharka |
Today, you will awaken to the true meaning of “wake up tea.” Around 6:30 am, your guides will bring hot tea to your rooms as a delightful wake-up call, preparing you for the day ahead. After breakfast at the Tea House, we embark on our trek. The journey begins with a descent into the valley. It’s a steep hike down through pine forests and paddy fields. After traveling approximately two kilometers (about an hour), we reach the Solu Khola river. Here, we follow a newly established road for a short time before veering left onto a small trail leading up to the village of Boldok on single narrow trail. Beyond Boldok, the last village we’ll see for a few days, we ascend steeply and stop for a simple yet hearty lunch. Be sure to pat the goats along the way! The trail from here winds steeply through pine forests on various yak and animal trails. These paths are uneven and occasionally off-track, with mud in places. Between the trees, you’ll catch stunning glimpses of the lush Phaplu Valley, with the majestic Mount Numbur and Gaurishankar - named after the Hindu goddess Gauri and her consort Shankar - to the north. After another 3-4 hours, our campsite atop the ridge awaits, offering your first views of the magnificent Everest. Each afternoon around 4 pm, depending on our setup time and weather, tea and coffee is served. The team will set up your tents (a welcome luxury!). At camp, there's always bustling activity as the chefs and their assistants prepare your dining tent and kitchen. In the evening, join the group in the dining tent for some card games, enjoying soup, dinner, and often a delectable surprise dessert!
Tips:
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| Day 05: Trek to Suke Pokhari |
The following morning, we'll rise early to witness the first morning rays illuminating the Himalayas. Savor tea and coffee served right in your tent while you take in the breathtaking surroundings. The team will also bring over warm “washing water” to wash your hands and face. After a hearty breakfast, we start the day with a gradual ascent along the ridge. Our path winds through pine forests, interspersed with rhododendron bushes and open meadows. Although it's a relatively easier and shorter day, we are still ascending, so you might feel the effects of altitude.
We'll reach our campsite early in the afternoon, at a location traditionally used by local herders for evening shelter. The area is dotted with a few dried-out lakes, which only hold water during the monsoon season. Once at the camp, we’ll gather for lunch, though light snacks will be available along the way. Please bring your own bars and nibbles for additional sustenance. The afternoon is yours to explore, read, or even help set up the campfire – the sooner we have it ready, the more enjoyable our evening will be! Tips:
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| Day 06: Ascent of Pikey Peak |  We have an early start today at 4:30 am for our ascent of Pikey Peak! Prepare for a 3-hour journey along a trail of stone steps. Don't forget to bring your head torch and spare batteries. We depart early to catch the spectacular sunrise over the Himalayan range – the pink skies are truly a sight to behold! As we gradually gain altitude, it’s likely you’ll feel the effects of the altitude, but we will ensure plenty of short breaks to catch our breath and enjoy the panoramic views. These include Mount Everest and Lhotse, along with Makalu and Kanchenjunga to the east, among other iconic peaks. The path to Pikey Peak can be slippery and wet, especially on the stone steps from the back ridge line (we follow yak trails here), as the sun hasn't risen yet to dry the path, so please tread carefully.
After soaking in the stunning Himalayan views and enjoying a simple breakfast with hot coffee at the summit, we begin our descent towards Jase Bhanjyang, lasting a couple of hours.
 Our campsite for the night is situated at an altitude of 3,500 meters on the mountainside. A large meadow provides the perfect setting for our tents, with the surrounding green forest offering protection from the wind – an ideal spot for a campfire and sharing travel stories.
Please note: Today’s itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and the group’s pace. Sometimes, we may camp further up on another mountain ridge. Your guides will keep you informed.
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| Day 07: Trek to Junbesi |
Today, we begin our descent from the foothills, embarking on a picturesque forest trail towards Junbesi Village. The day starts with a slight ascent up the mountainside before descending into the forest. This approximately 5.5-hour journey involves a steep descent on some loose rocky ground, but not before we ascend to about 3700 meters and then head down again. After we exit the forest, the trail widens, merging into a partially paved road and a broader path. Interestingly, this very trail is the one Sir Edmund Hillary trekked on during his famous Expedition to Everest! By late afternoon, we'll reach a tea house location for lunch (late lunch so have your snacks handy on this day) and set up our tents on the grassy area. You’ll be delighted to know that a hot shower is available (for a small tea house fee, usually 500 Rupees). Our local team will prepare amazing meals, offering a perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the forest surroundings. In the evening, consider exploring the monastery in town for a serene end to the day.
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| Day 08: Visit Thupten Choling Monastery |
Today is dedicated to exploring Thupten Choling Monastery. After a leisurely morning with breakfast, we'll prepare for a shorter day of hiking, allowing us time to soak in our surroundings and culture. Our path to the monastery starts near the stupa at the northern edge of the village, just where we camp. The trail ascends alongside Junbesi's stream, crosses it via a suspension bridge near Mopung's power plant, and then continues to a magnificent golden-topped stupa adorned with exquisite golden figures set against a blue backdrop. The journey to the monastery is a beautiful trek through an emerald evergreen forest and along a stream before trekking on the road. The path is somewhat steep, usually taking a bit more than an hour to reach the monastery. However, the trail’s beauty invites a slower, more relaxed pace. Upon arrival, the monastery greets visitors with its serene ambiance, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the ethnic Sherpa community. Please remember to bring small denominations in Rupees for donations at the Monastery. We'll spend just over an hour there before descending for an hour back to our tents and tea house location for lunch and an afternoon of relaxation.
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| Day 09: Trek back to Phaphlu |
We depart Junbesi around 8 am after breakfast, following two days of a more relaxed pace, to trek back to Phaphlu. It’s a relatively easy village trail that meanders along the river, consisting mostly of descent with a final ascent towards Phaplu (what a splendid way to finish!). Along the way, keep an eye out for baby goats in the small villages we pass through. The journey to Phaphlu takes about 4 hours of trekking, stopping along the way for monring tea (bring your snacks). Our porters will advance ahead of the group to prepare lunch, ready for our arrival just after midday. Tonight marks the conclusion of our trekking adventure with the local porters and guides (they will return to Kathmandu by bus with the gear, rather than flying), making this evening a special occasion for celebration. It's a great opportunity to buy them a beer and remember to provide tips to the team as per the guidelines in the Packing List PDF on the booking page.
Tonight, enjoy the comforts of the tea house, including a bed, hot shower, and a well-deserved good night's sleep. You've earned it!
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| Day 10: Return flight to Kathmandu |
After breakfast, we aim to catch the morning flight back to Kathmandu. However, a word of caution: flexibility is key when waiting for flights. The weather in Phaplu can often be unpredictable, and clear conditions are necessary for safe take-offs and landings. It's not uncommon to experience delays at the Tea House, potentially waiting for 1-6 hours. In some cases, if a storm rolls in, alternate transportation via a roughly 11-hour car/bus ride back to Kathmandu may be required. This unpredictability is part of the adventure in Nepal and contributes to the overall challenging grading of this trek. Your guides will accompany you and your gear to the airport, assisting with tickets and guiding you to the gate. Upon your return to Kathmandu, a member of our team will greet you at the baggage terminal and transport you back to the Kathmandu Guest House, typically arriving in the afternoon (depending on flight times). Due to unpredictable weather, we advise booking your onward journey from Kathmandu at least 24 hours after the trek's conclusion. To allow for changes in the itinerary and weather-related alterations, we strongly recommend scheduling your departure flight 2 days post-trip. Included:
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| Day 11: Departure from Kathmandu | Today might be your last day in Nepal, unless you've personally decided to extend your adventure! Breakfast is included at the hotel, and we've arranged for airport drop-offs today only. To ensure a smooth departure, please make sure you have provided us your flight details so we can inform the hotel reception and your driver. Remember, it's essential to allow 3 hours from the hotel to the airport, factoring in traffic and time for customs – the roads can be unpredictable, and the airport may be bustling. Please don’t forget to tip your driver too! Tip: For a more comfortable wait at the airport: there’s a lounge you can access for about $35 AUD. It's a cozy upgrade from the general waiting area and well worth considering for some extra comfort. Whether you’re departing Nepal today or continuing your travels, you’ll surely leave with a sense of accomplishment, camaraderie, and a treasure trove of memories from your journey to the roof of the world alongside like-minded, adventurous women.
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I recently returned from the Pikey Peak Everest Foothills trip in Nepal with WWA. WOW, what an experience! This was my 5th trip with WWA and the only reason I went to Nepal is because I knew it would be a professional, well-organised trip but with lots of fun and laughter too. It didn't disappoint! It was amazing, I met some truly awesome, adventurous women, saw magnificent mountains, beautiful forests, visited Buddhist temples and monasteries, ate delicious food and met so many wonderful Nepali people. It was a truly amazing experience, one that I wouldn't have done if it wasn't for WWA. Thanks to all involved, I will cherish it for a long time. Namaste.
I have come home feeling uplifted, energised and excited for the next adventure. This was my first WWA trip, and I was thoroughly impressed with the organisation and every part of the experience. The other women in the group were also a huge plus. I now know that you meet some very special people through WWA. Loved it and will be back for more adventures!
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