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This stunning trek takes you on an exclusive, camping-style trek into the green foothills below the mighty Mount Everest. If this is your first time trekking in Nepal, this is a great opportunity to experience a moderate trek with spectacular views of the entire Himalayan range from east to west in Nepal. Though famous for offering the best view of Mount Everest (according to none other than the esteemed Sir Edmund Hillary himself), this off-the-beaten track route is little-used by trekkers, meaning you’ll have the trails to yourself, while nights will be spent in the comfort of our exclusive camp with incredible meals prepared by your guides.
The Lower Solu Khumbu Region is home to many endangered animals and birds like the elusive and mysterious snow leopard, the Himalayan thar, and many more – if you’re lucky, you may experience the chance to witness them as they move about in their natural environment. Throughout your 10-day journey, you’ll also encounter various local peoples and their villages, including the Sherpa, Rai, Chhetri, and Gurung people, making the Everest Foothills Camping Trek provides a sublime introduction to the culture and traditions of this remote and beautiful region.
* All prices are per person and listed in Australian Dollars (AUD). All prices shown are GST inclusive where applicable.
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you'll be greeted by one of our friendly team members – often it's Mango (wait until you see how charming he is!). He'll escort you to The Kathmandu Guest House in Thamel in the comfort of a private vehicle. Don't worry if your flight lands 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.
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.
Today we check out of our hotel in Kathmandu and catch a 30-minute internal flight from Kathmandu to Phaplu. You will be awestruck by the magnificence of the mountains you’ll observe from the air before you even ‘hit the ground running’ on this wonderful trek. Following your flight and lunch in the village, in the afternoon, you’ll have the chance to explore this beautiful, remote village and its mountainous surrounds with an option to trek to Chiwang Danda (Hilltop) or Gompa with fabulous views of the mountains.
Included: Internal flight to Phaplu,mountain tea house accommodation (twin share), all meals
We begin the trek early with a steep descent through the pine forest and paddy fields towards Tenkharka. After approximately one hour, we reach the Solu Khola river, from which we follow the newly established road for a little bit, before turning off on a small trail up to the village of Boldok. After a steep climb above Boldok, we’ll enjoy a simple but filling lunch.
From here, the trail continues steeply up through the pine forest. Between the trees you’ll glimpse stunning views of the verdant Phaplu Valley, with Mount Numbur and Gaurishankar – named for the Hindu goddess Gauri and her consort Shankar – to the north. Another 3-4 hours on from the river, our camp site awaits on the top of the ridge, from which you’ll experience your first views of the imposing Everest massif.
Included: Mountain camping (twin share tent), all meals
The following morning, we’ll rise early to catch the first morning rays as they kiss the Himalayas. Enjoy tea and coffee served in your tent as you absorb your stunning surrounds. After a hearty breakfast we begin the day with a gradual ascent along the ridge, passing through more pine forest interspersed with rhododendron and open meadows.
We arrive at camp early in the afternoon, at a site used by local herders to shelter during the evenings. There are a few dried-out lakes in the area, which hold water only during the monsoon season. Together we’ll enjoy lunch in camp, though light snacks will be provided on the way. Spend the afternoon exploring the area, reading a book, or perhaps lend a hand preparing the campfire – the quicker we can get that set up, the more pleasant our evening will be!
Included: Mountain camping (twin share tent), all meals
Next morning, we begin our ascent of Pikey Peak along a wide trail of stone steps. While an easy path, it’s likely you’ll be experiencing the effects of the altitude here which may slow you down a little. Rest assured, we’ll take plenty of small breaks on the way to catch our breath and to allow us to enjoy the panoramic views of Mount Everest and Lhotse, as well as Makalu and Kanchenjunga to the east, among other iconic peaks. After witnessing these stunning views of the Himalayas, we start the descent towards Jase Bhanjyang.
Our camp for the night is located at an altitude of 3,500 meters on the side of the mountain, where a big meadow provides a beautiful space for our tents, with the surrounding green forest protecting us from the wind – a superb place to light up a campfire and share epic travel stories with one another.
Included: Mountain camping (twin share tent), all meals
Today we walk a beautiful forest trail from Panbu Danda (hill-side) to Taktor. The trail from Taktor to the riverside camp (around an hour’s walk) is a part of the road, but vehicles run very infrequently here. After reaching the camp site, we encourage you to visit the Thupten Chöling Monastery, around 1.2-2 hours’ walk away. This gompa is one of the largest in the Everest region, and is home to a small community of all-female Buddhist disciples.
Included: Mountain camping (twin share tent), all meals
Enjoy one of the main viewing spots from the campsite, as well as a viewpoint of Simi Danda nearby, from where – good weather permitting! – you can take in a vista of Mount Everest and other local peaks. Take a moment while here to visit the local cheese factory in Ringmu, and taste the local cheese and cow and yak milk – you won’t be disappointed!
Included: Mountain camping (twin share tent), all meals
Included: Mountain tea house accommodation (twin share), all meals
After breakfast, we fly back to Kathmandu. Please note that due to the high variability in weather conditions, it’s best to fly home 1-2 days post trek to allow for any changes in the trip itinerary.
Included: Hotel in Kathmandu (private room) with breakfast and farewell dinner with drinks
This is your last day in Nepal, if you choose. While our scheduled trekking has come to an end, you may decide to increase your stay in Nepal, venture on another trek, or rest in Kathmandu for a few more days. Whatever you choose to do, you’ll be left with a sense of accomplishment and community, and a lifetime of memories from your time visiting the roof of the world with likeminded, adventurous souls.
Included: Hotel breakfast. Those women departing by aircraft will be transferred to the airport.
Every Nepal trip is given a different grading depending on the terrain, length of trip and altitude. The Everest Foothills Camping Trek is graded Moderate with a day graded Challenging (day 7) as we may be trekking up up to 7+ hours. You will need an good level of fitness and in great health to be prepared for your trek.
Difficulty is a relative term, and adventure is a state of mind. For some women, one of our moderate trips may be simple, while for other it may be a terrifying, life-changing experience. Some of us are used to camping and other note, although the camping is very much taken care of by our great team! This trip will vary between moderate to challenging.
We pace our treks to allow your body to adjust to the change in altitude and will monitor your health and wellbeing throughout your trip.
To help guide you to the most make the most informed decision for your fitness, please see below:
If you’re in doubt about whether or not you are able to meet the grade of the trek, we recommend you contact us to discuss further or speak with your doctor for a health check.
OThe majority of women embark on our adventures individually. Venturing to Nepal becomes even more empowering when shared with other like-minded women. In fact, on our recent Nepal treks, 8 out of 10 women took the plunge on their own. And guess what? Some of them even recognised familiar faces from previous adventures. How lovely! A week before you set off, we'll connect you into a WhatsApp group, making it easy for you all to touch base. Once you're at the hotel in Kathmandu, it's all about connecting. Whether it's sharing a meal, shopping, or exploring local wonders, you'll have your tribe right there with you.
Our Nepal treks suit those seeking a challenge. Regular exercise (4-5 times per week) and good fitness are required. Please bring your trekking poles!
The Pikey Peak Trek is physically demanding but rewarding. It includes diverse challenges like varied weather, outdoor camping, and cultural differences. Good fitness and flexibility with your mindset are key for a successful experience. As we say in Nepal, sometimes the trail and time on trail is "plus or minus".
Eating is a significant part of the camping trek. Our chef is AMAZING! There's no other way to put it.
This trip includes a personal chef and assistants. He's not only cooking for the group but also for 24 porters, guides, and staff.
Expect wonderful food available in the mountains, with each day offering something a little different. There are no food orders on this trip; you'll enjoy what you're given. The meals are healthy and lovely, featuring veggies, rice dishes, potatoes, and sometimes eggs for breakfast or porridge (it's always a lovely surprise!).
Lunch is usually served on the trail, so please be patient as the team needs time to cook over a fire they build.
Often, the chef will hand-make chapati bread or whip up a pizza!
We don’t want to give too much away here, but trust us when we say the food is a HUGE highlight.
Please note, dietary requirements are tricky on this trip. Most meals are vegetarian (almost everything), and it's possible to be vegan, however, we cannot guarantee for celiac diets or nut free. This trip involves the team washing the cooking gear and plates from streams. Hygiene is taken seriously, but without a commercial dishwasher (no one would carry that up there!), we can’t completely eliminate any cross-contamination.
Please also be aware that our chef does not typically make separate meals or cut out garlic or onion. You are in Nepal. It’s a 'get what you are given' type of approach to this trip.
If you have any concerns, please contact us.
Crisp glacial streams in the mountains aside, it won’t take you long to realise that the overall water quality in Nepal (particularly in Kathmandu) isn’t the greatest. Using it to shower is totally fine (keep your mouth closed), but be warned that the water from the tap can be a funny colour and often smells… different. Tap water and river water in Nepal is unsafe to drink. You will have a choice between bottled water, purification tablets (please ensure you pack some), or boiling water. When brushing your teeth, do not use tap water.
There’s nothing worse than trying to adventure when you have Nepal-belly (trust us, we’ve been there), so be safe and take extra precautions. Most trekking paths will have clean water tanks, but we recommend still investing in a water purification and filtration bottle — we use The Grayl GEOPRESS, which is hands-down the best travel-related investment we’ve ever made, and means we can drink the tap water anywhere we go – including India! Alternatively, bring along some water purification tablets or a SteriPen to drop into your bottle on the hiking trails just to be safe.
Drinking sufficient amounts of water in Nepal is essential to avoid the risk of dehydration, so if you follow the steps carefully, you should be safe for your trip. Please note, buying bottled water from villages is not included in your trip price. Please bring additional cash with you.
Tip: We recommend bringing electrolytes with you to keep hydrated throughout the days trekking.
We recommend checking out the country specific information by checking out this website here. Please also read information for guidlines travelling to Nepal related to Covid 19 be clicking here. We also suggest you consult with your nurse/travel doctor.
Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of age, trekking experience or level of fitness. It’s one of the top concerns people share about trekking Nepal and it’s a valid one. Unless you live at a very high altitude, our bodies are not acclimatised to the lack of oxygen in the high mountain air. Ascending too fast can cause problems. If symptoms of altitude sickness in Nepal (or anywhere else) are not addressed quickly, they can be extremely dangerous.
All our itineraries allow enough time for you to safely acclimatise. However, there are also things that you can do to support your own acclimatisation. If you know what symptoms to look out for, you can act quickly with the help of your trekking guide.
Altitude sickness, also called Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), makes it difficult for oxygen to enter your body (vascular system) due to the low air pressure. The higher the altitude, the harder it is to get the amount of oxygen you need.
Altitude sickness can occur when you ascend to a high altitude too quickly. It’s more likely to affect people above 2,500m/8,200ft. Most of our treks climb to at least 4,000m/13,000ft, so there’s an element of risk.
Please download the Nepal Essentials Information PDF on this booking page for more information.
Sorry! Women Want Adventure does not arrange flights to or from Kathmandu. We do arrange any internal flights depending on the trip you have booked. Please see your itinerary for further details.
Comprehensive Travel Insurance is a mandatory requirement for attendance on all our Nepal trips. The cost of medical, helicopter evacuation and/or hospital care can be very expensive. Your insurance policy should cover cancellation and curtailment, baggage loss or damage, emergency travel, repatriation, personal accident and evacuation from a remote area. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fully insured before leaving home. Please send us your travel insurance number prior to departure.
Women Want Adventure is not liable for any cost or loss, directly or indirectly, from any personal disruption due to illness and COVID-19. Such costs or losses include but are not limited to: requirements to follow COVID-19 mandates, flights, accommodation, transfers, and other expenses incurred over and above the trip price. Once your trip has commenced there is no refund available for any portion due under any circumstances.
Please ensure that your travel insurance covers you for treks at high altitudes in Nepal, such as over 3000m. It's important to note that some insurance companies may not provide coverage for hikes over 3000m, so it's crucial to check the policy details carefully before purchasing.
You must provide evidence to Women Want Adventure that you have obtained the required personal travel insurance covering all of the activities you expect to participate in 70 days prior to trip departure.
There is a weight restriction on the flight to and from Phaplu of 10kg checked baggage plus 5kg hand luggage. It is not a problem for you to check in 1-2kg more than this as long as you are happy to pay an excess luggage charge (approx. $2per kg). You will only need to check in your day pack, and our porters and team will have all camping gear at the location for the start of they trek they kindly carry.
Items can be left at Kathmandu Guest House accommodation not needed on your trek. Our team will outline this at the trip briefing. This trip also includes one porter for every two trekkers. Porters will carry up to 20-25kg of gear so your overnight bags and spare clothes will be transported for you (maximum 13kg per person). You will only need to carry a ‘day pack’ with essentials in (extra layer, snacks, water, suncream, camera etc.). The less non essential items you bring, the better. Please check out the packing list provided for what to bring with you.
Tribhuvan International Airport is the only international airport of Nepal. On arrival, the visa procedure is generally very quick and simple. You can expect some queues during peak tourist season, but if you wish to skip those queues, you can also consider getting a visa from the Nepalese Diplomatic Embassy in Australia prior to your arrival.
Please ensure that your passport is valid for 6 months after your return date from Nepal or you may be refused boarding your international flight to Nepal and restricted from gaining an entry visa. It is also important to bring 2-3 passport-size photographs with a light background which are often used for permits, SIM cards, flights etc. Visas can be obtained only through payment of cash in the following currencies: Euro, Swiss Franc, Pound Sterling, US dollar, Australian dollar, Canadian dollar, Chinese RMB, Hong-kong dollar, Singapore dollar and Japanese Yen.
You must pay in cash, and costs are AUD 40 for 15 days, AUD 60 for 30 days, and AUD 150 for 3 months. Credit cards, Indian currency or Nepalese currency are not accepted for visa fee payments.
To ensure a smooth arrival, please withdraw cash prior to arrival at the airport. If you wish to extend your stay, you can extend your visa at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu and Pokhara offices for total of 120 days. Before arrival, you must complete the online application form by visiting online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/tourist-visa
The average age of women attending our trips is 45 years. Ages can range from early 30's to mid 60s. All Women Want Adventure trips are for women over 18 years of age only.
It is customary in Nepal to tip guides and porters. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. Knowing how to appropriately tip in any country can be tricky, and tipping in Nepal is no exception. There’s no hard and fast rule, so using your discretion is key. For a local guide, if you are trekking solo, $5 a day is appropriate. If you’re in a group, $10 a day is expected. Of course, if you are happy with the service, tipping more is always great and can be discussed amongst the group.
When tipping porters, they usually receive a minimum of $5 a day for treks. Remember, while a guide has more skills and has worked their way up, a porter has to carry a gruelling amount of weight on their back every day. Treat them with the utmost respect, as they are the most wonderful humans with the biggest smiles.
Tipping is usually finalised at the end of the trek and is not part of the tour price. Tipping is arranged by clients and those who wish to participate. It is not compulsory to tip, yet it is the cultural norm. We recommend you bring cash with you on the trek, not only for village purchases (souvenirs or cold drinks) but to pool together tipping cash for guides and porters, post trek.
Winter days in Nepal are generally dry and bright, though at altitude the evenings will be extremely cold, and some high passes can be blocked by snow. Although a high-altitude trek may not be possible, winter can be a great time to visit Nepal, as there are fewer tourists. There are some fantastic walking and trekking holidays which are perfect for an adventurous winter holiday. You could spend Christmas day gazing at a perfect snowy mountain scene!
Spring is a popular time to go trekking in Nepal, as temperatures climb steadily, and the weather tends to be more stable. Trails are more crowded, however, and the skies can be a bit hazy at times. Spring features great festivals, including Holi in March and Nepalese New Year in April. The beautiful rhododendron and magnolia will be in bloom during this time.
Summer in Nepal is monsoon season, bringing hot, humid weather. As a result, most trekking areas tend to experience cloudy skies and rain, and trekkers seeking to experience certain regions of the Himalayas at this time of year, such as Upper Mustang or Nar Phu, are advised to trek in the “rain shadow” of the ranges. Internal flight schedules can be affected, and the mountain views are limited, even if the trails themselves are fine for trekking. The Yarthung Horse Festival takes place in June in Manang, as riders from the entire district and neighbouring Mustang gather to show off their skills.
Autumn is the most popular season for trekking, as the weather is usually stable, with moderate temperatures and clear skies. It does mean however that the crowds are at their largest as well, so bear that in mind. Big festivals like Dashain (October) and Tihar (November) also take place over the autumn period.
Due to weather conditions, sometimes flights in or out of Phaplu are delayed and you may have to wait 1-2 days for another flight. We strongly recommend you allow 1-2 couple of days on the back end of your trip to allow for such changes. There are plenty of things to do in Kathmandu or Lukla and as a group, your guides will assist you with logistics, such as your accommodation changes in Lukla or Kathmandu.
There is a hot shower at the tea house in Phaplu on the first and last night of the trek (usually a tap-style shower), where you have to use a bucket to pour more water over yourself. On the trek, the local team provides the group with "washing water" in the mornings and often in the evenings (weather permitting) - see the photo! Sometimes they will bring washing water in a bowl to your tent as you wake up in the morning. Usually, on one night when the weather is good, the team can set up a shower tent where you can wash yourself. Besides this, please bring some wet wipes with you (about 1-2 packets) and expect that you may go without a shower for a few nights, but still be able to wash your face.
In regards to toilets, the team actually carries a toilet seat (we know!). They set up a toilet tent and dig a hole. It's very civilized and easy. Please make sure you have toilet paper with you, even though the team will have plenty of spares, it is easier to have your own roll on you.
It's best to bring 2x rubbish bags with you for your wet wipe items or any sanitary products.
Meg Arthur
05/11/2023
The Pikey Peak Nepal trek was everything I had hoped for, PLUS more!
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!
Jo Castile-Roberts
05/11/2023
WOW, what an experience!
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.
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