Pikey Peak Trek with a Spiritual twist

An immersive full-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley.

Visit Pashupatinath, one of the most important holy sites for the Hindu religion. The temple is situated on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River and is believed to date back to 400 BC. The area encompasses 518 temples, buildings, and holy structures. The main temple is designed as a pagoda structure dedicated to Lord Shiva and is open only to Hindus; non-Hindus may only observe from the terraces across the Bagmati River to the east.
The area also includes a temple, dedicated to Guhyeshwari, a goddess in the form of a silver-plated waterhole, covered by a silver Kalash (auspicious water jar). Legend has it that a part of Sati Devi’s dead corpse fell, and Shakti Peeths came to life. The temple is also considered a sacred place for performing cremation ceremonies, as Hindus believe that a cremation from here will be secure a reborn as a human in their next life.

Visit Patan Durbar Square, also known as the city of artisans. The area is home to some of the finest artisans of Kathmandu Valley, who have preserved the cultural and ancient techniques of art and craft, such as wood, wax, painting and metal work. The former Royal Palace of Patan has been converted into a museum to display the unique crafts. Apart from the museum, Patan includes Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (Golden Temple), Golden Window, and Mahabouddha Temple and many other unique cultural attractions.

Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, an old royal courtyard with over fifty temples, including the temple of the titular deity, Taleju Bhawani.
The Durbar has two courtyards; an inner section consisting of Hanuman Dhoka and the main palace. Some floors of the main palace have been converted into a museum dedicated to display the three generations of Shah kings of Nepal and also showcases some ornaments from the medieval periods. Thus, the palace is also known as “the Museum of Temples”.
The outer courtyards have a Kasthamandap (was a three-storied public shelter), Kumari Ghar (which houses the Goddess Kumari), and a Shiva-Parvati Temple. The outer courtyards also have an abundance of handicraft shops, and a nearby Bazar and locals markets.

Start your day with an early breakfast, before embarking on the scenic 7 hrs scenic drive to Dhap. Drive the highway along the river, before turning north to gradually rise into the clouds. Upon arrival, check into the lodge and rest before tomorrow’s trek.

After breakfast, begin your trek with the view of the Numbur Himal range leading to Sigane. From Sigane, follow the trail with some uphill and down hills finally leading to Japre.

Japre is the first village on this trail, with little gompa and statues offering a stunning view of Everest and Numbur Himal. Continue the trail until you reach your lodge for the night.

Continue your hike by climbing a grassy ridge. After two hours of walking, you will reach Bhulbule. Then on your way, the path split into two; take the right route with some old yak huts and extended Mani walls. Walk through the forest trail. An hour’s walk later, you will reach Pikey Base Camp.
If time permits, visit Tolu Gompa

Walk up early morning for your hike along the gradual trail to Pikey Peak base camp for sunrise. The summit offers panoramic views from Annapurna to Kanchenjunga, and Mount Everest (weather permitting).
After spending some time soaking in the views, continue along the trail following the ridgeline and through forests to Jase Bhanjyang, where you will stop for breakfast. After breakfast, continue the journey taking the northern route and ascending towards Serlo Monastery.  Situated at the top of Junbesi Village, Serlo Monastery is one of the biggest monasteries in the Phaplu region. The monastery dates back to the 1400s and serves as a meditation center that teaches Buddhism both to monks and travellers.Upon arrival, enjoy a meal offered by the monks. Later spend the day exploring the area or at leisure.Take part in a puja led by the monks and special monk discourse and lectures can be arranged based on the time schedule

Take part in the morning puja at the monastery and enjoy a simple breakfast alongside the monks.Visit the two monasteries founded by His Holiness Trulsik Rinpoche in the 1960s after fleeing Tibet.  Junbesi Monastery, an independent and autonomous place that mostly shelters Tibetan refugees.  And Thupten CholingMonastery, another big monastery that looks like a small village full of small monasteries, creating an impressive landmark.
After exploring the mountain monasteries, drive to Phaplu.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before exploring Phaplu. Stroll through the mountain village to discover shops selling local products (such as organic high-altitude foods and the famous yak cheese). Visit the mountain monasteries and schools.
(During the weekend, you can also visit the weekend market, where many from surrounding mountain villages sell their unique produce.)

Flight Option:
After breakfast, take a morning 30min flight back to Kathmandu, and spend the remaining day at your leisure.Drive Option:
After breakfast, begin your drive back to Kathmandu. Have lunch on the way and arrive in Kathmandu in the evening.

Enjoy the day at your leisure. Relax with a 45-minute complimentary foot massage in Kathmandu.
This additional day in Kathmandu is recommended to avoid missing your international flight, due to the unpredictable weather in the mountain region and the domestic flight might be cancelled due to bad weather.Optional add-on: Full Day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu and Patan Durbar Square, the ancient city inside the Kathmandu Valley.
Optional add-on: Day trip to visit Monastery in Pharping.
Optional add-on: Rock climbing in Pharping.
Optional add-on: Day trip to Changu Narayan temple.
Optional add-on: Day trip to Kritipur (a Newari styled area in Kathmandu)

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.