Highlights
- View the Himalaya from one of Sir Edmund Hillary's favorite spots
- Explore the Thubten Choling Monastery on a rest day
- Enjoy a moderately challenging but underrated trek in the lower Everest region
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Kathmandu, Drive to Dhulikhel | Dhulikhel |
| Day 2 | Drive to Dhap, Trek to Jhapre | Jhapre |
| Day 3 | Trek from Jhapre to Pikey Base Camp | Pikey Base Camp |
| Day 4 | Trek from Pikey Peak Base Camp to Junbesi | Junbesi |
| Day 5 | Rest Day at Junbesi | Junbesi |
| Day 6 | Trek to Phaplu & Explore | Phaplu |
| Day 7 | Fly to Kathmandu | Kathmandu |
| Day 8 | Depart Kathmandu |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu, Drive to Dhulikhel
Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport, you'll be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel in Dhulikhel, an hour or two's drive from the capital. Located just outside the Kathmandu Valley, the primarily Newar town of Dhulikhel sits at an altitude of 5,085 feet (1,550 m). On a clear day, you can observe the towering Himalaya to the north, with spectacular views at sunrise and sunset.
Day 2: Drive to Dhap, Trek to Jhapre
After an early breakfast, you will leave for Dhap, about a seven-hour drive away. Stop at Ghurmi for a hearty lunch of dal bhat (a traditional Nepalese lentil curry), then ascend to Okhaldunga via the Siddicharan Highway. After Okhaldunga, the road gradually climbs, becoming narrower until you reach Dhap, well into the mountains. On a clear day, you can see the peaks of Manaslu, Rolwaling, Numbur, Dhudkunda, Everest, Makalu, and Kanchanjunga from here.
After the morning's drive, it's time to stretch your legs with your first day of trekking. Walk for about three hours to reach the Jhapre, where you'll spend the night in a tea house, the classic Nepali trekkers' accommodation. Jhapre sits at 9,580 feet (2920 m), so around double the altitude of Kathmandu and Dhulikhel.
Day 3: Trek from Jhapre to Pikey Base Camp
After breakfast, you'll hike gradually uphill to Rakhopa, passing Bulbule and stopping for lunch in Lamuje, where you can enjoy sweeping valley views and a scenic stupa (shrine). After lunch, the trail passes through a mixed forest until ascending to Pikey Base Camp (11,942 feet/3,640 m).
Sunsets are particularly beautiful here, with the cool, clean air creating vibrant colors. As night falls, you'll settle into your accommodations at Pikey Peak Lodge.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Trek from Pikey Peak Base Camp to Junbesi
Rise before dawn this morning to ascend Pikey Peak in time for the gorgeous sunrise. The hike takes about 50 minutes, and if the weather is clear you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views from Annapurna to Kanchenjunga.
Hike down to Jashmane Bhanjhyang for a warm breakfast, then continue on your trek. The undulating trail passes a few Sherpa houses in Taktor before reaching your base for the night in the “Valley of the Moon” or Junbesi (8,858 feet/2,700 m).
Day 5: Rest Day at Junbesi
Enjoy some extra rest and a late breakfast on this well-earned rest day. In the afternoon, you can head to the nearby Thubten Choling Monastery to observe Tibetan Buddhist teachings and observe the practice and lifestyles of nuns and monks, who come here from all over Nepal and Tibet.
Day 6: Trek to Phaplu & Explore
After another late morning in Junbesi, your final day of trekking takes you to the mountain hamlet of Phaplu. Following an easy route, you'll follow the road past blue pine forests and the Solu River, enjoying the sweeping views and unspoiled nature of this river basin. Upon arrival, the rest of the day is free to relax and explore Phaplu at your leisure.
Day 7: Fly to Kathmandu
Today you'll bid the mountains farewell as you catch a short flight from Phaplu to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel and are free to enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at your leisure. Explore Kathmandu's streets on foot, bicycle, or rickshaw, or go shopping for some souvenirs. Other ideas include rewarding your muscles after the trek with a massage or an early evening yoga class.
In the evening, choose from a selection of Nepali, French, Vietnamese, and Middle Eastern restaurants in Kathmandu.
Day 8: Depart Kathmandu
It's time to say farewell to Nepal. Enjoy your last moments in Kathmandu with breakfast in a café, a final stroll through the narrow alleys and temples, or some souvenir shopping. A driver will be waiting for you at your hotel to take you to the airport for your return flight home. Safe travels!
More Nepal Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Nepal? Check out these other Nepal itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.
Or, describe your ideal trip and we will connect you with a local specialist to make it happen.