Involvement Volunteers International WHY we need you in Nepal
- Around 25% of the population in Nepal are living below the poverty line.
- Malnutrition is particually evident in children under 5, with 36% enduring stunting.
- Children from poor families have low attendence at school, with 1 in 4 of the poorest not going to school at all.
- Nepal can experience natural disasters, such as earthquakes. This can severly impact the local structures and roads.
- Much of Nepal's population lacks access to basic medical care.
WHAT Is Involved on the Pikey Peak Trek?
- Trek through stunning Himalayan landscapes, including Pikey Peak (4,065m)
- Visit Buddhist monasteries, Mani stones, and stupas along the trail
- Trek 6-8 hours per day, exploring breathtaking landscapes
- Follow the guidance of an experienced trekking coordinator for a safe and immersive journey
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Organisation & Charity
- Over 35+ Years Expertise Globally
- Low Program Fees - From US$295
- Excellent Safety Record, In-Country 24/7 Support & Emergency Assistance
- 1 Application Fee - Multiple Countries
PROJECT NAME: PIKEY PEAK TREK
LOCATION: KATHMANDU, NEPAL
START DATES: WEEKLY (SAT/SUN ARRIVALS)
ACCOMMODATION: TEA HOUSES
MIN DURATION: ONE WEEK
MIN AGE: 16+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Criminal background check required
Overview
Set out on an extraordinary adventure through the diverse cultural and natural landscapes of Nepal. With the Himalayas as your backdrop, trek across breathtaking mountain ranges, soak in panoramic views of Everest, and rest in eco-friendly tea houses and homestays surrounded by pristine nature.
Along the way, you’ll dive into local traditions, enjoy authentic Nepali meals, and experience the unique lifestyle of terraced hill communities. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a group, or with family, this journey combines adventure, cultural immersion, and relaxation in perfect balance.
Program Highlights
- Trek through stunning Himalayan trails, including the famous Pikey Peak (4,065m)
- Marvel at sweeping, unobstructed views of Everest and neighbouring giants
- Stay in traditional tea houses and homestays, enjoying warm Nepalese hospitality
- Visit Buddhist monasteries, Mani stones, and sacred stupas
- Immerse yourself in Sherpa culture and Tibetan Buddhist practices
- Feast on local specialties like Dal Bhat and even fresh yak milk from herders
During your trek, you will:
- Walk 6–8 hours a day, exploring breathtaking mountain landscapes
- Stay in welcoming tea houses or homestays, connecting with local communities
- Experience Buddhist traditions while visiting monasteries and sacred sites
- Enjoy delicious Nepali cuisine in traditional tea houses
- Follow the guidance of an experienced trekking coordinator for a safe and enriching journey
Essential Trekking Information
Safe Drinking Water
We provide chlorine solution and purification tablets to ensure safe drinking water. Simply add three drops per litre and wait 20 minutes. Bottled mineral water is also available to purchase in most lodges.
Trekking Coordinator
An experienced local trekking coordinator will guide and supervise your journey. Trained in high-altitude medicine, first aid, and emergency procedures, they are your go-to support for any questions or concerns. While their English may be basic, they are professional, knowledgeable, and committed to your safety.
Daily Routine
Expect 6–8 hours of walking each day with regular breaks, including a lunch stop along the trail. The trek reaches a maximum altitude of 4,065m.
What’s Included
- Accommodation from Sunday until Saturday noon of your final week
- Pick-up on arrival (during regular hours) and program-related transport
- Daily meals: three meals on weekdays, two on weekends
- Program materials and structured guidance
- Training and supervision by experienced local coordinators
- 24/7 support from the local team
What’s Not Included
- International flights and visa costs
- Transport between locations within Nepal
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Personal expenses
- Optional tours or activities not listed in the itinerary
Location
Kathmandu, the capital and largest city in Nepal, is an incredible place! The contrast of decaying buildings, smell of incense, street sellers, historic temples and incredible mountain views will invigorate your senses and keep you inspired to learn more about the amazing history and culture. For several hundred years, Kathmandu was one of three rival royal cities, along with Bhaktapur and Patan. The highlight of Kathmandu has long been Durbar Square, the largest of the palace squares in the three royal cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Temples and monuments of varying shapes, sizes, styles, and faiths can be found here. This small, mountain-sheltered valley is the historical centre of Nepal, a place where kingdoms rose and fell, where palaces and temples were built and rebuilt, and where Nepali art and culture was developed and refined.
Project Tasks
This program aims to bring you closer to authentic Nepal and the majestic Himalayas and truly immerse you in the Nepali culture, customs and lifestyle.
Food & Accommodation
On the Trek
- You’ll be staying in mountain tea houses (simple lodges) or homestays. A tea house typically combines a guesthouse, restaurant, and social space. Rooms are basic with twin beds, minimal furniture, and provided blankets. Bathrooms are usually shared, with either squat or Western toilets. Running water is common, and many lodges offer hot showers for around 500 NPR, while cold showers are free.
- Meals
Breakfast and dinner are usually served in your lodge, while lunch is taken at trailside restaurants. Expect the classic Nepali staple of Dal Bhat (rice with lentils), along with rice, noodles, potatoes, vegetables, and soups. Some tea houses also serve simple Western options like pasta, pizza, and French fries. Drinks, snacks, and beer are widely available.
Kathmandu
Located in the heart of Kathmandu, about 1 hours drive from the airport, with 4-6 people sharing one room (single gender rooms). They have modern bathrooms; a modern kitchen and dining room, mini library, a fully furnished living room, wifi, TV, computer, DVD player, fans, live-in staff on call 24/7, a garden complete with a comfortable covered area and 24/7 security. Centrally located, there are several gym’s nearby as well as local supermarkets, ATM’s, mobile phone shops etc.
You will be provided with three meals a day on weekdays and two meals per day on weekends. The meals are a mix of Western and Nepalese food, consisting mainly of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables. You can expect to have a chicken dish about once per week. You can also choose to eat out at any of the local restaurants.
*Accommodation may be in our local centre or in close proximity, depending on availability and time of year.
Testimonials...
FAQ
Due to the length and active nature of this program, a decent level of fitness is required.
- Accommodation
- 3 meals p/day weekdays / 2 meals p/day weekends
- Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
- Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
- 1 day orientation
- Daily transportation to project
- In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
- Fundraising support
- University course credits (where applicable)
- Certificate of Completion
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Tours, Souvenirs & spending money
Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.
A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). You must arrive between the hours 06:00 to 24:00 on Sunday.
If arriving outside the pickup times, you can book a private transfer or extra night for an additional fee.
Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).
From the airport to Kathmandu accommodation, it takes 45 minutes by taxi.
Monday
Drive to Dhap Bazaar (2850m) Duration 6-7 hours
The first leg of our journey takes us by road from Kathmandu to Dhap Bazaar. We follow the trail along the banks of the Sunkoshi River until we reach Ghurmi Village. Along the way, you can sit back and admire the constantly changing Nepali countryside of dense forests, terraced rice fields, and numerous gushing rivers. We eventually reach Dhap Bazaar where we can take a leisurely walk around the markets and admire the unique dress of the Sherpa villages.
- Overnight stay at a lodge or homestay
Tuesday
Trek from Dhap Bazaar to Jhapre (2815m) Duration 5-6 hours
After leaving the Tibetan border village of Kerung we follow the trail to Jhapre Village. Along the trail we will stop and admire Buddhist monasteries and the incredible untouched landscape where orchids grow at random among the forests. On arrival at Jhapre we can watch the exciting Tibetan Buddhist rituals performed at the local monastery.
- Overnight stay at a lodge or homestay
Wednesday
Trek from Jhapre to Pikey Base Camp (3640m) Duration 5-6 hours
Today we trek to Pikey Base Camp, the second highest point of the trek, and on the trail we pass Mani stones, stupas and ancient Buddhist monasteries.
- Overnight stay at a lodge or homestay
Thursday
Trek to Pikey Peak( 4065m ) & Trek to Jhapre Duration 6-7 hours
Today we head to that famous vantage point of Pikey Peak where the views of the Himalayan Range extending from Kanchenjunga to Dhaulagiri will leave you breathless. The view of Mt.Everest (8848 m), the world’s highest mountain, is clearly visible from this location. There are often yak grazing beside the trail and on occasions, the yak herders will offer you fresh yak milk. After taking in the extensive panorama from Pikey Peak we will descend to the Pikey Peak Base Camp and trek down to Jhapre where we stay the night.
- Overnight stay at a lodge or homestay
Friday
Trek to Dhap & Drive to Kathmandu (1400m) Duration 8-9 hours
After Breakfast and get a jeep or bus to drive back to Kathmandu.
- Overnight stay at the Kathmandu accommodation
***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***
Special Needs The weekends are always open for your leisure. The local team will assist you in organising additional travel plans with heaps of local knowledge. Shopping in Kathmandu is an experience all its own. Thamel, Kathmandu’s tourist hotspot, is where shoppers can find Nepalese, Tibetan and Indian artifacts, woodcarvings, handicraft and an assortments of unique clothing and apparel. There are also several malls where you can find fashionable clothing and grocery stores, offering everything from wine to breakfast cereals. There are numerous dining options available throughout the city, including Italian, Indian, Thai, Korean and Chinese in addition to a variety of local cuisine.
Additional Requirements
Due to the length and active nature of this program, a decent level of fitness is required.
Additional Equipment
We recommend the following equipment and items to pack for your trekking trip.
For Head
- Sun Hat/baseball cap
- Fleece/Wool hat (to cover ears) for winter
- Sunglasses & reading glasses
- Scarf to cover face (dust/wind)
For Lower Body
- Undergarments
- Hiking shorts – 1
- Lightweight walking pants – 1
- Lightweight thermal leggings – winter
- Fleece or tracksuit pants
For Feet
- Thin cotton inner socks
- Thick warm wool hiking socks
- Hiking boots
- Sandals
- Walking poles
For Upper Body
- T-shirts
- Lightweight thermal tops – winter
- Fleece long sleeve tops
- Down vest/jacket – winter
- Poncho rain cover
For Hands
- Lightweight fleece gloves – winter
- Playing card
- Trail map & guide book
For Sleeping
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping bag liner
- Pillowslip/case
Medical Kit
- See your Doctor for a complete medical kit
Accessories
- Headlamp & spare batteries
- Dry packs
- Open neck water bottles
- Watch with light & alarm
- Pack cover
- Day pack
- Money belt
- Toiletries & Personal Hygiene
- 1x quick-dry towel & face cloth
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Toothbrush & paste (biodegradable)
- Multipurpose wipes (face & body)
- Deodorant
- Face & Body moisturizer
- Nail clippers/file
- Small comb/brush
- Clothes washing soap (biodegradable)
- Toilet paper (you can buy more on trek)
- Anti-Bacterial wipes (4x packs)
- Hand sanitiser (small bottle)
- Sunblock face/body high UV protection
- Lip block with UV protection
- Feminine hygiene products
Extra Items
- Camera & extra batteries
- Binoculars
- Reading books
- Journal & pen
- Energy/protein bars
- Walkman & Steripen
***Make sure to pack no heavier than 15kg after fully packed.***
For information on holidays and any programs affected, please see the following link: NP – Holidays – All Programs
Nepal is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich countries in the world. Nepal first opened its borders to outsiders in the 1950s. It is home to Mount Everest, the birthplace of Buddha, and an astonishingly beautiful landscape, ranging from the well-known peaks of the Himalaya to the low-lying regions of the Terai.
The Nepali people are as diverse at the geography, with over 70 languages or dialects and scores of traditional festivals celebrated throughout the year.
However, Nepal is also one of the most under-developed countries in the world, with low rates of literacy, high rates of poverty and a persistent gender imbalance. The government is frequently unable to provide adequate education and health facilities throughout the country and both urban and rural areas are forced to live without necessary resources to promote growth and development of their communities.
Nepal is a year round destination, and the cliate can vary between the North and South regions. The best overall times to visit are during spring and autumn (particually for trekking).
December to Febuary is winter, and it can get extremely cold in the mountains (down to sub zero). Summer in this region has a pleasent temperature but still bring some warmer clothing for the evenings.
Summer in southern Nepal can get extremely hot (plus 40°C) in some areas. Winter temperatures in this area can range from 7°C to 23°C.
Kathmandu has a pleasent climate on average. The monsoon rains start from June to September in Nepal.
The majority of Nepalis are either Hindus or Buddhists, but there are many other religions here too like Islam, Christianity, Jainism and Sikhism. You will find many temples and monasteries around Nepal. The right hand is used for important things such as passing money, eating and the giving of gifts.
Nepalese people love their food and much of it has been influenced by Indian and Tibetan cultures. Nepali people have a lot of respect for elders and will call each other didi (“older sister”), bahini (“younger sister”), etc, even if they are not actually related. The family unit is very strong and having a close knit family is important for the local people.
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