Travel

Explore the Nepal Himalayas: Pikey Peak, Mardi Himal and Makalu Base Camp Trek Adventure

Published

1 week ago

January 13, 2026

Nepal is a land of many mountains. People come here from all over the world for trekking, adventure and to see the beauty of nature. In Nepal, three treks become famous because they show different sides of the Himalayas. The Pikey Peak trek, Mardi Himal trek and Makalu Base Camp trek are all three amazing journeys. Each trek gives you adventure, culture and nature in a special way. This article explains in detail about these three treks.

Pikey Peak Trek Overview

The Pikey Peak trek is a hidden gem in Nepal. Located in the Solu-Khumbu region, it gives a very beautiful view of Everest, Kanchenjunga and Makalu. Trek is not very difficult but a little bit steep in some parts. People choose this trek for the sunrise view, small villages visit and peaceful nature. The Pikey Peak trek is a short trek, usually 6 to 8 days depending on pace.

The trail starts from the small town of Salleri. From here, we walk through rhododendron forests and traditional Sherpa villages and cross rivers. The trail is quiet and less crowded, so we feel very calm and nature-friendly. People can see local life, Buddhist monasteries, mani walls and prayer flags in every village.

Pikey Peak itself is 4068 meters. Sunrise from here is amazing because the view of Everest and the surrounding mountains makes them look very close. You can take photos, feel the cold wind and enjoy peace. Many trekkers combine this trek with other Everest region treks, so it becomes a flexible option for all types of travelers.

Best Time for Pikey Peak Trek

The best times are autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May). In autumn the sky is clear and the mountains look very sharp. In spring, rhododendron forests bloom with red and pink flowers. Winter is very cold and the trail is sometimes covered with snow. Summer is monsoon season, so trails become slippery and sometimes dangerous.

Pikey Peak Highlights

Sunrise view of Everest, Kanchenjunga and Makalu
Sherpa villages and cultural experiences
Less crowded trail, very peaceful trekking
Rhododendron forest and beautiful nature
Short trek for beginners and moderate hikers

Mardi Himal Trek Overview

The Mardi Himal trek is a newly famous trek in the Annapurna region. The trail is not very long but very beautiful. Mardi Himal is a 4995 meter high mountain. The trek starts from Pokhara, a city near a big lake and beautiful mountains. From Pokhara, we drove to a small village called Kande or Phedi. Then start walking through forests, hills, local villages and suspension bridges.

The trail is a mix of easy and moderate. The first day is a forest walk and a village walk, then the trail becomes steeper near the base camp. People choose Mardi Himal for the combination of a short trek and a high mountain view. At the top, we can see the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli and other smaller peaks.

The trail is very natural. A few lodges and small tea houses along the way. Local Gurung culture and hospitality make trekking more interesting. We can see buffalo, cows, local farms, terraces and small rivers. The Mardi Himal trek is perfect for people who want adventure but not too long or too hard.

Best Time for Mardi Himal Trek

Autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) are best. In autumn, the sky is clear and the mountain view is perfect. In spring, rhododendrons bloom on trails, which are very colorful. The winter trail is cold and windy. Summer is monsoon season; there is a lot of landslide risk, and the trail is slippery.

Mardi Himal Highlights

Close view of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre and Hiunchuli
Less crowded trail, very peaceful trekking
Small villages and local Gurung culture experience
Rhododendron forest and mountain lake
Perfect short trek for moderate hikers

Makalu Base Camp Trek Overview

The Makalu Base Camp trek is an adventure for serious trekkers. Makalu is the fifth highest mountain in the world, at 8485 meters. Trek is located in eastern Nepal. This trek is not easy; it needs a strong body, experience and sometimes a guide. The trail is remote, less crowded and very natural. You see real Himalayan life, local villages, forests and glaciers.

The trail starts from Tumlingtar, which is flown from Kathmandu. Then walk through small villages, rivers, forests, rhododendron and bamboo. Many parts of the trail are steep and high altitude, so acclimatization is important. Makalu Base Camp is 4900 meters. Base camp gives a very close view of the mountain, icefall and surrounding peaks. Few trekkers reach here every year because trekking is challenging.

Along the way, you see different ethnic groups. Sherpa, Rai, and Limbu people live in the region. They show culture, tradition, and hospitality. Few lodges, so people sometimes camp in tents. Nature is wild, beautiful, and untouched. The Makalu Base Camp trek is perfect for adventure seekers who want a real remote Himalayan experience.

Best Time for Makalu Base Camp Trek

Autumn (September to November) is perfect because the sky is clear and the weather is stable. Spring (March to May) is also good; forests bloom and mountain views are clear. Winter is very cold; snow can block trails. Summer is monsoon season; the trail is very slippery and dangerous.

Makalu Base Camp Highlights

Close view of Makalu, the fifth highest mountain
Remote, less crowded, very wild nature
Local culture: Sherpa, Rai and Limbu villages
High-altitude adventure and real Himalayan experience
Glaciers, rivers, forests and mountain peaks

Comparing Three Treks

Pikey Peak, Mardi Himal and Makalu Base Camp treks are all in Nepal but are different experiences.

Pikey Peak is short, less crowded, and best for sunrise views and culture. Easy to moderate. 6–8 days.
Mardi Himal is a short-moderate trek in the Annapurna region, a mix of village and forest, with a close view of the mountain. 5–7 days.
Makalu Base Camp is a long, challenging, remote, high-altitude adventure and has a real Himalaya feel. 18–21 days.

Each trek has something special. Pikey Peak for peaceful views, Mardi Himal for colorful forests and Annapurna views, and Makalu Base Camp for real adventure and remote life.

Accommodation on the Treks

All treks offer tea houses, lodges and small hotels.

Pikey Peak: small tea houses, simple food, local hospitality.
Mardi Himal: lodges along the trail, a mix of local food, and small rooms.
Makalu Base Camp: few lodges, sometimes tents, remote villages, simple food, and basic facilities.

People need to carry warm clothes and sleeping bags in Makalu because of the cold night. Food is usually dal bhat (rice and lentil soup), noodles, bread and tea.

Trekking Preparation

Preparation is important for all treks.

Fitness: Pikey Peak and Mardi Himal need moderate fitness; Makalu requires high fitness.
Clothing: warm clothes, trekking shoes, raincoat, gloves.
Gear: backpack, trekking poles, sleeping bag (for Makalu), water bottle, hat, sunglasses.
Permits: The Pikey Peak trek needs a Sagarmatha National Park permit. Mardi Himal needs an Annapurna Conservation Area permit. Makalu needs a Makalu Barun National Park permit and a TIMS card.

Culture and Nature Experience

All treks offer a chance to see Nepal’s culture.

Pikey Peak: Sherpa villages, Buddhist monasteries, mani walls, and prayer flags.
Mardi Himal: Gurung villages, local farms, terraces, buffalo and cows.
Makalu Base Camp: Sherpa, Rai, and Limbu villages; local traditional life; remote community.

Nature is amazing. Forest, river, flowers, rhododendron, bamboo, mountain lake, glacier and high peaks. Birds and animals can be seen in the forest. Each trek is different but all are beautiful.

Difficulty Level

Pikey Peak: easy to moderate, suitable for beginners.
Mardi Himal: moderate, some steep parts, suitable for fit trekkers.
Makalu Base Camp: hard, high altitude, long days, suitable for experienced trekkers.

Why Choose These Treks?

Nepal has many treks, but these three are special.

Pikey Peak: peaceful, sunrise view, culture, short trek.
Mardi Himal: colorful forest, Annapurna view, moderate trek, not crowded.
Makalu Base Camp: remote, adventure, high peaks, wild nature, challenge.

People who want a short trek, view and culture choose Pikey Peak or Mardi Himal. People who want adventure, remote areas and high mountains choose Makalu.

Tips for Trekking

Start early to avoid crowds and enjoy the sunrise.
Drink water and keep your body hydrated.
Walk slowly at high altitude to avoid sickness.
Respect local culture; no loud noise in villages.
Carry snacks, energy bars, and chocolate for energy.
Take a camera; photos of mountains and villages are beautiful.
Listen guide, especially in Makalu and Mardi Himal steep trail.
Wear good shoes; the trail can be slippery.

Conclusion

Nepal is paradise for trekkers. The Pikey Peak trek, the Mardi Himal trek and the Makalu Base Camp trek are all three amazing but different. Pikey Peak for a peaceful short trek, Mardi Himal for the colorful Annapurna region and a moderate trek, and Makalu Base Camp for a real adventure, high altitude and a remote Himalayan experience.

Every trek gives memories, nature views, mountain sunrises, local culture and Himalayan adventures. Choose a trek based on time, fitness and interest. All three treks give a lifetime experience and an unforgettable journey. Nepal’s mountains call everyone to walk, explore and enjoy the Himalayas.