Sir Edmund Hillary along with Tenzing Norgay Sherpa was the first to climb Mount Everest is known for his great love of Nepal and the Himalayas.
Out of all the places he explored it was Pikey Peak which stood out to him the most. He said that the view from Pikey Peak was his favorite in all of Nepal.
What made this place so special to one of the world’s greatest mountaineers? We will investigate why Hillary was so fond of this hidden gem in the Solukhumbu region.
A Different Perspective of a Large Panorama
Pikey Peak Trek in the lower Everest area is a less popular destination as compared to the classic Everest Base Camp route. But it does have its charm a 360-degree panoramic view of the Himalayas.
At an altitude of around 4,065 meters from its summit trekkers report to see a stretch of mountain ranges which includes Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, and Annapurna on clear days.
Sir Edmund Hillary was taken by Pikey Peak’s view. From this one spot he felt that the most beautiful and wide range of the Himalaya in all of Nepal is what you see. Unlike other climbs you don’t have to deal with altitude sickness or long expeditions to experience this great panorama.
Peaceful Trails Away from the Crowd
Another of the reasons for Hillary’s choice of Pikey Peak was the peace which it offered. In the lines of the busy trekking tracks in the Everest region, Pikey Peak is quiet and less crowded. The trails go through rhododendron forests, small Sherpa villages and peaceful monasteries.
For Hillary that which was simple and full of connection to nature this route was the pure spirit of the Himalayas. The peace of the trails, the sight of prayer flags moving in the wind, and the warm smiles of the people made it a soul soothing experience.
The spoke of how he loved to go to places in Nepal which allowed him to walk around at will, to connect with the local people, and to see the unspoiled beauty which Pikey Peak does in full measure.
The Sherpa Connection
Sir Edmund Hillary had a lifelong connection with the Sherpa people. After we conquered Everest we dedicated much of his life to the development of schools, hospitals and airstrips in the Khumbu and Solu areas through the Himalayan Trust.
In the Solu region which Pikey Peak is a part of you will find very strong Sherpa influences. We pass through traditional Sherpa villages like Junbesi, Phaplu, and Jhapre which preserve very old monasteries and Buddhist practices.
For Hillary that which was at Pikey Peak had a great cultural and spiritual value. What to him were mountains were also the home to his Sherpa friends, the people that stood by him in all our adventures.
A Sunrise to Remember
At Pikey Peak we see one of the most magical sunrise views as the first light touches the Himalayan mountains they glow in shades of gold, and the result is quite ethereal.
It is said that Hillary enjoyed seeing the sunrise which at the same time presented to him image of Mount Everest and the nearby peaks in full glow against the morning sky. For mountain lovers that is a moment which fills you with awe and gratitude.
Today trekkers that make it to Pikey Peak at dawn see what won Hillary over. The peace, the stillness, and the gentle light which plays over the mountains makes you forget all the trek’s hardships.
An Inspiring Legacy
It is a place that is a reflection of his view on adventure, humility, and respect for nature. He did not love it for the challenge or the fame but for its natural beauty and culture.
Many people today are following in his steps to see what he saw and they agree that Pikey Peak puts forward one of the best Himalayan experiences which is free of the crowds and heavy trekking.
For people that want a more serene experience in the Everest region, Pikey Peak is what you’re after. You get to see great mountain scenery, experience the real Sherpa culture and catch a look into the quiet world which once captured the great Sir Edmund Hillary.
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