Description
Helambu Trek
The Helambu Trek is a perfect short trek and lies in the north east of Kathmandu. Despite being so close to Kathmandu, the Helambu region remains relatively un-spoilt. Besides the Hyolmo culture of high mountain people, the company of green rhododendron and bamboo forests, majestic waterfalls, and snow-capped Himalayas make the trek one of most diverse treks near Kathmandu. The great Himalayan scenery at the border with Tibet and monasteries make a trek to the region an enthralling experience. The people living the highlands of the Langtang region are certainly the Nepalese, being the descendant of the Tibetan origin, they still look like Tibetans.
The Helambu Trek begins from Sundarijal, an hour’s drive from Kathmandu. After about an hour’s walk, we enter Shivapuri National Park. Continuing along the Chisopani, Kutumsang, Thadepati and Sermathang, the trek ends at the Melamchi Pul Bazar in the Helambu region. The trek passes through thick mountain forests with great Himalayan views and toward the end of the trip, you will also trek through some beautiful rice terraces and a number of splendid Buddhist monasteries.
Helambu is a popular place for Himalayan agricultural products. Well preserved Buddhist cultures and unique traditions make it a special destination. The trail passes through a diverse topographic zone. The enchanting Rhododendron and oaks forests, fascinating old and medieval traditional villages are the impressive parts of the trek. However, the village loses its traditional buildings and architecture after the mega earthquake of 2015; it is still an attractive trekking destination in Nepal.
Location: Langtang Region
Best time: Oct- Dec, March – May
Trek Duration: 6 Days
Grade: Moderate
Average walking: 5-6 hours
Maximum elevation: 3650m.
Trekking Mode: Lodge Trek
Group size: 2-12 people
Start/End : KTM/KTM
Attractions:
- Close from Kathmandu , the capital of Nepal
- Visit the Hyalmo villages and take an insight of their culture
- Hike through the Helambu Valley
- Amazing views of Langtang Ri, Ganesh Himal, Langsisa
- Capture the panoramic views of 10 peaks over 6000m
- Hike in an abundant greenery
- Lush oak & rhododendron forests
Trek itinerary
Day 01. Drive an hour from Kathmandu (1,350 m) to Sundarijal (1,350 m) & Trek to Chisapani (2,300 m): (4-5 Hrs.)
Our trek starts after an hour drive to Sundarijal (1,350 m). From Sundarijal we trek to Chisapani (2,300 m) and continue trek along a small hydroelectric plant. The trail then enters into the Shivapuri National Park. The first settlement we come across is Mulkharka mostly inhabited by the Tamang people. Then we walk along the ridge through a forest of oaks and rhododendron to Chisapani.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 02. Trek from Chisapani to Kutumsang (2,446 m): (6-7 Hrs.)
After breakfast, we head for a journey to Kutumsang. Our today’s trek starts with a decent crossing meadow and fields then we arrive Pathi Bhanjyang and Gul Bhanjyang. From Gul Bhanjyang, the trail climbs the ridge to another pass. Another downhill trek from the pass takes us to Kutumsang. Overnight in Kutumsang.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 03. Trek from Kutumsang to Thadepati (3,650 m): (6 Hrs.)
We climb above Kutumsang on a steep trail mostly through fir and rhododendron forest where there are no any permanent settlements. The trek continues to Yurin Danda with magnificent views of the Himalayas. Finally, we arrive at Tharepati for our overnight stay.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 04. Trek from Thadepati to Tarkeghyang (2,560 m): (5-6 Hrs.)
During early part of the trek, the trail descends until we cross the Melamchi Khola. Then we trek up to Tarkeghyang passing through Sherpa settlements. Discover the village and its monastery which is one of the oldest and biggest monasteries in the region. The village is more popularly known as Helambu, since most of the inhabitants belong to the Helmu caste. Overnight in Tarkeghyang.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 05. Trek from Tarkeghyang to Sermathang (2,610 m): (3-4 Hrs.)
Since we do not gain altitude that much today, it’s going to be comparatively easy walk but we cross forests, streams, and waterfalls. The trail makes a sweep around the wide valley end between Parachin and the Sherpa village of Gangyul. From Gangyul, we gradually descend to Sermathang where we will stay for the night. Discover the village. There is also a Buddhist monastery at the highest point of the village.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 06. Trek from Sermathang to Malemchi Pul Bazaar (900 m): (3-4 Hrs.) & Drive to Kathmandu (1,350 m)
On our final day of the trek, we walk down to Malemchi Pul Bazaar. The village is mostly inhabited by the Sherpa, but there are also people of other ethnicities. From the Bazaar, we catch a bus to Katmandu. After reaching Kathmandu we have the rest of the day off to rest or do some souvenir shopping.
Meals included: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have farewell dinner and share the experiences about our trek.
Cost Includes:
- Airport pickup and drop in a private vehicle
- 1 night accommodation in Kathmandu in a 3 star level hotel on B/ B plan
- Teahouse accommodation during the trek
- Meals (BLD) during the trek
- Transportation: Kathmandu to Sundarijal by Car
- ‘Transportation: Melamchi to Kathmandu by Bus
- An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trekking guide
- Trek assistant (2 trekkers : 1 porter )
- Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation
- Sleeping bag if needed (to be returned after trip completion)
- All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (ACAP, TIMS)
- Medical kit (carried by your trekking guide)
- Govt. taxes and service charge
Cost Excludes:
- Other any transportation except included in the section
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal expenses ( Bar bills, battery recharge, bottle or boiled water, hot shower, etc.)
- Local taxes and monument entry fee if applied
- Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)
Important Note
- The itinerary mentioned is a standard guideline. It can be fully customized according to
the client’s needs, requirements, and availability. - The cost of the trip can changed according to the group size, needs, and time boundary.
- The addition or removal of activities will increase or decrease the cost of the trip respectively. This will be done through mutual understanding between the agency and the client(s).
We can customize this trip as per your schedule, budget and preferences. If you wish to discuss any aspect of this trip or your suitability for it please contact us.
