The Helambu trek is a perfect short trek nearby the Kathmandu Valley. 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 that live in the highlands of the Langtang region are certainly Nepalis, but 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 view a number of splendid Buddhist monasteries.
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu - 1,300m/4,264 ft
Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport (KTM) you will be greeted by a representative from Blue sky Trekking
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing & Preparation for the Trek
Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. The day will also be for finalizing official procedure and other necessary arrangements. You will be also briefed on the nature of the trek, equipments and team composition. Some of landmarks we visit include the World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhu Nath) and Buddhists shrine (Bouddha Nath). In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. You can also make your last minute buying of personal items as you will be flying to the Himalayas tomorrow. (B)
Day 03: Drive to Sundarijal & trek to Chisapani (2300m/7544 ft): Drive 1 hour, Trek: 4 hours
Today, we make an hour's drive to Sundarijal (1350m), our trek start point. From Sundarijal we will trek to Chisopani (2300m). We begin our trek along a small hydroelectric plant, the trail then enters through into the Shivapuri National Park. The first settlement we come across is Mulkharka mostly inhabited by the Tamang people. We then walk along the ridge through a forest of oaks and rhododendron to Chisopani. (B,L,D)
Day 04: Trek from Chisopani to Kutumsang (2446m/8022ft): 7 hours
After breakfast, we head on our journey to Kutumsang. Our trek today starts with a descent crossing meadows and fields where you can enjoy the magnificent views of the Langtang mountains. We will then arrive at Pathi Bhanjyang and Gul Bhanjyang, from here the trail climbs the ridge to another pass. Another downhill trek from the pass takes us to Kutumsang. (B,L,D)
Day 05: Trek from Kutumsang to Thadepati (3650m/11972ft): 6 hours
We climb above Kutumsang on a steep trail mostly through fir and rhododendron forest where there are no permanent settlements. The trek continues to Yurin Danda with magnificent views of the Himalayas. Finally, we arrive at Tharepati for our overnight stay. (B,L,D)
Day 06: Trek to Tarkeghyang (2560m/8397ft): 6 hours
Today we head for Tarkeghyang. During the early part of the trek, the trail descends until we cross the Melamchi Khola. Then we trek up to Tarkeghyang passing through Sherpa settlements, enjoying the Himalayan peaks which appear before you glistening in the sunshine. 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. (B,L,D)
Day 07: Trek to Sermathang (2,610m/8,563ft): 3/4 hr
Since, we do not gain altitude that much today, it's going to be comparatively easy walk! We will pass through forests, streams, and waterfalls as the trail makes a sweep around the wide valley end between Parachin and the Sherpa village of Gangyul. From Gangyul, we arrive at Sermathang where we will discover the village and also a beautiful Buddhist monastery at the highest point of the village. (B,L,D)
Day 08: Trek to Malemchi Puul Bazaar: Drive to Kathmandu: 3/4 hrs trek/ 2 hr drive
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, catch the bus to Katmandu. Upon reaching Kathmandu, Himalayan Glacier Trekking will host a farewell dinner. Congratulations on the completion of your trek! (B,L,D)
Day 09: Farewell Friend
Today you are saying goodbye to the Himalayas. There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. A representative from Blue sky Trekking will take you to the airport approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight. (B)
Price per person: 550 GBP , US $ 850
Minimum of 2 people required for this trek.
For groups of 4 or more there will be a reduction of 30 GBR per person.
This includes:
Not included in the price:
· Alcoholic and soft drinks
· Extra personal expenses
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 view a number of splendid Buddhist monasteries.
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu - 1,300m/4,264 ft
Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport (KTM) you will be greeted by a representative from Blue sky Trekking
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing & Preparation for the Trek
Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. The day will also be for finalizing official procedure and other necessary arrangements. You will be also briefed on the nature of the trek, equipments and team composition. Some of landmarks we visit include the World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhu Nath) and Buddhists shrine (Bouddha Nath). In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. You can also make your last minute buying of personal items as you will be flying to the Himalayas tomorrow. (B)
Day 03: Drive to Sundarijal & trek to Chisapani (2300m/7544 ft): Drive 1 hour, Trek: 4 hours
Today, we make an hour's drive to Sundarijal (1350m), our trek start point. From Sundarijal we will trek to Chisopani (2300m). We begin our trek along a small hydroelectric plant, the trail then enters through into the Shivapuri National Park. The first settlement we come across is Mulkharka mostly inhabited by the Tamang people. We then walk along the ridge through a forest of oaks and rhododendron to Chisopani. (B,L,D)
Day 04: Trek from Chisopani to Kutumsang (2446m/8022ft): 7 hours
After breakfast, we head on our journey to Kutumsang. Our trek today starts with a descent crossing meadows and fields where you can enjoy the magnificent views of the Langtang mountains. We will then arrive at Pathi Bhanjyang and Gul Bhanjyang, from here the trail climbs the ridge to another pass. Another downhill trek from the pass takes us to Kutumsang. (B,L,D)
Day 05: Trek from Kutumsang to Thadepati (3650m/11972ft): 6 hours
We climb above Kutumsang on a steep trail mostly through fir and rhododendron forest where there are no permanent settlements. The trek continues to Yurin Danda with magnificent views of the Himalayas. Finally, we arrive at Tharepati for our overnight stay. (B,L,D)
Day 06: Trek to Tarkeghyang (2560m/8397ft): 6 hours
Today we head for Tarkeghyang. During the early part of the trek, the trail descends until we cross the Melamchi Khola. Then we trek up to Tarkeghyang passing through Sherpa settlements, enjoying the Himalayan peaks which appear before you glistening in the sunshine. 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. (B,L,D)
Day 07: Trek to Sermathang (2,610m/8,563ft): 3/4 hr
Since, we do not gain altitude that much today, it's going to be comparatively easy walk! We will pass through forests, streams, and waterfalls as the trail makes a sweep around the wide valley end between Parachin and the Sherpa village of Gangyul. From Gangyul, we arrive at Sermathang where we will discover the village and also a beautiful Buddhist monastery at the highest point of the village. (B,L,D)
Day 08: Trek to Malemchi Puul Bazaar: Drive to Kathmandu: 3/4 hrs trek/ 2 hr drive
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, catch the bus to Katmandu. Upon reaching Kathmandu, Himalayan Glacier Trekking will host a farewell dinner. Congratulations on the completion of your trek! (B,L,D)
Day 09: Farewell Friend
Today you are saying goodbye to the Himalayas. There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. A representative from Blue sky Trekking will take you to the airport approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight. (B)
Price per person: 550 GBP , US $ 850
Minimum of 2 people required for this trek.
For groups of 4 or more there will be a reduction of 30 GBR per person.
This includes:
- 2 nights accommodation in Kathmandu
- Accommodation during the trek
- Insurance and wages for the staff which will includes porters and guides
- Private transportation when you begin and end your trek
- Meals during the trek
- Pick up and drop at airport
- National park fee
- Trekking permit
Not included in the price:
· Alcoholic and soft drinks
· Extra personal expenses