Helambu trek, lies just north of Kathmandu, is one of the most accessible trekking trails in Nepal. The word Helambu derives from the term Hyolmo, used to denote the local settlers. Hyolmo community is also called the Sherpas of Helambu.
Helambu region is replete with terraced slopes, green valleys and dense forests of oak, rhododendrons and pines with the back drop of the majestic Himalayan mountains. It is famous for its sweet apples. The trail offers splendid views of Langtang ranges.
Helambu is home of the Hyolmo, who are popular for their hospitality. While on trek you will be able to enjoy typical culture and lifestyle of Nepali people. It would be fascinating to watch the farmers toil in the fields still using their hand-made tools and water buffaloes. The area has numerous Buddhist monasteries such that it is regarded as a Buddhist pilgrimage site.
Helambu is primarily a low altitude and short trek near Kathmandu Valley. The maximum altitude gained during the trek is about 3650m. Since the Helambu region begins at Sundarijal and ascends to Tharepati and descend to Melamchi valley, there are many trekking variations you can choose from. For instance, you can also continue trekking to Gosainkunda or Langtang valley. Along with Sundarijal, Nagarkot, Kakani, Melamchi Pul Bazaar or Sankhu are some of the other well-known starting points for this trek.
Those looking for extended days of adventure can trek to Langtang Valley and Gosainkunda before heading towards Helambu. Another option is to trek Langtang Valley and head further towards Helambu via Ganja La Pass.
Nepal Environmental Treks & Expedition offers varied itineraries in this region so as to suit your time, interests and budget.
After morning breakfast, drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal (1350m) takes about one hour and then trek to Chisapani which takes about four hours. Climb off at Sundarijal bus station and begin your trek through Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve. Stop at Mulkharka village for lunch and thereafter ascend to Borlang Bhanjyang (2430m) then drop down to Chisapani (2215m). Chisapani offers magnificent views of Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Jugal Himal, Gauri Shankar, Everest and many other mountains. You can also enjoy beautiful sunrise and sunset from Chisapani.
Stay overnight at lodge.
The trail continues to drop from Chisapani on a leveled trail that crosses the meadow. You will then arrive at Pati Bhanjyang and thence the trail makes steep climb to the ridge of Chipling. Lunch will be served in Chipling and afterward we descend to Gul Bhanjyang for 1 hr.
Stay overnight at lodge.
2 hrs uphill climb will arrive at Kutumsang, which is a culturally rich Sherpa settlement. The trek continues north to the Yurin Danda ridge which affords good views of the peaks. The trail climbs above Kutumsang on a steep, eroded trail mostly through fir and rhododendron forests where there are no permanent settlements. In Kutumsang there is an army checkpost and this is also where we will have lunch. The trail further descends to Magen Goth. There are a few lodges and Goths (Domestic Animal Sheds).
Stay overnight at lodge.
The trail gradually ascends through the enchanting forest enriched with beautiful rhododendron, oak and other trees. Tharepati, in fact is a great view point from where you can get a glimpse of the breathtaking snow capped mountains such as Dorje Lakpa, Gaurishankar, Langshisa, Jugal, Numbur and many others. From Tharepati the trail gradually descends through the pine and rhododendron forests down into the Helambu valley with constant backdrop views of Jugal Himal and Numbur. Melamchi Gaon is surrounded by beautiful forests, which is mainly inhabited by Sherpa people with their distinctive Buddhist culture.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Melamchi Gaon to Tarkeghyang (2700m) takes about four hours. After breakfast we trek two hours down through bushes and streams to Tarkado village. Another 2 hrs trek will take us to Tarkeghyang where we will have lunch. There is an old Buddhist monastery in Tarkeghyang which got damaged in 2015 earthquake. Go for village exploration.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Tarkeghyang to Shermathang (2590m) takes about five hours. The trek travels through forested path, a mix of ups and downs, till you reach Shermathang. Shermathang is a Sherpa settlement situated in the middle of a forest. From Shermathang you can catch view of the Langtang Himalayan range.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Shermathang to Melamchi Pul Bazaar (846m.) takes approximately 3 hours and then drive back to Kathmandu which takes about 4 hours. The trail gradually descends all the way to Melamchi Pul Bazaar through meadows and cultivated fields. On the way, you come across several old villages and greeted by pleasant views of mountains.
You will also get to interact with friendly locals. Finally, take a short drive back to Kathmandu (1400m.) from Melamchi Pul Bazaar.
Below is a list of equipment and clothing required for trekking. The necessity of these items depends on the type, altitude, timing and destination of trekking. Appropriate trekking gears are not only required for the comfort/pleasure of your trek but also to improve safety factor. Please have a look over these items in order to fully prepare and thoroughly enjoy the trekking.
General Items:
Daypack, Rucksack, Sleeping bag, Duffel bag, Walking Poles, walking boots, sandals, Toiletries (Soaps, Toilet papers, Sanitizers, toothpaste, tooth brush, etc.)
Clothing Items:
Thermal underwear, Down jacket, Shorts, Trekking trousers, Towels, Woolen gloves, Gaiters, Fleece jacket or Pullover, Wind/water proof jacket, Raincoat, Warm socks, buff
Sun-worn Items:
Sun hat, Sunglasses, Snow goggles, Sunscreen, Lip balm
Gadgets:
Headlamp, Flash light, Binoculars, Cameras (chargers and batteries),
Liquid/Snacks:
Water bottle/bladder, Water purification Iodine tablets, Energy bars and snacks
Medical Essentials:
First Aid Kit
Optional:
Altimeter, Compass, Binoculars, Books/magazines, GPS, Pocket knife, Candles (for lodges), Notebook with pencil/pen, etc
Additional items for camping trek:
Tent, Stove and fuel, Utensils for cooking, eating and drinking, sleeping mattresses
Note: We can also provide sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, walking poles, and First Aid Kit in case if you don’t have one. These items are inclusive of total package price.
Rachel, Warren,Ruby Jez and Louie Mclennan
30th Jun, 2022
Helambu Trek for 8 days Dear Nava & Krishna, Thank you for organizing our trek to Langtang Valley. It flowed perfectly. We loved the beautiful region but it was all enhanced by Krishna’s friendliness and knowledge. What a lovely caring man. Address: Australia
Martin
30th Jun, 2022
The Helambu trekking was a wonderful experience The Helambu trekking was a wonderful experience. Everything we wanted was there. See the country side, meet people in the village and share some great moment. But the most wonderful of all was our guide “HARI KRISHNA”. He made everything perfect for us, he is a big man with great heart and he knows many things of his own country. Thank for everything and we will come back again for many reason!
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Nepal , Langtang Trek 16 Days
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