Helambu Trek

Duration: 11 Days
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About Helambu Trek

The Helambu Trek is a short and beautiful trek to the tranquil villages of the Hyolmo people nearby from the Kathmandu valley. Even though it is near to Kathmandu and linked with the popular trail Langtang, the Helambu region remains pristine. This is a better choice for people who want to explore the typical Buddhist cultures and traditions of the highland peoples in a short period of time.

The trek around the Helambu region provides a great opportunity to learn and experience the rural and traditional lifestyle of the Hyolmo people who are heavily influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. The Helambu region is where the great Tibetan sage Milarepa meditated in a cave. We can visit it during the trek.  During the trek, we walk through the beautiful villages of the Hyolmo people, artistic Buddhist stupas and monasteries, prayer flags, mani walls, terraced fields, and alluring rhododendron forests along the peaceful trail. The amazing views of the mountains like Langtang Lirung, Ganesh, Manaslu, Dorje Lakpa, Shisapangma, Jugal, and many others can be seen during the trek. And you will have the chance to encounter different types of wild animals as the Helambu region consists of a wide range of wildlife.

Our 11-day Helambu Trek Itinerary starts from Sundarijal, a small dam and hydroelectric power station in the northeast corner of Kathmandu, and ends at Melamchi Bazar.

Highlights

  • Splendid view of Langtang range, Ganesh Himal, Jugal Himal, Rolwaling, Gauri Shankar, and others
  • One of the short, beautiful, and easy treks situated suitable for everyone near the Kathmandu Valley
  • Explore the rich Tibetan-influenced culture and tradition of the Hyolmo people 
  • Trek through the several Buddhist ancient monasteries and typical villages
  • Rich wildlife and vegetation including endangered animals like Red Panda

Itinerary

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Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1350 M) and transfer to hotel

You will land at the Tribhuvan International Airport and be welcomed by one of our representatives. He will guide you to your hotel. In the evening, you will meet with a tour guide in the hotel lobby. He will brief you about the day 2 program.

  • 3 star category hotel
  • Kathmandu
  • 1350 M

You will go on a guided sightseeing tour to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will visit one of the holiest temples of Hindus, the Pashupatinath temple. Nearby this temple is located the largest in Nepal, Boudhanath stupa. After visiting these places, you will head to Swayambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Square. In the evening, you will meet with your trekking guide who will brief you about the trekking program. 

  • B&B
  • 3 star category hotel
  • Kathmandu
  • 1350 M

After an hour's drive to Sundarijal from our hotel, you will start the trek to Chisopani. With gradual ascent, you will enter the Shivapuri National Park and continue to ascend to Mulkharka where you will have lunch. Then you will continue to ascend till Borlang Bhanjyang and from there, you will descend to Chisopani through the forested trail. You can enjoy the beautiful views of Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Chisopani
  • 2300 M
  • 6 hours

After breakfast, you will head to Kutumsang starting with a descent till Pati Bhanjyang walking through meadows and fields. From here, you will walk on a rugged vehicle road till Thankune Bhanjyang and then ascend to Jogini Dada (Our lunch camp) via Chipling village. Then you will descend to Golphu Bhanjyang, continue towards a tea shop on the top of the hill, and descend slowly to Kutumsang. The trail from Golphu Bhanjyang to Kutumsang mostly passes through the forest.  

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Kutumsang
  • 2470 M
  • 7 hours

Today's trek to Kutumsang will mostly include ascent. After checking permits, you will start ascending through the fir and rhododendron forest up to Mangengoth where you will have lunch. There are no settlements in between except a few small teahouses. Then you will walk through the dense forest of Bamboo, Pine, and Rhododendron with mild ascents in between finally leading us to Thadepati Bhanjyang. It is the highest point of our trek and the mountain sceneries from here is amazing.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • 3690 M
  • 3690 M
  • 5 hours

After breakfast, you will start your trek to Melamchi Gaon leaving the Gosainkunda Trail and following the trail on the right side. You will descend through the forest all the way to a small river near Melamchi Gaon. Then by crossing the bridge, you will arrive at Melamchi Gaon which will be today's lunch camp. It is one of the biggest villages in the Helambu region. 

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Melamchi Gaon
  • 2530 M
  • 3-4 hours

Leaving Melamchi Gaon behind, you will trek all the way down to Melamchi Khola passing by several small villages on the way. After crossing the bridge over Melamchi Khola, you will start walking uphill till Tarke Ghyang village with beautiful mountain sceneries. It is also one of the biggest villages in this region. Later in the evening, you will visit a monastery and explore the village. 

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Tarke Gyang
  • 2740 M
  • 4 hours

After breakfast, you will walk through the forest mostly on a straight trail till Sermanthang via Ghangyul. You will pass by monasteries, chortens, and huge Buddhist stupas as well. Then you will descend slowly to Kakani with a wide view of the valley and spectacular mountain views. Today, you will have to walk on a vehicle road in some places. 

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Kakani
  • 1996 M
  • 5:30 hours

Passing by several villages and terraced fields, you will descend to Melamchi Pul. You will walk on a vehicle road in some places. From there, you will take a scenic drive to Kathmandu. Later in the evening, you will join a farewell dinner organized by the company. 

  • B,L&D
  • 3 star category hotel
  • Kathmandu
  • 1350 M
  • 6-7 hours

After having breakfast, one of the members of our team will take you to the airport for your flight back to your home.

  • B,&B
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What’s Included

  • One porter for two people (maximum weight: 12 kg per client) and an assistant guide for group sizes above 4 people.
  • 3-night accommodation in a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu on a BB basis.
  • Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, hot drinks) during the trek.
  • Lodge/Tea House accommodations with twin sharing basis during the trek.
  • Rescue and evacuation arrangements in case of emergency. 
  • All the staff’s salary, meals, accommodation, and insurance.
  • Kathmandu valley tour with a tour guide in a private vehicle.
  • Government taxes, service charges, and official expenses.
  • All the necessary permits and paperwork.
  • All ground transfers by private vehicle.
  • Professional English-speaking guide.
  • Tips for the guide, assistant guide, porter, and driver (Tipping is expected).
  • Medical evacuation cost (In case of emergency).
  • Sightseeing and Monument entrance fees.
  • Your Travel Insurance (Compulsory).
  • Meals while you are in Kathmandu.
  • Your personal expenses.
  • International airfare.
  • Nepal entry visa fee.