Helambu Trek (8 Days)

Basic Info ( HEL9D ) $ 615 per person

Duration 8
Group Size Any
TransportaionPrivate Jeep / Car
Altitude 3,650 m/11,972 ft
Accomodations 3-star hotel in Kathmandu and Teahouses during trekking
Best Seasons Autumn (mid Sept to mid Dec) and Spring(March to May)
Activities Climbing, Hiking
Meals Breakfast in Kathmandu, all meals in trekking

Basic Intro

The Helambu trek is a perfect short trek near Kathmandu Valley. Despite being so close to Kathmandu, the Helambu region remains relatively unspoiled. Besides the hyolmo culture of high mountain people, the company of green rhododendrons and bamboo forests, majestic waterfalls, and snow-capped Himalayas make the trek one of the most diverse treks near Kathmandu. The great Himalayan scenery at the border with Tibet and monasteries makes a trek to the region an enthralling experience. The people living in the highlands of the Langtang region are certainly Nepalis, being the descendants of Tibetan origin, they still look like Tibetans. 

    Day 01:- Arrival, transfer to Hotel

    Day 02:- Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

    Day 03:- Drive to Kathmandu to Sundarijal (1300m), and trek to Chisopani (2194m)

    Day 04:- Chiapani to Kutumsang (2446m) - 5/6 hours walk 

    Day 05:- Kutumsang to Tharepati (3650m)-5/6 hours walk 

    Day 06:- Tharepati to Tarkeghyang (2743m) via Melamchi Gaon (2640m)- 6 hours walk 

    Day 07:- Tarke Gyang- Timbu -Kathmandu: 3-4 hours walk; 4-5 hour drive 

    Day 08:-  Departure from Kathmandu for next trip or to your home 


    Includes


    • All airport/hotel transfers.
    • Three-star hotel in Kathmandu(Hotel Bliss International or similar category) with Breakfast.
    • Local lodge or tea house during trek with all meals (breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
    • A full-day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu Valley including tour guide by private car/jeep (6-8hrs).
    • An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food, and lodging.
    • Transportation: Kathmandu-Sundarijal  - Katmandu by private car and jeep.
    • Down jacket, four seasonal sleeping bags, Trekking poles, and trekking map (down jacket, sleeping bag, and Trekking poles are to be returned after trip completion).
    • All government and local taxes.
    • All necessary paperwork and permits.

    Not Includes


    • Nepal Visa fee.
    • International and Domestic airfare.
    • Lunch and Dinner at Kathmandu
    • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and during the trek.
    • Travel and rescue insurance.
    • Any alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, boiled & mineral water, beverages, etc during the trek.
    • Hot shower, battery charges (available in trek with extra cost or free in some lodges).
    • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc).
    • Tips for guides and porters.
    Arrival, transfer to Hotel

    Day 1 : Arrival, transfer to Hotel

    Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will embrace you and assist you to transfer in your hotel in Kathmandu. After freshening up, you will be provided with the necessary information regarding the trip to Nepal along with our fellow trekking staff for your adventurous trip. Overall, we will stay overnight at the Hotel in Kathmandu.
    Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

    Day 2 : Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

    We will assemble you in the morning for the guided trip to cultural world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley which is affluent in its Newa culture and temples, including several places of pilgrimages sites for Hindus and Buddhists. The sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath; the world's biggest Stupa; Boudhhanath, Swoyambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) and historical Kathmandu Durbar Square with the idiosyncratic architectural temple, and the incredible Kumari widely known as Living Goddess in Basantapur of central Kathmandu. We will also briefly discuss our trip with our fellow trekking staff in the evening.
    Drive Kathmandu to Sundarijal (1300m), and trek to Chisopani (2194m)

    Day 3 : Drive Kathmandu to Sundarijal (1300m), and trek to Chisopani (2194m)

    We will take a diligent drive to Sundarijal (1350m), which takes approximately 40 minutes from Kathmandu Valley. Sudarijal lies on the northern edge of the Kathmandu Valley from where we will be starting our Helambu trek. We begin our trek to Chisopani (2300m) by walking along a small hydroelectric plant. The trail then will enter the Shivapuri National Park. After the first settlement, we will come across Mulkharka, the sprawling Tamang settlement. Then we will walk along the ridge through a forest of oaks and rhododendrons to Chisopani. We then follow the trail that continues gently climbing through the forest's ridges before it drops down to Chisopani. Chisopani literary means 'Cold Water' and is situated on the hill from where you can see countless snow peaks. You will also have the fortune to have the marvelous look of sunrise on the Himalayas, from Annapurna to Everest from the same spot. By the end, we will spend overnight in Chisopani.
    Chiapani to Kutumsang (2446m)

    Day 4 : Chiapani to Kutumsang (2446m)

    The trail continues to run down to Pati Bhanjyang which is a Brahman and Chhetri village on a saddle at the bottom of the ridge at 1860 meters. From here the trail starts climbing up again on a series of steep switchbacks to Chipling (2170 meters). Here we will take our lunch then we will climb again to a pass at an altitude of 2470 meters before descending to Thodang Betini (2250 meters). After continuing along the forested ridge, the trail descends to the Tamang village of Gul Bhanjyang which is a delightful, classic hill village with a pleasant main street. Overall, we will spend overnight in Kutumsang.
    Kutumsang to Tharepati (3650m)

    Day 5 : Kutumsang to Tharepati (3650m)

    On this day we will follow the trail that climbs up a steep to pass at 2620 meters through rhododendron forest and descend to Khutumsang(2470m). Then we will continue our walk with a special permit checkup to get entry into a national park or get one for Rs. 1,000 (US$ 15). The treks proceed north up the Yurin Danda Ridge and afford views of Langtang and Gosaikund Peaks. We will cross the pass at 3510 meters before we descend to Magen Goth where we will will stop for lunch. The trail will again pass through forests, across flower-strewn meadows, and crossing streams until we reach Tharep where we will stop for the night.
    Tharepati to Tarkeghyang (2743m) via Melamchi Gaon (2640m)

    Day 6 : Tharepati to Tarkeghyang (2743m) via Melamchi Gaon (2640m)

    The trail climbs the ridge directly above the village which gives you a marvellous view of the Jugal area. We will cross the village and enter a forested area, again we will descend to the Melamchi River and climb up to reach the Malemchigaon where we will stop for Lunch. After having lunch, we will enter a cultural destination called Helambu Region where we will walk up to Tarke Gyang. Here we will enjoy the Sherpa culture and explore the traditional villages and monasteries. In this village, you will get an opportunity to see the architecture of local people and unique styles of stone houses that are close together with narrow alleyways separating them. Eventually, we will spend overnight in Tarke Gyang.
    Tarke Gyang- Timbu(1580m) -Kathmandu: 3-4 hours walk; 4-5 hour Drive.

    Day 7 : Tarke Gyang- Timbu(1580m) -Kathmandu: 3-4 hours walk; 4-5 hour Drive.

    After a hearty breakfast, we will tackle the last-day trek. We will cross a tiny forest from where we will be fortuned to view the splendid village of the Helembu region. The trail makes a sweep around the wide valley end between Parachin and the pretty Sharpa village of Gangyul. Then we will walk down to Malemchi Pul Bazaar crossing Sherpa villages. After exploring the Sherpa villages and the cultures we will start driving to Kathmandu via bus which takes approximately 2 hours. We will have the farewell party on the jovial occasion of the completion of a victorious trip when we make it to Kathmandu Valley.
    Departure from Kathmandu for next trip or to your home

    Day 8 : Departure from Kathmandu for next trip or to your home

    Your Helambu Trekking will come to a climax today so today we will be free or have last minute to enjoy in Nepal. If you have days left or want to extend your trip then let us know by contacting us . If not then our representative will transfer you to the International Airport for your departure flight so that you could proceed onwards your future destination taking the unforetful memories of Nepal with us.

    Equipment List


    Sun hat or scarf 

    • Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
    • Sunglasses with UV protection

    Lower Body: 

    •  Lightweight cotton long pants/ Hiking shorts 
    • Fleece or wool pants (seasonal) 
    •  Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants

    Feet  

    • Thin, lightweight inner socks 
    • Thick, warm wool hiking socks 
    • Hiking boots with spare laces 
    •  Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)

    Upper Body

    • T-shirts 
    • Fleece jacket or pullover 
    • Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket 
    • Down vest and/or jacket 

    Hands

    • Lightweight gloves

    Accessories: 

    • Sleeping bag rated to zero degrees F
    •  Headlamp with spare bulbs and batteries
    •  Trekking Bags/Duffel bag 
    • Basic First Aid Kit 
    •  Large plastic bags or keeping items dry inside the trekking bag
    • Trekking Poles 
    • Water bottles 
    • Toiletries (Small wash towel, Toilet paper, etc)

    Toiletries (it’s up to your comfort label): 

    • 1 medium-sized quick-drying towel 
    • Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable) 
    •  Multipurpose soap (preferably biodegradable) 
    •  Deodorants 
    •  Nail clippers 
    • Face and body moisturizer 
    • Feminine hygiene products 
    • Small mirror

    Personal Hygiene (it’s up to your comfort label):

    • Wet wipes (baby wipes) 
    • Tissue /toilet roll 
    • Anti-bacterial hand wash 
    • Diamox (Drugs for altitude sickness in case) 
    • Water purified pills

    Extras/Luxuries (it’s up to your comfort label)

    • Binoculars (optional) 
    • Reading book 
    • Journal & Pen
    •  Pencils and small notebooks 
    • Travel games i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble

    Useful Information


    Autumn (mid-Sept to mid-Dec) and Spring(March to May) are the best seasons for Helambu Trek. The weather is sunny and warm, with outstanding views but the nights are cold and can fall to freezing. Winter (Dec, Jan, Feb) is also good for Helambu Trek, only colder (obviously).