The Helambu Trek is one of the most accessible and beautiful trekking routes in Nepal, located close to Kathmandu. It's an ideal choice for those who want a short trek with stunning views of the Himalayas, lush forests, and traditional Tamang and Sherpa villages.
Highlights of the Helambu Trek:
- Proximity to Kathmandu: The trek starts just a few hours' drive from the capital, making it convenient for travelers.
- Scenic Beauty: Panoramic views of peaks like Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, and Dorje Lakpa.
- Cultural Experience: Rich cultural interactions with the Tamang and Sherpa communities.
- Lush Forests and Rhododendron Blooms: Dense forests of oak, pine, and rhododendron provide natural beauty.
- Moderate Difficulty: Suitable for beginners or those with limited time.
- Altitude: The trek stays at a moderate altitude (maximum ~3,600 meters), reducing the risk of altitude sickness.
Itinerary (Typical 7 Days):
- Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal; trek to Chisapani.
- Day 2: Chisapani to Kutumsang.
- Day 3: Kutumsang to Thadepati.
- Day 4: Thadepati to Tarkeghyang.
- Day 5: Tarkeghyang to Sermathang.
- Day 6: Sermathang to Melamchi Bazaar; drive back to Kathmandu.
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring (March to May): Clear skies, rhododendron blooms, and mild weather.
- Autumn (September to November): Crisp weather and excellent mountain visibility
Permits Required:
- Langtang National Park Entry Permit
- TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
Trip Outline
Detail itinerary
Day 1 Kathmandu – Sundarijal – Chisopani (2300m)
7 Hrs L / D Tea House
Kathmandu – Sundarijal – Chisopani (2300m) From Kathmandu to Sundarijal by driving takes about an hour. The trail begins from Sundarijal quite steep and goes along the large water pipe coming down from the Sundarijal reservoir. After entering the Shivapuri national park, the trail leads to village of Mulkhara. From Mulkhara Mountain trail leads through a light forest ascending and descending to Chisopani (2300m). Walking time takes about 6 hours, overnight at camp.
Day 2 Chisopani – Khutumsang (2300m- 2470m)
7 Hrs B / L / D Tea House
Chisopani – Khutumsang (2300m- 2470m) At the place of Chisopani the trail continuously descends to Pati Bhanjyang. After Pati Bhanjyang, trail leads north of the hill. It makes a very sleep ascending to Chipling (2170m). From Chipling, trail leads to village of Gul Bhanjyang and enters a forest area. After descending and ascending comes Khutumsang (2470m). Total walking time takes about 7 hours, overnight at camp.
Day 3 Khutumsang – Tharepati (2470m – 3490m)
6 Hrs B / L / D Tea House
Khutumsang – Tharepati (2470m – 3490m) The trail climbs above Khutumsang on a steep, eroded trail, mostly through oak and Rhododendron forest to Pambu. After Pambu, trail leads up descending to Magengoth and ascending to Tharepati (3490m). Walking time takes about 6 hours, overnight at camp.
Day 4 Tharepati – Tarke Gyang (3490m – 3490m)
6 Hrs B / L / D Tea House
Tharepati – Tarke Gyang (3490m – 3490m) Turns east from the northern of the settlement and descend down a ravine. After crossing a stream on a suspension bridge, the trail makes a short final climb to reach the prosperous Sherpa village of Melamchigaon at 2530m. After the trail, continuously descends to Melamchi Khola, after crossing the bridge. The trail immediately ascends and enters Tarke Gyang. Walking time takes about 6 hour, overnight at camp.
Day 5 Tarke Gyang – Sermanthang (3490m – 2620m)
6 Hrs B / L /D Tea House
Tarke Gyang – Sermanthang (3490m – 2620m) At the place of Tarke Gyang, trail leads to pretty village of Gangiwal. From that village mountain trail drops down. From the edge of the ridge then continues at around the same altitude. Along the side of the ridge can crossing a number of streams and waterfalls. It leads through huge landslide to Sermanthang. Walking time takes about 6 hours, overnight at camp.
Day 6 Sermanthang – Melamchi Bazaar (2620m – 1790m)
5 Hrs B / L / D Tea House
Sermanthang – Melamchi Bazaar (2620m – 1790m) At the place of Sermanthang, the trail leads all the way down through the attractive large village of Dubhhachaur to Melamchi. Walking time takes about 5 hours, overnight at camp.
Day 7 Melamchi Bazaar – Kathmandu
4 Hrs B / L
Melamchi Bazaar – Kathmandu From Melamchi Bazaar to Kathmandu by driving takes 3 hours.
What's included?
- Trekker’s Information Management System(TIMS) card
- All governmental procedure fees, permits and local taxes.
- All meals and accommodation throughout the trek.
- An experienced English speaking trekking guide possessing valid license issued by the government of Nepal.
- Highly experienced trekking staffs.
- Travel and rescue arrangements.
What's not included?
- Visa fees/ international airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Travel / medical insurance and emergency evacuation cost.
- Hot and cold shower, battery recharge during Everest base camp trek.
- Personal expenses phone calls, bar bills, extra porters, beverages etc.
- Personal Everest base camp trekking equipments/gears.
- Tips for guides, porters and drivers.
- All others expenses not mentioned in “Trip Cost Includes” section.
Elevation Chart & Map
