• Duration7 Days / 6 Nights
  • Price from$519 / person
  • Difficulty LevelModerate
  • Max Altitude3650 Meter

Trip Overview

The Helambu trek is a perfect short trek nearby Kathmandu Valley. Despite being so close to Kathmandu, the Helambu region remains relatively unspoilt. 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 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 the Nepalese; 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, Tharepati, 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 number of splendid Buddhist monasteries. Other similar treks that you might be interested in include the Langtang Valley Trek. Tamang Heritage Trail Trek, Langtang Gosaikunda Trek, and Ganjala Pass Trek. The Helambu trek itinerary will be 4 to 7 days depending on your time, and the trip price will be according to group size and mode of tour organized by Wilderness Excursion. 

A short version of the 4 days Helambu Trek itinerary can be tough and suggested only for fit and regular trekkers. 
Day 01: An hour drive to Sundarijal (1460 m) and trek to Chisapani (2165 m - 4-5 hr walk)
Day 02: Trek to Kutumsang (2470 m 7-8 hr hike) lunch stop at Chipling (2170 m).
Day 03: Trek to Tharepati (3690 m)-Melamchi Village (2530 m). 7 hours walk.
Day 04: Trek to Timbu via Tarkegyang. Drive to Kathmandu by private Jeep. 

Helambu Trek 5 Itinerary for moderately experienced trekkers 
Day 01: An hour drive to Sundarijal (1460 m) and trek to Chisapani (2165 m - 4-5 hr walk)
Day 02: Trek to Kutumsang (2470 m 7-8 hr hike) lunch stop at Chipling (2170 m).
Day 03: Trek to Tharepati (3690 m)—5-6 hour walk.
Day 04: Trek to Tarkegyang (2600 m).
Day 05: Trek to Timbu; drive to Kathmandu. 

6 Days Itinerary 
Day 01: Drive to Sundarijal trek to Mulkharka - Borlang Bhanjyang (2430m) - Chisapani 
Day 02: Trek to Kutumsang (2470 m 7-8 hr hike) lunch stop at Chipling (2170 m).
Day 03: Trek to Tharepati (3690 m) - 5-6 hour walk.
Day 04: Trek to Tarkegyang (2600 m).
Day 05: Trek to Sermathang (2590 m)
Day 06: Drive to Kathmandu by local bus / jeep

7 Days itinerary for leisure hiking with site trips and complete Helambu discovery 
Day 01: Drive to Sundarijal trek to Mulkharka - Borlang Bhanjyang (2430 m)-Chisapani 
Day 02: Trek to Kutumsang (2470 m 7-8 hr hike) lunch stop at Chipling (2170 m).
Day 03: Trek to Tharepati (3690 m)—5-6 hour walk.
Day 04: Trek to Tarkegyang (2600 m).
Day 05: Day hike to Ama Yamgri Peak; back to lodge and stay at Tarkegyang again. 
Day 06: Discover the sacred sites/caves believed to be meditated by Guru Padmasambhava and the great saint Milarepa and Dakinis and trek to Timbu. 
Day 07: Drive back to Kathmandu.

Highlights

  • Instant and secured online booking system
  • Full Packages Trip with 3 Times Meal Plan at Best Guaranteed Price
  • It is one of the easiest and shortest treks of the country.
  • Tourists with a small-time limit can try this trail.
  • The region is popular for Buddhist monasteries and sacred sites.
  • Experience the culture, tradition, and lifestyle of Hyolmo people.
  • Appreciate all-encompassing views on snow-crowned mountains
  • Encounter exotic flora and fauna

Itinerary

Expand all +Collapse all -

About 50 minutes morning drive after Breakfast to Sundarijal. We start hiking via a village and along huge drinking water supply pipe for Kathmanduites. Sundarijal (a beautiful waterfall) is the main source of drinking water for Kathmandu Valley and there is a small hydropower station. We reach the army check point after 30 min of hike and need to show your permits and pay for national park fees. And the trail continues to the water dam. We have our lunch at some guest house. We hike up through beautiful Tamang village and you can see the views of Kathmandu valley. We reach to the nature again and might see some wild animals and birds. We continue to the top at 2430 meters, a small pass and then go down to Chisapani village. Overnight in lodge.

  • Lunch & Dinner
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 2215 M
  • Chisapani

Wilderness Excursion team head for our journey to Kutumsang after taking our morning breakfast today. Our today's trek starts with a decent crossing meadows and fields. Enjoy the magnificent views of the Langtang Mountains. Thus we arrive at Pathi Bhanjyang and Gul Bhanjyang. From Gul Bhanjyang, the trail climbs the ridge to another pass. Another downhill trek from the pass takes us to Kutumsang. Overnight in Lodge.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 2470 M
  • Kutumsang

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, Some 1000 meter elevation gain today and you may feel altitude if you are beginner trekker so hike slowly that is always wise. we arrive at Tharepati for our overnight stay.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 3650 M
  • Tharepati

Today we head for Tarke Gyang. During early part of the trek, the trail descends until we cross the Melamchi Khola. Then we trek up to Tarke Gyang passing through Sherpa settlements. Enjoy the Himalayan peaks offer 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 Yolmo caste.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 2600 M
  • Tarke Gyang

Today we make an excursion to Ama Yangri Peak or explore around Tarke Gyang, the Yolmo Community itself claims their population to be in excess of 150,000. The word ‘Yolmo’ is mentioned in many religious manuscripts of Tibetan Buddhism and is considered as a holy region which in Tibetan or Yolmo is called "Bhe-yul Yolmo" or Hidden Valley. Many great Buddhist masters practiced in Yolmo, including the Tibetan yogi Milarepa , Guru Rinpoche and Yolmopa Terton Ngagchang Sakya Zangpo. Yolmo is famous for innumerable holy and sacred sites. Among the famous caves there are Tag-phug Sen-ge Jong (The Tiger Cave Lion Fortress) just below the village of Tar-kye Gyang, where Milarepa sang his "Song of a Yogi´s Joys", Yang-dag Tsoe-ki Drag-phug (Completely Pure Supreme Cave) which is locally known as "Drub-phug" (Cave of Accomplishment) at an altitude of 14,000 feet, where Guru Rinpoche stayed. Nearby there is a small cave called "Khandro Sang-phug" (The Dakini´s Secret Cave) where his consort Shakya Denma (Shakya Devi) stayed. Another cave of Guru Rinpoche is found in Pema-thang (Tibetan: Zema-Thang= Sandy Flats) a small hidden valley within Yolmo. There is another cave of Guru Rinpoche in Yolmo, re-discovered by Jyadral Sangye Dorje Rinpoche in 1984, which is called Yanglashel (not to be confused with a renowned cave of the same name in Pharping, Nepal). Near the village of Milimchhim is yet another cave in which Padmasambhava stayed named "Nyida Rang-zung" (Naturally Appearing Sun and Moon). So on, just below Tarke Gyang Chiri Monastery, said to be the primitive old and historic Buddhist Monastery in all over Yolmo region is the Dzo-dril or Chudi Monastery or Chiri Chuklakhang found by Yolmo Terton Ngagchhang Shakya Zangpo It is situated just at the basement of Holy Mountain in the north of monastery called Ama Jyomo Yangri. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 2600 M
  • Tarke Gyang

Since, we do not gain altitude that much today, it's going to be comparatively easy walk today. We forests, streams, and waterfalls. The trail makes a sweep around the wide valley end between Parachin and the Sherpa village of Gangyul. From Gangyul, we arrive at Sermathang. Discover the village. There is also a Buddhist monastery at the highest point of the village.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 2605 M
  • Sermathang
  • Breakfast & Lunch
  • No included
  • 1300 M
  • Kathmandu
Customized Trip

What's Included

  • A registered and English-speaking and local Helambu trekking guide.
  • One shared porter between 2 trekkers to carry your main pack. (Weight limit: 20 kg)
  • Meals: 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 6 dinners during the trek.
  • Tea, coffee, cookies, and seasonal fresh fruits during the trek.
  • Kathmandu-Sunjarijal by car or van per group volume.
  • Sermathang-Kathmandu by local bus transportation.
  • Guide and porter fees with all their expenses for the trip.
  • Lodge accommodation on a twin/double sharing basis during the trek.
  • Langtang and Shivapuri National Park entrance permit and TIMS Card.
  • Local tax and VAT, office insurance charge.

What's Excluded

  • Accommodation, meals, and transfers in Kathmandu.
  • Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley (we can arrange if you ask).
  • Bar bills, beverages such as coke, fanta, and mineral water
  • Laundry, toiletries, and phone calls.
  • Personal travel insurance and trekking gear.
  • Rescue operation charge in case of emergency.
  • Tips for your guide, porter, / driver.

Availabilities

Wilderness Excursion (P) Ltd. is a local tour operator, so we guarantee small private groups departures on any dates that suit your date and time.
Start DateEnd DateStatusNotePrice 
February 22, 2025February 28, 2025AvailableUS$519
February 26, 2025March 04, 2025Guaranteed1 BookedUS$519

FAQs

Helambu trek is some 72 kilometers Northeast of Kathmandu lies within the Langtang national park.  A roundabout circuit is used, most often starting at Sundarijal, although other starting positions include Nagarkot and Sankhu.

The best time to trek in Helambu is autumn (September to December) and spring (March to May). The temperature is moderate and in these seasons you can have amazing views. However this is trek also doable in winter but if you are trekking in summer (June to August) the monsoon rain may affect the trek. 

Typically, the Helambu trek is 5 to 7 days of trekking, and that covers a distance of approximately 50 to 65 days, depending on the itinerary and the side trip you include in it.

Yes, trekking Helambu requires getting a Langtang National Park entrance permit costing NPR 3000 and a Shivapuri National Park entrance fee of NPR 1000. And additional permit is TIMS Card NPR 2000 per trekker.

Helambu Trekking is reasonably demanding. This is neither as simple as the easy hikes nor as difficult as the challenging treks. This trek involves many ups and downhill walks. The city people love elevators more than stairs, which those who never hike may find tough and not suggested.

If you love hiking and are an outdoor enthusiast, you should have no problem. Anyone with a reasonably fit body and a healthy person can complete this trek. You will be accompanied by our professional guide, and a porter to carry your pack is required.

Helamu Trek has a good network of NTC, so you can buy a Nepali SIM card and enjoy the internet and calls to stay updated with family and friends back home.

Yes, there is internet (WiFi) in most lodges along the route. However, don't expect fast access on the distant trails.

The highest point you will be reaching in Helambu Trek is Tharepati, which is 3690 meters above sea level.

There are no banks and ATMs available in the Helambu Trek route, so get enough cash for the trekking expenses while in Kathmandu.

Helambu trek is very safe for solo female trekkers. Our guides are professional and treats our clients well. Wilderness Excursion even have female trekking guides that they will feel comfortable with same sex guide.

Reviews

Trip Advisor

Great experience of Helambu Trek!

- Anne Mary, Hong Kong

We picked up the Helambu trek after searching several times on the internet. All the treks in Nepal are great, but most of the excursions are in high Himalaya. We never hiked very high and were concerned with altitude sickness and chose the Helambu trek. We finished it in six [...]

Read this +

Helambu Family Trek

- Chris Drew, United Kingdom

I live in Nepal with my family and have been trekking many times here. This was our first trek with Wilderness Excursions. I found them very efficient and their prices reasonable. The quality of guide and porters was excellent - experienced, good with our children and very attentive. A few [...]

Read this +

Helambu Trek in Winter of 2018

- Laura Anderson, United Kingdom

It took us six days to finish for six friends, beginning on the outskirts of Kathmandu and ending with our return. An experience of a kind. We met a local guide, Garap from Wilderness Excursion. This company carefully planned everything! gave us a guide and porters we needed; they were [...]

Read this +
Write a Review