Helambu Trekking rewards visitors with diverse trekking near Kathmandu, insight into Hyolmo culture, lush green forests, waterfalls, and Himalayan views. Starting from Sundarijal, it spans 4 to 7 days, ending at Melamchi.
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 Nepalese; being descendants of Tibetan origin, they still look like Tibetans.
The Helambu Trekking Itinerary begins from Sundarijal, an hour's drive from the center of Kathmandu. After about an hour's walk, we enter Shivapuri National Park, where we have to get a permit to enter the 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 some 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 5 to 7 days, depending on your time and pace, and the trip cost varies according to group size and mode of tour organized by Wilderness Excursion.
Day 01: An hour's drive to Sundarijal (1460 m) and trek to Chisapani (2165 m): 4 to 5-hour 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.
Day 01: Drive to Sundarijal, trek to Mulkharka - Borlang Bhanjyang (2430 m) and to Chisapani (2165 m)
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 to 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
Day 01: Drive to Sundarijal, trek to Mulkharka - Borlang Bhanjyang (2430 m)-Chisapani
Day 02: Trek to Gul Bhanjyang (2170 m) 6-hour hike), lunch stop at Chipling (2170 m).
Day 03: Trek to Tharepati (3690 m): 5 to 6 Hours hike.
Day 04: Trek to Tarkegyang (2600 m): 6-hour hike.
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 have been meditated by Guru Padmasambhava and the great saint Milarepa and Dakinis, and trek to Timbu.
Day 07: Drive back to Kathmandu.
This is our standard Helambu Circuit Trek itinerary, which is customizable slightly if necessary, considering your pace and trekking habits, to change of day-to-day plan.
Explore a new level of adventure with Wilderness Excursion. With 13 years of expertise in trekking, we are happy to offer a selection of add-ons that will enhance your Helambu Trek and make your journey truly incredible.
Check our dates published to see if it matches your time. We are happy to customize your tour perfectly to match your interests and needs, creating a unique travel experience just for you
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.
In Helambu Trek, the altitude is pretty lower compared to other high treks in Nepal, very few trekkers may still experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness. It's essential to trek slowly and stay hydrated.
The main features of the Helambu Trek are: stunning views of the Himalayas, exploring Sherpa and Hyolmo villages, experiencing the unique culture and traditions of the region, and walking through rhododendron forests.
Mount Everest is not visible from the Helambu Trek, but you will get glimpses of some Himalayan peaks,
The Helambu region has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by both Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism. The local people are known for their hospitality.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We start hiking this trek from Sundarijal (1460 m), which is an hour drive from the center of Kathmandu. is a beautiful place located in the northern outskirts of Kathmandu
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I just completed a fantastic 6-day solo trek through the Helambu region with Wilderness Excursion, and it was even better than my first trip with them. The itinerary was perfect, starting at Sundarijal on the outskirts of Kathmandu and concluding in...
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...
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!...
