
The Helambu trek is famous for its scenic grandeur and very pleasant climate. It is situated 75 km Northeast of Kathmandu. Helambu is short, easy, and known as a trekker's paradise. This trek offers superb mountain views of Langtang, Shisapanma, and Gaurishankar. It also has many monasteries, rhododendron forests, and picturesque Sherpa settlements, friendly and hospitable people. The Helambu trek can be called the cultural trek because of the ancient cultures & traditions of the Tamang & Sherpa ethnic groups. This easy and enjoyable trek will start from Chisopani at the Eastern end of the Kathmandu valley after nearly one hour of driving and it does not go over an altitude of 3600m.
Facts of the Trek
Total Days: 10 Days
Trekking Days: 6 Days
Hotel in Kathmandu: 4 Days
Trek Grade: Easy, cultural trek
Altitude Maximum: 3597m (Tharepati)
Type of Trek: Lodge and camping
Best season: March–May and September-November
Walking Time: 5-7 hours each day
Day 01 : Arrival at Kathmandu Airport You will be transferred to your hotel by one of our representatives.
Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m
Day 02 : Kathmandu (1334m): In the morning, we will visit Patan, a true open air museum with its pagodas, temples, and monasteries. In the afternoon, we will visit Durbar Square, the old royal palace, and the house of the Kumari (living goddess,) reincarnation of Kali.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 03 : Drive Kathmandu to Sundarijal and trek to Chisopani (2194m): Sundarijal is the starting point of this trek after one hour of driving from Kathmandu. The trek begins by ascending to Mulkharka (1895m) At Mulkharka, we will take some time to relax in the convenient tea shops and enjoy the views looking out over the Kathmandu valley. We will then continue our trek to Chisopani. From Chisopani you will see the stunning Himalayan views if the weather is clear.
Overnight: Lodge
Driving Time: 1 hour
Walking Time: 4 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 860m
Day 04 : Trek from Chisopani to Kutumsang (2446m): After breakfast, we will trek to Kutumsang. The trail drops from Chisopani on a good trail that crosses some meadows and fields. You will then descend through Pathi Bhanjyang and Gul Bhanjyang. The trail climbs the ridge from Gul Bhanjyang to another pass at 2620m. It is then downhill to Khutumsang, which sits in a saddle atop the ridge.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 6 - 7 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 252m
Day 05 : Trek from Kutumsang to Tharipati (3597m): Today we will trek to Tharipari. The trek continues North up the Yurin Danda ridge affording beautiful views of the mountain peaks. The trail climbs above Kutumsang on a steep, eroded trail mostly through fir and rhododendron forests. In Tharipati, there are no permanent settlements and there are few lodges. This is the highest point of the trek and you can glimpse the breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains of Dorje Lakpa, Gaurishankar, Langshisa, and many others.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 1151m
Day 06 : Trek from Tharipati to Tarkeghyang (2740m): From Tharipati the trail gradually descends through the pine and rhododendron forest with great views down into the Helambu valley. Melamchi Gaon is inhabited by Sherpas with their distinctive culture and it is surrounded by beautiful forests. There are some Buddhist monasteries which we can visit. The trail gently descends to the Melamchi Khola and then ascends to Tarkeghyang, a beautiful Sherpa village with one of the oldest and biggest monasteries.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: -857m
Day 07 : Trek from Tarkeghyang to Kakani (1996m) Today the trail is easier, walking flat through a beautiful forest. We will cross some small streams along the way. The beautiful Sherpa village of Shermathang is a little over half way. After Shermathang, the trail descends about 2 hours to Kakani.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: -744m
Day 08 : Trek from Kakani to Melamchi (870m) and drive to Kathmandu (1334m): The trail gradually descends through meadows and cultivated fields all the way to Melamchi Pul Bazaar. On the way, you come across several old villages with their own individual tradition. Walking today is quite pleasant with nice mountain views and interaction with the local people. After arriving at Melamchi Bazar, we will drive back to Kathmandu.
Overnight: Hotel
Walking Time: 3 hours
Driving Time: 3 hours
Difference in Elevation: -662m
Day 09 : Bhaktapur: We will visit the very ancient city of Bhaktapur which will take approximately one hour by bus/van. You will be escorted by one of our experienced tour guides. Lunch in Bhaktapur and back to Kathmandu.
Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m
Day 10 : Transfer to the airport and departure.
Special Note:
This Itinerary can be customized according to the duration of your holiday. The Trek can be operated with Lodge/tea house and/or camping accommodation, based on your preference. We have many options for shorter visits based on your interests and budget.
NOTE: The price of the tour will be adjusted according to the group size.