
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, picturesque Sherpa settlements, and friendly and hospitable people. The Helambu trek can be called a cultural trek because of the ancient cultures and traditions of the Tamang and Sherpa ethnic groups. This easy and enjoyable trek will start from Melamchi.
You don’t need any previous mountaineering training or technical experience for this trek as the terrain is not very difficult. However, some vigorous hiking experience and good physical condition is very useful.Facts of the Trek
Total Days: 10 days
Trekking Days: 6 days
Hotel in Kathmandu: 4 days
Trek Grade: Easy, cultural trek
Elevation maximum: 3597m (Tharipati)
Type of Trek: Lodge or 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 Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, including the old royal palace, and the house of the Kumari (living Goddess,) reincarnation of Kali.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 03 : Drive Kathmandu to Melamchi Bazaar (870m) and trek to Kakani (1996m): Melamchi is the starting point of this trek after a three hours drive from Kathmandu. We begin on a flat trail to Melamchi Khola and then the trail gradually ascends to Kakani (1996m). On the way, we will pass through several old villages with their own local traditions. Walking today is quite pleasant with nice mountain views and interactions with the local people.
Overnight: Lodge
Driving Time: 3 hours
Walking Time: 3 hours
Difference in Elevation: +662m
Day 04 : Trek from Kakani to Tarkegyang (2740m): After breakfast we will trek to Tarkegyang via Shermathang (2621m). The trail gradually ascends to the village of Shermathang and then continues on a flat trail to Tarkegyang, a small, beautiful Sherpa village with a very old monastery that you may visit.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 6 - 7 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 744m
Day 05 : Trek from Tarkegyang to Tharipati (3597m): Today’s trek begins with a descent to Melamchi Khola and then a steep climb to Melamchi Gaun, which is surrounded by beautiful forests and inhabited by Sherpa, with their distinctive culture. There are a few Buddhist monasteries here which can be visited. From here, the trek gradually ascends to Tharipati through beautiful pine and rhododendron forest. There are a few lodges and Goths (domestic animal sheds) in Tharipati. This is the highest point of this trek. Breathtaking snow-capped mountain views await us including Dorje-Lakpa, Gaurishankar, Langshisa, and many others!
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 857m
Day 06 : Trek from Tharipati to Khutumsang (2370m): The trail to Khutumsang goes through a small forest to Magen Goth from where we will have stunning views of Langtang and Gosaikunda.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: -857m
Day 07 : Trek from Khutumsang to Chisopani (2194m): The trail from Khutumsang to Chisopani passes through Gul Vanjyang (2140m) and Pathi Vanjyang (1770m).
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 6-7 hours
Difference in Elevation: -176m
Day 08 : Trek from Chisopani to Sundarijal and drive to Kathmandu: We will have a short trek from Chisopani to Sundarijal, then a short drive back to Kathmandu.
Overnight: Hotel
Driving Time: 1 hour
Walking Time: 3 hours
Difference in Elevation: -662m
Day 09 : Bhaktapur (1334m): We will drive to 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
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.