Helambu Trek

01 / THE EXPERIENCE

Discover the journey

Situated just north of Kathmandu, the Helambu trek stands out as one of Nepal's most accessible trekking routes. Named after the local settlers known as the Hyolmo community, Helambu boasts terraced slopes, verdant valleys, and lush forests of oak, rhododendron, and pine, all against the backdrop of the majestic Himalayan mountains. Renowned for its sweet apples and offering splendid vistas of the Langtang ranges, the region is synonymous with the warm hospitality of the Hyolmo people. As you trek through Helambu, you'll immerse yourself in the traditional culture and lifestyle of the Nepali people, witnessing farmers tending to fields with handmade tools and water buffaloes. With numerous Buddhist monasteries dotting the landscape, Helambu is revered as a Buddhist pilgrimage site. Primarily a low-altitude and short trek, reaching a maximum altitude of about 3650m, the region spans from Sundarijal to Tharepati, descending into the Melamchi valley. With various trekking variations available, starting points such as Sundarijal, Nagarkot, Kakani, Melamchi Pul Bazaar, or Sankhu offer diverse routes to explore. For those seeking extended adventure, options include trekking to Langtang Valley and Gosainkunda or traversing Helambu via Ganja La Pass after exploring Langtang Valley.

03 / YOUR ROUTE

Journey at a glance

Day Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal (1350m) takes about one hour and then trek to Chisapani which takes about four hours. — Food BLD Accomodation Lodge Elevation 2430 After morning breakfast, drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal (1350m) takes about one hour and then trek to Chisapani which takes about four hours. Climb off at Sundarijal bus station and begin your trek through Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve. Stop at Mulkharka village for lunch and thereafter ascend to Borlang Bhanjyang (2430m) then drop down to Chisapani (2215m). Chisapani offers magnificent views of Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Jugal Himal, Gauri Shankar, Everest and many other mountains. You can also enjoy beautiful sunrise and sunset from Chisapani. Stay overnight at lodge. Day Day 2: Trek from Chisapani to Golfu Bhanjyang (2130m) takes about six hours. — Food BLD Accomodation Lodge Elevation 2130 The trail continues to drop from Chisapani on a leveled trail that crosses the meadow. You will then arrive at Pati Bhanjyang and thence the trail makes steep climb to the ridge of Chipling. Lunch will be served in Chipling and afterward we descend to Gul Bhanjyang for 1 hr. Stay overnight at lodge. Day Day 3: Trek from Golfu Bhanjyang to Magen Goth (3390m.) takes about six hours. — Food BLD Accomodation Lodge Elevation 3390 2 hrs uphill climb will arrive at Kutumsang, which is a culturally rich Sherpa settlement. The trek continues north to the Yurin Danda ridge which affords good views of the peaks. The trail climbs above Kutumsang on a steep, eroded trail mostly through fir and rhododendron forests where there are no permanent settlements. In Kutumsang there is an army checkpost and this is also where we will have lunch. The trail further descends to Magen Goth. There are a few lodges and Goths (Domestic Animal Sheds). Stay overnight at lodge. Day Day 4: Trek from Magen Goth to Melamchi Gaon (2640m) via Tharepati Pass (3650m.) takes about six hours. — Food BLD Accomodation Lodge Elevation 3650 The trail gradually ascends through the enchanting forest enriched with beautiful rhododendron, oak and other trees. Tharepati, in fact is a great view point from where you can get a glimpse of the breathtaking snow capped mountains such as Dorje Lakpa, Gaurishankar, Langshisa, Jugal, Numbur and many others. From Tharepati the trail gradually descends through the pine and rhododendron forests down into the Helambu valley with constant backdrop views of Jugal Himal and Numbur. Melamchi Gaon is surrounded by beautiful forests, which is mainly inhabited by Sherpa people with their distinctive Buddhist culture. Stay overnight at lodge. Day Day 5: Trek from Melamchi Gaon to Tarkeghyang (2700m) takes about four hours. — Food BLD Accomodation Lodge Elevation 2700 Trek from Melamchi Gaon to Tarkeghyang (2700m) takes about four hours. After breakfast we trek two hours down through bushes and streams to Tarkado village. Another 2 hrs trek will take us to Tarkeghyang where we will have lunch. There is an old Buddhist monastery in Tarkeghyang which got damaged in 2015 earthquake. Go for village exploration. Stay overnight at lodge. Day Day 6: Trek from Tarkeghyang to Shermathang (2590m) takes about five hours. — Food BLD Accomodation Lodge Elevation 2590 Trek from Tarkeghyang to Shermathang (2590m) takes about five hours. The trek travels through forested path, a mix of ups and downs, till you reach Shermathang. Shermathang is a Sherpa settlement situated in the middle of a forest. From Shermathang you can catch view of the Langtang Himalayan range. Stay overnight at lodge. Day Day 7: Trek from Shermathang to Melamchi Pul Bazaar (846m.) takes approximately 3 hours and then drive back to Kathmandu which takes about 4 hours. — Food Breakfast, Lunch Elevation 1400 Trek from Shermathang to Melamchi Pul Bazaar (846m.) takes approximately 3 hours and then drive back to Kathmandu which takes about 4 hours. The trail gradually descends all the way to Melamchi Pul Bazaar through meadows and cultivated fields. On the way, you come across several old villages and greeted by pleasant views of mountains. You will also get to interact with friendly locals. Finally, take a short drive back to Kathmandu (1400m.) from Melamchi Pul Bazaar.

YOUR DAY-BY-DAY ROUTE

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1Drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal (1350m) takes about one hour and then trek to Chisapani which takes about four hours. —+