Helambu Trekking
A journey shaped by the landscapes, people and experiences of Nepal.
Offered by Nepal Alternative Treks & Expeditions Pvt. Ltd.
NEPAL · TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
Discover the journey
Helambu Trekking Helambu Trekking is popular among the trekkers for its scenic grandeur, pleasant & favorable climate, located about 72 kilometers northeast of Kathmandu, is extending from north of Taramarang to the tree limit of the Gosainkunda Lake and lower slopes of Jugal Himal. There we meet several highland Tamang and Sherpa villages, scattered on both sides of the Malamchi Khola. It covers the various range of brilliant green valleys, foggy rhododendron forests, and distant horizons of snowy peaks and the vivid contrast of Hindu and Tibetan Buddhist cultures. The Helambu trek is the ideal short trek and this region remains relatively un-spoilt. Here you will experience the yolmo culture of high mountains villages, marvel at vistas of lonely high mountains and watch enchanted as the farmers toil in the fields using hand made tools and teams of water buffalo. Helambu valley trek noted for its scenic grandeur and pleasant climate. In Helambu, one can stay in highland monastery villages and small settlements in pristine forests. The Sherpa village's of Helambu focuses the charming cooperative of farmers and yak herders. Helambu trek starts with a scenic drive through the Nepali country side to Sundarijal. The most accessible of all trekking regions, Helambu offers a low altitude, distinctly enjoyable walk. In Tamang and Sherpa villages meet friendly and hospitable people with strong family and cultural ties. This trek provides an instant Himalayan trek for those with limited time. This trek is an easy and enjoyable trip conducted at the average altitude of 3500m./11550ft. The trek takes you through Tharepati to Tarke Gyang, where a choice of trails opens up. However we go along the south ridge through thimpu. Melamchi, the site of a mega project to bring drinking water to Kathmandu via a series of tunnels. The Helambu trek ends with a drive to Kathmandu. The most important benefit of this trek is that the area is less crowded & free from noise with the comparison to the Annapurna trek or some parts of the Everest treks.
The memorable moments
It is one of the easiest and shortest treks of the country. Tourist with a small time limit can try this trail. The region is popular for Buddhist monasteries and sweet apples. Observe culture, tradition, and lifestyle of Hyolmo people. Amazing views of Langtang Ri, Ganesh Himal, Lang Sisa – Panoramic views of 10 peaks over 6000m. Walk through the Helembu valley. The area is home to beautiful pine forest in lower ares, snow-fed rivers, swift streams and abundant greenery.
Journey at a glance
Day 5 days: Helambu Trekking — Suggested Itinerary Day 1: Kathmandu - Sundarijal drive -walk to Chisopani ( 2300m./7590ft.) 4 hours walkWe drive an hour (15 km.) from Kathmandu by private or local transport, you will reach to Sundarijal, the starting point of the trek. As you arrive Sundarijal, you can observe Shivapuri watershed and Wild life Reserve there.The trail leads up to the concrete steps beside the pipeline which supply drinking water for the valley. Finally, we leave the pipeline from near the dam. We then reach Mulkharka, sprawling up the ridge. There you can take some time to spend in the convenient tea shops, and to enjoy the nice view back over the Kathmandu valley. We then continue walking to Chisopani (2300m./7590ft.) from where stunning mountains' view can be seen. We walk 4/5 hours walking today and stay at Chosopani overnight at lodge.Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 2: Chisopani- Paty Bhanjyang-Gul Bhanjyan-KutumsangThe trail leads down to Pati Bhanjyang , a small fine village. After reaching Pati Bhanjyang, the trail leads up and downs to the village called Gul Bhanjyang. Then the trails climbs up to 2620m./8646ft. and again descents along the rocky path to Kutumsang (2470m./8151ft.). We walk 6 hours walking today then stay there overnight at lodge.Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 3: Kutumsang-Magengoth-Tharepati ( 3490m./11517ft.) 6 hours walkFollowing a ridge line the trails continues via lightly populated forest to Magen Goth from where view of Makalu, Langtang and Gosaikund peak is stunning and finally reaching to Tharepati (3490m./11517ft.) 6 hours walking. The trails to Gosaikund branches off north - west from here. Stay there overnight at lodge. Meals included :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 4: Tharepati- Melamchi Gyang- Tarke Gyang ( 2620m./8646ft.) 6 hours walkTurning east, the trails rapidly descend down a ravine through small Sherpa village of Malemchigaon with nice lodges and fine old and artistic Gompas. The trail again descends leaving the village and crossing Malemchi Khola by a bridge and making the long climb up the other side of the valley to Tarke Gyang, which is the largest village in Helambu. Stay there overnight at lodge.Meals included :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 5: Tarke Gyang-Thimpu-KathmanduThe trail gently descends through a beautiful forest to thimpu then we drive to Kathmandu . Transfer to hotel.Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch Trek ends
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 5days: Helambu Trekking — Suggested Itinerary
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Day 1Kathmandu - Sundarijal drive -walk to Chisopani ( 2300m./7590ft.) 4 hours walk
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 2Chisopani- Paty Bhanjyang-Gul Bhanjyan-Kutumsang
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Day 3Kutumsang-Magengoth-Tharepati ( 3490m./11517ft.) 6 hours walk
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Day 4Tharepati- Melamchi Gyang- Tarke Gyang ( 2620m./8646ft.) 6 hours walk
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Day 5Tarke Gyang-Thimpu-Kathmandu
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What's included in your experience
Included
- Tribhuwan International Airport transfer (Airport+ hotel + Airport) .
- Lodge (Twin share basis ) accommodation during the trekking.
- All meals ( Breakfast, lunch, Dinner ) during trekking.
- One experienced, educated, well trained, fluent English speaking, friendly, specialized in Helambu region and government authorized trekking guide including required porters (one porter for two clients).
- Guide/porter's food, accommodation, salary, insurance, transportation and equipments.
- Overland transportation as per mentioned in ittinerary.
- Trekking map, duffle bag, company t-shirt, first aid medical kit box, trekking completion certificate etc.
Not included
- Hotel accommodation and meals in Kathmandu.
- Hard and soft table drinks as tea/coffee, coke, fanta, beer, Mineral water, desert, bar bill, battery charge, laundery, phone bill etc.
- National park fees ( Shivapuri national park fee NPR 1500 per person and Langtang National park fee NPR 3390 per person which you pay on the spot directly..
- Personal Travel insurance.
- Tips for guide and porters.( Highly suggested ).
Essential trip information
Before you go
Langtang National Park Fee Langtang National park fee is cumpolsury to obtain to enter this trekking through Kutumsang. You can obtain it in Nepal Tourism Board ( NTB) or government registered trekking agency as Nepal Alternative Treks or you also can pay directly at Kutumsang. It costs NPR 3390 per person. You will need passport copy to obtain it. Our package can include national park fee on your request with extra cost. Shivapuri National Park fee Shivapuri National Park fee is mandatory for entering Helambu trek. It can not be obtained in advance in Kathmandu, you have to pay directly at Sundarijal . It costs NPR 1500 per person. You will be required passport copy. Travel insurance It is a condition of joining any of our trips that be protected against comprehensive expenses potential to incur due to medical issues or accidents (to include air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please be noted that we don’t arrange or sell insurance. A relaxed trip is not possible without good travel insurance. In the event of any sickness or injury, the cost of emergency treatment and evacuation is shocking. Therefore, travel insurance is strongly recommended for everyone who signs up with Nepal alternative Trekking. 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Acute mountain sickness is an illness that can affect trekkers at high altitudes, usually above 2,400 meters. You will get the highest point only 3400 meter so you have just a little chance to get AMS though if you just be precautious and follow our guide, you can avoid it. How do we know if I get AMS ? Your symptoms will also depend on the speed of your climb and how hard you push (exert) yourself. Symptoms are as below: Difficulty sleeping Dizziness or light-headedness Tiredness Headache Loss of appetite Nausea or vomiting Rapid pulse (heart rate) shortness of breath with exertion Cannot walk in a straight line Treatment Rest, Rest , Rest Go down, down, down Diamox Diamox may be given to help you breathe better. It can help reduce mild symptoms. This medicine can make you urinate more often. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol when taking this drug. This medication works best when taken before reaching a high altitude. Prevention and pre-cautious Keys to preventing acute mountain sickness include: Climb the mountain gradually and slowly Stop for a day or two of rest for every 800 above 2,400 meters Sleep at a lower altitude when possible Learn how to recognize early symptoms of mountain sickness Drink plenty of fluid – 3 liters per day Avoid alcohol Eat regular meals, high in carbohydrates Sleep well Be well equipped First aid Owing to a sudden change in climate, altitude and other factors, it is obvious that there could arise some alterations in your health. It would be hard to know all aspects of Nepal's health problems.You will be eating and drinking in various outlets. Diarrhea is a common illness that a tourist would be facing. So, it is recommended to drink purified water and eat in clean outlets. Drinking and eating precautions will surely help to take care of many health problems that could arise during the trip. Staying hydrated during the travel, trekking, tours is highly recommended too. If any problem should arise during the trip. Being on good health before leaving for a trip would help you to enjoy your trip to the fullest.Though Nepal alternative treks will be carrying first aid medical kid, you are also suggested to take personal basic first medicines for in case. Meals During our trek, we can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well the more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.) in at lodges. There will be served for breakfast, lunch and dinner three times along the route on your own choice from MENU . Physical Condition & Experience Requirements Helambu trek is an easy trek suitable for passionate walkers who have the ability to walk at least 5-6 hours a day with a light rucksack. As we will get the highest elevation 3400 meter, you are preferred an excellent health with average physical fitness, have a positive attitude and strong determination, we can accomplish the trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly is good idea to enhance our strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform Nepal alternative treks before booking the trek.
Accommodation
We leave you free to choose hotel in Kathmandu as there will various choices to select yourself. We provide twin share basis room in lodges during the trek. We will arrange shared washing room and toilet .
Fitness & eligibility
1
Meeting point
Sundarijal
What to bring
- Trekking Clothing equipment for Helambu Trekking
- When you select your personal items, keep in mind the number of days you will be trekking, the time of year and the altitude. We advise our clients to bring these items:
- Lightweight walking boots "walked" them in prior to arrival in Nepal to avoid blisters.
- Light weight pants, shirts
- At night -track top, pants
- T-shirts.
- Long sleeve shirt, if susceptible to sunburn.
- Sun hat - sunburn is severe at rarefied altitudes.
- Thick outer wooden socks, thin inner cotton
- Vaseline for feet and crutch.
- Water bottle - 2 liters.
- Sunglasses and strap
- Small headlamp/flashlight /torch
- Personal medical supplies - do not forget ban - aids, elastic bandage
- Sunscreen, sun bock, sun - tan lotion.
- Small daypack - 25 liters.
- Rain jacket - poncho style to cover backpack.
- Small towels
- Warm down fiber filled jacket ( You can get on rent at Thamel)
- Sleeping bag to -15c with inner sheet ( You can get on rent at Thamel)
- Thermal underwear, woolen shirts and thick sweaters.
- A pair of gloves
- Snow glasses and strap
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