The Helambu trek is a short trek nearby Kathmandu Valley. Apart from the hyolmo culture of high mountain people, there are majestic waterfalls, green rhododendron and bamboo forests and snow-capped Himalayas make the trek one of most diverse treks near Kathmandu. The great Himalayan scenery at the border with Tibet and monasteries make a trek to the region an enthralling experience. The people living the highlands of the Langtang region are certainly the Nepalese, being the descendant of the Tibetan origin, they still look like Tibetans. The Helambu Trek begins from Sundarijal, an hour's drive from Kathmandu. After about an hour's walk, we enter Shivapuri National Park. Continuing along the Chisopani, Kutumsang, Thadepati 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, we will also trek through some beautiful rice terraces.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu - 1,300m/4,264 ft
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing & Preparation for the Trek
Day 03: Drive to Sundarijal & trek to Chisapani (2300m/7544 ft): Drive 1 hour, Trek: 4 hours
Day 04: Trek from Chisopani to Kutumsang (2446m/8022ft): 7 hours
Day 05: Trek from Kutumsang to Thadepati (3650m/11972ft): 6 hours
Day 06: Trek to Tarkeghyang (2560m/8397ft): 6 hours
Day 07: Trek to Sermathang (2,610m/8,563ft): 3/4 hr
Day 08: Trek to Malemchi Puul Bazaar: Drive to Kathmandu: 3/4 hrs trek/ 2 hr drive
Day 09: Departure
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu - 1,300m/4,264 ft
Upon our arrival in the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, we will be greeted by a representative from Himalayan Traverse who will drop us off at our hotel. After checking in, we take a rest. We may also stroll in the streets of Thamel, a tourist hub in Kathmandu for some souvenir shopping. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by Himalayan Traverse where we will be served excellent authentic Nepalese cuisine which will introduce we to the country's food culture. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Included meals:Dinner
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing & Preparation for the Trek
Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. The day will also be for finalizing official procedure and other necessary arrangements. We will be also briefed on the nature of the trek, equipments and team composition. Some of landmarks we visit include the World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhu Nath) and Buddhists shrine (Bouddha Nath). In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. we can also make our last minute buying of personal items as we will be flying to the Himalayas tomorrow.
Included meals:Breakfast
Day 03: Drive to Sundarijal & trek to Chisapani (2300m/7544 ft): Drive 1 hour, Trek: 4 hours
Today, we make an hour's drive to Sundarijal (1350m), our trek start point. From Sundarijal, trek to Chisopani (2300m). We begin our trek along a small hydroelectric plant. The trail then enters through into the Shivapuri National Park. The first settlement we come across is Mulkharka mostly inhabited by the Tamang people. Then we walk along the ridge through a forest of oaks and rhododendron to Chisopani.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 04: Trek from Chisopani to Kutumsang (2446m/8022ft): 7 hours
After taking our morning breakfast, we head for a journey to Kutumsang. 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.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 05: Trek from Kutumsang to Thadepati (3650m/11972ft): 6 hours
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, we arrive at Tharepati for our overnight stay.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 06: Trek to Tarkeghyang (2560m/8397ft): 6 hours
Today we head for Tarkeghyang. During early part of the trek, the trail descends until we cross the Melamchi Khola. Then we trek up to Tarkeghyang passing through Sherpa settlements. Enjoy the Himalayan peaks ofter appear before we 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 Helmu caste.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 07: Trek to Sermathang (2,610m/8,563ft): 3/4 hr
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.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 08: Trek to Malemchi Puul Bazaar: Drive to Kathmandu: 3/4 hrs trek/ 2 hr drive
On our final day of the trek, we walk down to Malemchi Pul Bazaar. The village is mostly inhabited by the Sherpa, but there are also people of other ethnicities. From the Bazaar, we catch a bus to Katmandu. After reaching Kathmandu we have the rest of the day off to rest or do some souvenir shopping. To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have a farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 09: Departure
Today there is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos. If we have more time we can do some shopping or sightseeing. A representative from Himalayan Traverse will take us to the airport approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight.
Included meals:Breakfast
(Note: Booking must be confirmed 6 months before in advance)
You must bring the important documents mentioned below in your trip.
We first met Dorjee Sherpa in 2012 and did a trek with him to Langtang before it was devastated in the earthquake. We quickly fell in love with the himalayas, the Nepalese people, their culture, and Dorjee shepa. The Langtang trek was a beautiful trek and a great introductory to the…
December 30, 2024
Matt massey, United StatesJust got home from our second trek in the Himalayas with Dorjee sherpa. We treked to tengboche for the mani rimdu festival. The festival was incredible and the mountains are magnificent. Dorjee is a great guide and we really enjoyed staying at his Buddha lodge and meeting his wonderful family.
December 30, 2024
Matt massey, United StatesMy family and friends from Maui completed a 10 day trek through Sagarmatha National Park to Tengboche to view the Mani Rimdu Festival in November . Our Guide Dorjee Sherpa and his associates arranged a fantastic trip for us. We stayed at his Buddha Lodge in Phakding and were treated very…
December 30, 2024
Kevin Horan, NepalI spent very memorable days in the Everest region in Nepal. I used to dream to see this highest peak of the world and now I arrested it in my camera. My guide arranged everything and helped me a lot. He did not let me feel tired and boring.
December 30, 2024
Austin, Netherlands Antilles