Helambu Trek Overview
Helambu Trek begins with short drive east of Kathmandu city towards North East of valley rim reaching at Sundarijal town, a nice place with lush green cultivated farm fields as walk leads to climb into serene forest to enter Langtang National Park and Shivapuri Hill Conservation.
Entering into park premises with high area of Sundarijal where water reservoir dam is located that supply water to Kathmandu city pipeline. The journey continues from here with steep up past Tamang farm villages and within lovely forest to reach a scenic ridge at Chisapani.
Chisapani, located at above 2,195 m offers sunrise and sunset views over panorama of of Central and Eastern Himalaya range of peaks from far west Annapurna-Manaslu with Ganesh and Langtang Himal.
Views extend to Jugal Himal as Far East direction towards Everest range. Trek continues with down and ups to reach Gul-Bhanjyang, Kutumsang within cooler alpine climate then up to Thadepatti at above 3,590 m, the highest point of the adventure.
From Thadepatti, enjoy fabulous views of mountain range with rolling green hills and valley as walk enters within Helambu region from Gul-Bhanjyang and Kutumsang villages onwards where trail lead with long descends with short ups to our main highlight at Tarke-Gyang.
Tarke-Gyang is the main village of Hyalmo tribe. One gets to visit around nice villages adorned with Buddhism interesting cultures where houses are decorated with fine workmanship of impressive intricate carving on wooden furniture.
At Tarke-Gyang, explore the old monastery called Ama Yangri situated on top facing fabulous views of the village and surrounding beautiful landscapes with high snow capped peaks of Jugal Himal range.
Return journey takes you to another lovely village of Sermathang and then on long downhill to reach low warm area of Melamche Bazaar. The route then joins near Dolalghat and Dhulikhel road with winding uphill to reach scenic Dhulikhel, an old Newari town famous for sunrise and panorama of Himalaya.
Slowly our marvelous Helambu Trek completes on reaching at Kathmandu, after a memorable adventure with short cultural experience on high green hills of Nepal Central Himalaya.
Helambu Trek Highlights
- Marvelous area to visit around north of Kathmandu within serene green environment
- Enjoy peaceful walks on less visited route to beautiful and scenic Helambu at Tarke-Gyang
- Enchanting forest of tall rhododendron, oaks, magnolia, blue pines and fir tree lines
- Explore lively cultural villages of great interest festooned with age-old Buddhism religion
- Around Helambu in the land of Hyalmo the last existing mountain tribes of Jugal Himal range
Helambu Trek Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal (1,460 m) and Trek to Chisapani Hill (2,195 m) - 05 hrs.
Morning begins with an interesting short drive beyond Kathmandu city to reach at Sundarijal which is about 15 km. from the capital. Then climb to the entrance of Shivapuri and Langtang National Park.
Walk heads into forest within farm field villages with uphill to Chisapani located on a high ridge north of Kathmandu valley rim. Feel the cool fresh air at the height of 2,195 meters with views of Annapurna-Manaslu-Ganesh Himal, Lang tang Himal extend towards Jugal Himal range includes views of Kathmandu valley. Chisapani offers fantastic sunrise and sunset views over the mountain range.
Day 02: Trek to Kutumsang (2,141 m) - 06 hrs.
In the morning, catch stunning sunrise over array of peaks. After breakfast, walk downhill towards Pati-Bhanjyang village, with climb to Thodung Danda / Hill and over Gulphu-Bhanjyang to reach nice village at Kutumsang for overnight stop, from here on into Helambu territory.
Day 03: Trek to Melamche-Gaon (2,560 m) via high Tadepatti (3,590 m) - 06 hrs.
Enjoying overnight in Kutumsang, morning routes climb towards Yurin Danda ridge within cool lovely forest of rhododendron, pines and oak trees.
Walk to a small pass at 3,510 meter high, and then short descent into cool forest area to reach an open wide area with climb towards Tadepatti for lunch. It is a scenic spot with many simple lodges and also offers grand views of high Langtang and Jugal mountain range.
After refreshing stop at Thadepatti afternoon, short climb to a ridge top with fabulous view of peaks from Jugal Himal range with Ganesh and Manaslu towards west.
From the top, descend to Melamche-Gaon as walk enters heavily wooded area of tall rhododendron and pine forest to the base of a hill around nice grassy field. Then walk past farm fields to Malamche-Gaon village for overnight stop within the country dominated by Hyalmo people with some Sherpa and Tamang tribes.
Day 04: Trek to Tarke-Gyang (2,570 m) - 04 hrs.
Morning with short day walk from Malamche to reach major village of Helambu at Tarke Gyang, as route leads down to Melamchi River crossing suspension bridge, with climb for an hour to reach at Tarke-Gyang village via Nakote village for lunch and overnight stop.
Day 05: A day at Tarke-Gyang to explore local culture and views
Tarke-Gyang is famous for ancient heritage of Buddhist religion with color culture, wood carving as well for delicious green apples grown around the orchard. It is actually a free day to explore lovely houses of Hyalmo people and visit its old monastery called Ama Yangri situated on top of a village.
Day 06: Trek to Sermathang ( 2,693 m) - 04 hrs.
Morning on leaving nice village of Tarke Ghyang, another short day walk into forested area past many Chorten (Buddhist prayer monuments) reaching at Gangyul a small village.
Then walk on pleasant winding path with great views of rolling hills to reach Shermathang for overnight stop.
Sermathang is another attractive village of Hyalmo people the local tribe of Helambu, here with time to visit another old and interesting monastery.
Day 07: Drive back to Kathmandu via Melamche Bazaar and Dhulikhel - 05 hrs.
After great time and experience at Tarke Gyang and Sermathang where our trek ends for drive on downhill road to reach low warm area at Melamche Bazaar and a town, as drive continues to Kathmandu.
Heading past many farm villages to reach the main road with up to Dhulikhel town and past Banepa and Sanga area with down close to Bhaktapur city to reach back at Kathmandu then transfer to your respective hotels.
Helambu Trek Difficulty
Helambu Trek is actually not that tough as it looks. The trek leads to high steep climb with downs and some easy pleasant winding path, where trekkers will have enjoyable time without much problem of catching high altitude sickness or AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).
Elevation gains at slow pace providing enough rest to catch breath whilst enjoying views of beautiful surroundings with snow-capped peaks. The trek difficulty grade is moderate facing ups and down but certainly worth the hard effort to reach around lovely Helambu villages.
Accommodation and Meals during Helambu Trek
Although Helambu area is not so popular trekking zone among travelers, where walk leads to many nice villages on route with good and simple lodge for overnight stop, few with attached bathrooms and toilets but more or less where you can find accommodation on nice clean room and beds with common toilet and bathrooms.
Accommodation is simple and basic but with warm homely atmosphere and friendly hospitality of local villagers. Every smile of the native makes you feel at home. The meals are served in large dining halls as per the capacity of the lodge.
Warm and cozy dining is served from simple menu of famous and common Dal Bhat (rice and lentil soup with mild fresh cooked vegetable and pickles).
All food served are hygienic and safe where your guide help you with best available food from the menu where some lodge have food varieties but serves only few due to high and low season of tourist arrival.
What makes Helambu Trek special?
Helambu Trek is a special and exclusive trek of week duration due to its remoteness and isolation from the main trekking trails and away from Langtang and Gosainkund route. The less number of visitors also makes the place around Helambu special.
Other specialty of this trek is visiting village of indigenous Hyalmo tribe, a smaller group of hill people concentrated within Jugal and Langtang Himal area only. The immense culture, traditions and heritage of the local people adds to the splendor of Helambu Trek.
Best time for Helambu Trek
One can visit Helambu area in nearly all months of the year except the monsoon wet months of June to mid September.
The best time for this trek is in spring of March to May with clear day for walks and views. Although most of the days are very clear, sometimes it can get cloudy with light thunder showers in the afternoon.
Enjoyable time in spring season when most of the hills covered with forest is alive during wild-flowers in full bloom, specially the rhododendron of various species. Generally on this time, it is cold in the morning and night time but pleasant temperatures for walks and views of peaks.
Conclusion
Helambu Trek is a special Himalayan destination where all age-group including family, school / college to corporate people can join on this lovely and scenic walks around Helambu, on least visited area which makes the walk more enjoyable away from the main crowd of trekkers.
A delightful and short duration program where one can have time in pristine natural backdrop of high snow capped peaks and enchanting woodland that makes a nice and beautiful setting of Helambu area, which is short and closest adventure from Kathmandu.
Around Helambu, one can have fascinating time within wonderful and impressive villages of one and only tribe of Nepal Himalaya, the Hyalmo people closely related to Sherpa and Tamang with similar culture and religion of Buddhism.
Marvel Adventure organises Helambu Trek with a very well-designed itinerary, professional trekking guides and all the necessary arrangements. We can also customize the itinerary to accomodate your special requirements. Feel free to contact us for any query regarding the trek.
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