Helambu Trek - Trip Details

✓ Max. Elevation: 3500 m
✓ Best Season: Spring - Autumn
✓ Duration: 12 Days
✓ Trip Grading: Moderate
✓ Activity: Trekking
✓ Transport: Private vehicle
✓ Accommodation: Hotel- Lodge- Tea house- Tent
✓ Meals: Breakfast-Lunch- Dinner
✓ Availability: Available

Highlights

Join Best Trips Nepal for a 12-day Helambu Trek, exploring the Buddhist villages of Tarkeghyang and Sermathang, lush forests, and stunning Himalayan views near Kathmandu.

Embark on a 12-day Helambu Trek with Best Trips Nepal, a cultural and scenic journey through the Helambu region, a Himalayan haven near Kathmandu known for its Buddhist heritage and lush landscapes. This trek explores Tamang and Sherpa villages like Tarkeghyang, home to one of Helambu’s oldest monasteries, and Sermathang, offering a glimpse into traditional mountain life. The trail winds through rhododendron and oak forests, past large Chortens, and up to Tharepati (3,510m) for breathtaking views of Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and Dorje Lakpa. Starting with a drive to Sundarijal, the trek is moderately challenging, ideal for adventurers seeking culture and nature. The journey begins and ends with cultural immersion in Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Swayambhunath and Boudhanath Stupas. Best Trips Nepal ensures expert guides, sustainable practices, and seamless logistics for an unforgettable Himalayan experience.

✓ Discover Tarkeghyang’s ancient monastery, one of Helambu’s oldest, and its vibrant Buddhist culture.
✓ Trek through rhododendron and oak forests, with panoramic views of Langtang and Ganesh Himal from Tharepati.
✓ Explore Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Swayambhunath and Boudhanath Stupas.
✓ Experience the serene Tamang and Sherpa villages of Melamchi Gaun and Kutumsang in the Helambu region.

Itinerary

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu International Airport (1,360m)
Land at Kathmandu International Airport, where a Best Trips Nepal representative greets you with a trek briefing. Transfer to a Thamel hotel to relax and prepare for the adventure. Overnight at a hotel.

Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley (1,360m)
After breakfast, embark on a guided sightseeing tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) with panoramic Kathmandu Valley views, Boudhanath Stupa (the second-largest in the world), and Pashupatinath Temple, a sacred Hindu site. Return to Thamel for a trek briefing. Overnight at a hotel.

Day 03: Drive to Sundarijal (1,460m, 1 hour) and Trek to Chisapani (2,170m, 4 hours)
Drive 1 hour from Kathmandu to Sundarijal, following a path near the water pipeline supplying Kathmandu. Trek 4 hours to Chisapani, ascending to Mulkharka, a large Tamang village, and crossing Borlang Bhanjyang pass through rhododendron and oak forests. Arrive at Chisapani for tremendous Himalayan views. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 04: Trek to Kutumsang (2,470m, 6.5 hours)
Trek 6.5 hours from Chisapani to Kutumsang, walking 3 hours to Chipling via terraced pastures and villages for lunch with Himalayan views. Continue 3 hours uphill through diverse villages to reach Kutumsang (2,446m), a serene settlement in the Helambu region. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 05: Trek to Tharepati (3,510m, 6.5 hours)
Trek 6.5 hours from Kutumsang to Tharepati, descending to the picturesque village of Magin Goth. Ascend Thare Danda ridge for stunning views, where a bumpy track leads toward Gosainkunda. Climb 2 hours to Tharepati village (3,597m), enjoying fine Himalayan panoramas. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 06: Trek to Melamchi Gaun (2,530m, 2.5 hours)
Trek 2.5 hours downhill from Tharepati to Melamchi Gaun, the final community of the Helambu region. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, immersing in the Tamang village’s tranquil atmosphere. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 07: Trek to Tarkeghyang (2,740m, 4 hours)
Trek 4 hours from Melamchi Gaun to Tarkeghyang (2,560m), descending and climbing through villages and forests. Explore Tarkeghyang, an atmospheric stone village centered around a giant Ghyang (monastery), one of Helambu’s oldest. Pass large Chortens and engage with the Buddhist community. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 08: Trek to Sermathang (2,590m, 4 hours)
Trek 4 hours from Tarkeghyang to Sermathang (2,621m), passing through villages and lush jungles. Enjoy the serene landscapes and cultural richness of this Helambu village. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 09: Trek to Melamchi Pul (870m, 5.5 hours)
Trek 5.5 hours downhill from Sermathang to Melamchi Pul Bazaar (846m), descending through scenic trails to the bustling market town. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 10: Drive Back to Kathmandu (1,360m, 5 hours)
Drive 5 hours from Melamchi Pul to Kathmandu by bus, retracing the scenic route. Check into a Thamel hotel and relax. Overnight at a hotel.

Day 11: Leisure Day in Kathmandu (1,360m)
Enjoy a free day in Kathmandu for shopping in Thamel, visiting missed sites like Bhaktapur Durbar Square, or relaxing at a café. Reflect on the Helambu adventure. Overnight at a hotel.

Day 12: Transfer to Airport, Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for your departure, carrying cherished memories of the Helambu Trek’s cultural and scenic wonders.

Included

✓ Permits: All necessary permits for trekking and climbing.
✓ Base Camp and Camps: Full logistics and setup at base camp and higher camps.
✓ Trekking Guides: Experienced and certified professional trekking guides.

Excluded

✗ International Flights: Flights to and from Nepal
✗ Personal Gear: Personal climbing equipment (e.g., boots, clothing, gloves)
✗ Personal Expenses: Restaurant bills, souveiners and etc.

Trip Organization

Best Trips Nepal has been a premier adventure travel company based in Kathmandu, dedicated to delivering sustainable and authentic experiences. Specializing in cultural treks like the Helambu Trek, we guide adventurers through Nepal’s pristine landscapes and vibrant communities. Our experienced guides, eco-friendly practices, and commitment to local communities ensure meaningful journeys that leave only footprints behind. Join Best Trips Nepal to discover the cultural and natural treasures of the Helambu region.

FAQs

1. Is the Helambu Trek suitable for beginners?: This trek is moderate, ideal for beginners with basic fitness, due to altitudes up to 3,510m and daily treks of 4-6.5 hours. Best Trips Nepal provides experienced guides for support.

2. When is the best time for this trek?: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer clear skies, mild weather, and vibrant rhododendron blooms. Monsoon (June-August) is less ideal due to rain and slippery trails.

3. What permits are required for this trek?: A Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park Permit (NRs 1,000) and a Langtang National Park Permit (NRs 3,000) are required, arranged by Best Trips Nepal.