Helambu short trek can be accomplished within 5 to 7 days timebound from Kathmandu. You can start this trekking from Melamchi Bazar (about 60 Km from Kathmandu) or Sundarijal( 26 Km from Kathmandu).
We can also say the Helambu trek is the best short trek as it goes in the Langtang Himalayas. It’s one of the nearest mountain trekking trips from Kathmandu valley. Although it is closer to the capital city and the route is rich in nature and culture, it’s unpopular than Annapurna.
Besides the Hyalmo culture of Langtang people, the mix integrants of green Rhododendron and Bamboo forests, waterfalls, and the snow-capped Himalayas make the trek lifetime memorable. Spectacular views of the Langtang Himalayas and Hyolmo culture make this trip worthful.
Located northeast of Kathmandu, the valley offers pine forest, slow-moving rivers and swift mountain streams, rugged rock and snow-capped peaks, grassy downs, and meadows strewn with daisies and wild primulas.
During the Helambu trail, you can see stunning views of Langtang, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Rolwaling, and Gauri Shankar. This trek is comparatively easier for beginners trekkers as the elevations are lower which ranges between 800m and 3600m.
The highest point of this trek is Tharepati Pass(3,650m) from where travelers can see a glimpse of Dorje Lakpa, Langsisa, Gauri Shankar, and many more snow-capped mountains. So for the beginners trekking in Nepal, this short hike can be best.
The beautiful short trek, Helambu, starts just 1-hour drive from Kathmandu to the Shivapuri National Park. This is a relatively less busy trekking route which is finished by passing through temperate forests, green valleys, Buddhist monasteries, and Tamang and Sherpa villages.
Other similar treks that you can include to extend the trip are; Helambu trek with Gosaikunda Pass or even adding Langtang Valley trek.
Why you love Helambu Trek?
- Nice views of the Trans Himalaya.
- Culture of Sherpa and Tamang
- Amazing mountain views from Tharepati.
- A short trip from Kathmandu
475 per person
See Group Discount| No. of people | Price P.P |
| 1 – 1 | US$ 475 |
| 2 – 6 | US$ 450 |
| 6 + | US$ 420 |
Jayaram Thapaliya6 Days Helambu Trek Itinerary
| DAYS | ITINERARY | ALTITUDE(Meter/ft) | TIME |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Kathmandu to Sundarijal (Drive) and trek to Chisapani | 2300m/7544 ft | 1-hour drive and 4 hrs trek |
| Day 2 | Chisapani to Kutumsang | 3650m/11972ft | 7 hr |
| Day 3 | Kutumsang to Thadepati | 3650m/11972ft | 6 hr |
| Day 4 | Thadepati to Tarke Gyang | 2560m/8397ft | 6 hr |
| Day 5 | Trek to Sermathang | 2,610m/8,563ft | 3 to 4hr |
| Day 6 | Sermathang to Melamchi Pul Bazar (846m) and drive to Kathmandu | 1,300m/4,264 ft | 3/4 hrs trek/ 2 hr drive |
Detailed Day Wise Itinerary
Day 1:Drive to Sundarijal and Trek to Chisopani
- Driving time- 1 hour
- Duration – 5 hours
- Altitude- 2300m/7544 ft
- Major attractions of the day- Rhododendron Forest, panoramic Himalayan views, and Waterfalls.
15km drive from Kathmandu to the northern side you’ll reach trekking starting point Sundarijal. On arrival there, you can also visit Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve.
From Sundarijal, the trail heads up to the concrete steps beside the pipeline which supply drinking water for the Kathmandu valley. The first settlement that we get today is Mulkharka ( a village inhabited by the Tamang people). Then we’ll walk along the ridge through a forest of oaks and Rhododendron( Shivapuri National Park) to Chisopani.
Overnight at Chisapani-Hotel
Day 2: Chisopani to Kutumsang
- Altitude : 2446m/8022ft
- Duration – 6 hours
After breakfast, today you’ll trek along with the picturesque village Shigane, capturing the beautiful view of the highest peak, Mt. Everest, Numbur Himal, the Rhododendron forest, and visit the local monastery. Upon arrival at Jhapre, overnight stay at Jhapre.
Day 3: Kutumsang to Thadepati
- Duration – 6 hour
- Altitude – 3650m/11972ft
- Major attractions of the day- Langtang Himalayas, Meadows.
Following a ridgeline, the trail continues to the Yurin Danda. Yurin Danda is a viewpoint of the day from where you can see the view of the Himalayas.
Some hour ascending from Yurin Danda, you’ll reach Tharepati. Overnight at Lodge of Tharepati.
Day 4: Tharepati to Tarke Gyang
- Duration- 7 hours
- Altitude- 2743m
- Highlights of the day: Sherpa Village, Monasteries, and Melamchi Gaun
By turning east from the spot, we move down to the Malemchigaon (Sherpa village ). There you’ll see old and artistic Gompas.
Descending from Malemchigaon, you’ll reach Malenchi Khola. Some hours climb from Malenchi Khola, you’ll reach Tarke Gyang.
Tarkey Gyang is the largest village in the Helambu area. Overnight at Tarke Gyang.
Day 5: Tarke Gyang to Sermathang
- Duration – 4/5 hours
- Altitude- 2160m
- Highlights – Melamchi Pul Bazar
If we compare Tharepati to Tarke Gyang, it’s an easy trek today. The trail makes a curve around to the wide valley and ends between Parachin and the Sherpa village of Gangyul.
At Sermathang, we will explore the village as well as the Buddhist monastery at the top of the village. Overnight at lodge in Sermathang
Day 6: Sermathang to Melamchi Pul Bazar (846m) and drive to Kathmandu
- Duration – 4/5 hours
- Altitude- 2160m
- Highlights – Melamchi Pul Bazar
Today is the 6th day and this is the last of this trip. After 3 to 4 hours down from Sermathang, we’ll be in Melamchi Pul Bazaar. The Melamchi Pul Bazaar is a small village which is inhabited by the Sherpa people.
From the Bazaar, we catch a bus to Kathmandu. To celebrate the successful completion of the Helambu trip, we will have a farewell dinner. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Cost Includes:
- Airport Pick Up and Drop off x 2 (arrival/ departure)
- Kathmandu to Chisopani by private jeep
- Melamchi to Kathmandu by private jeep
- Local Trekking Guide for 6 days
- 1 Porter for 6 days( 2 guest equal to 1 porter)
- 2 nights accommodation in Kathmandu
- 5 nights accommodation in mountain teahouses
- 5 x breakfast, 6 x lunch, and 5 x dinner while on the trek
- Staff insurance and necessary ground transport for support staff
Cost Excludes
- All types of Drinks
- Nepal Visa Fee.
- All Personal Nature Expenses
- Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu.
- Trekking gear for trekking
- All other things which are not mentioned in Includes.
Q. What types of permits do we need for a trek to HELAMBU?
You should have Shivapuri National Park Permit and TIMS.
Q. When is the best time to visit HELAMBU?
The best time to visit Helambu is spring (March to June) and autumn (September to December).
Q. Do I need prior experience or physical exercise before a trip?
No need. It’s easy to explore the Helambu area. So no need to have physical exercise before a trip. But if you do more physical exercise such as some hours jogging in the day can make comfort while trekking. Many people reviewed this trek as an easy short trek.