Region: |
Helambu |
Max-Altitude: |
3,650m/11,972ft |
Duration: |
9 Days |
Trek Grade: |
Easy |
Transportation: |
Bus, Jeep, Van |
Best Season: |
October to May |
Trekking Style: |
Tea House |
Group Size: |
Min 2 to Max 12Pax |
The Helambu trek is a perfect short trek located near Kathmandu Valley.
The trip starts with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Chauki Bhanjyang.
Helambu provides an instant Himalayan trek for those with limited time.
This trek is an easy and enjoyable trip conducted at the average altitude of 3650m/11972ft.
The trek takes you through Thadepati to Tarke Gyang, where a choice of trails opens up.
After Tarke Ghyang we go along the south ridge through Sermathang, down to the river
at Melamchi, the site of a mega project to bring drinking water to Kathmandu.
The trek concludes with a drive down to Kathmandu via Panchkhal, Dhulikhel and Bhaktapur.
Helambu Trek Itinerary
DAY 1 - Welcome to Kathmandu!
Altitude: 1,350m/4,428ft
Welcome to Kathmandu, the capital and cultural hub of Nepal! We'll be waiting with a warm greeting and easy transfer to your hotel.
DAY 2 - Kathmandu Sightseeing Tours
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. You 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.
DAY 3 - Kathmandu to Chisopani
Altitude: 2300m/7544 ft: Drive 1 hour, Trek: 4 hours
To start our first day trek we drive from Kathmandu to Chouki Bhanjyang and trek to Chisapani. The trail leads through the national park, villages and terraces.
DAY 4 - Chisopani to Kutumsang
Altitude: 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.
DAY 5 - Kutumsang to Thadepati
Altitude: 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.
DAY 6 - Thadepati to Tarkeghyang
Altitude: 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 you 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.
DAY 7 - Tarkeghyang to Sermathang
Altitude: 2,610m/8,563ft: 3/4 hours
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.
DAY 8 - Sermathang to Kathmandu
5-6 hours drive
Today is our final day of the trek, we walk down to Kakani. The village is mostly inhabited by the Sherpa, but there are also people of other ethnicities. From Kakani, 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.
DAY 9 - Kathmandu: Departure Day
A company representative will pick you up from you hotel and drop you off at the airport 3 hours before our scheduled flight.
What is Included?
All airport transfers from arrival to departure
Teahouse accommodation and three meals a day while trekking
Private, round-trip transportation by Jeep between Ktm Chauki and Sermathang
All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS)
An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek guide
Necessary porters to carry all personal gear and group equipment(2 trekkers: 1 porter)
Respective region (Helambu) trekking map
Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, transportation, food and accommodation
All government and local taxes
Farewell Dinner
What is Not Included?
Nepal entry Visa fees
Your travel insurance (compulsory)
International airfare and airport tax
Hotels in Kathmandu or Pokhara (if you need this service we are happy to help you booking
your hotels as per your requirements.)
Trekking equipments
Tips for trekking staff
Items of personal expenses like hot shower, battery charge, telephone, beverage drinks, desserts, laundry etc.
Any other expenses which are not mentioned on the service included section.
Travel Insurance
Proof of travel insurance is mandatory before starting the trek. Standard policies often only cover medical evacuation to 4000m so make sure the policy you get covers up to 6000m. We usually suggest World Nomads which costs around $125. You only need to be covered on the policy for the days you will actually be trekking.
Extra Costs and Exclusions
Nepal multiple entry visa 30 days ($50 USD).
Sleeping Bag Rental $12 and Down Jacket $12 if needed.
All the meals are included on the trek but we only include breakfast while you are in Pokhara.
We suggest a tip for the guide and porter after the trek - Plan on a at least $80 (more will be appreciated).
We don't include drinking water on the trek which you can buy a number of places for between $1 and $3 a bottle (it gets more expensive towards base camp). A better solution is to buy water tablets in Kathmandu for around $2 and treat the water (your guide can help you find the good places to fill your water bottle).
The other things not included on the trek are like Wifi, charging batteries and hot showers. Wifi is available in some tea houses for $3 to $5 an hour. Hot Showers are also available in a few for around $4 and charging costs about $1.50 an hour.
Unforeseen cost due to flight cancellation, weather conditions etc. You are responsible for extra hotel nights ($30/night) and meals in Kathmandu for any extra days in Nepal due to flight delays.
Solo Travelers
We generally don't charge solo travelers any extra fees. Solo travelers can expect their own hotel room in Kathmandu but will need to share a room with other group members during the trek. If availability allows we will arrange private rooms on the trek as well upon request.
If you are a solo travelers and planning and not joining one of our
group treks you will be charged an extra $20 a day for a porter.
Cancellation Policies
We understand things happen and plans change and will refund your fund minus
a 25% cancelation fee. If your travel dates change we can
generally reschedule you at no extra charge, but please provide at least
7 days advance notice.
Equipment list
Head
* Sun hat or scarf
* Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
* Sunglasses
* Head torch
Upper Body
* Cotton t-shirts or thermals
* Fleece jacket
* Waterproof jacket
Down jacket
Lower Body
* Lightweight cotton pants (long)
* Waterproof pants
Feet
* Thin inner socks
* Thick, warm wool hiking socks
* Comfortable hiking boots
Hands
* Gloves
Accessories
* Sleeping bag rated to 0°C
* Trekking bag/duffel bag
* Large plastic bags (for keeping items dry inside trek bag)
* Trekking poles (optional, recommended)
* Water bottle or camel bag
* Toiletries