HELAMBU TREK
HELAMBU TREK
Helambu Trek is a popular and scenic trekking route located in the Langtang region of Nepal. This trek offers a unique cultural experience, breathtaking mountain views, and a chance to explore the beautiful landscapes of the Helambu region.
The trek begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal, which is the starting point of the trek. From there, you will embark on a journey through lush forests, terraced fields, and traditional villages. The trail takes you through the Langtang National Park, where you can spot various species of flora and fauna, including the endangered red panda.
One of the highlights of the Helambu Trek is the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture. The region is predominantly inhabited by Sherpa and Tamang communities, known for their warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage. You will have the chance to visit monasteries, interact with the locals, and witness traditional ceremonies and festivals.
The trek also offers stunning mountain views, including the Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, and Gaurishankar peaks. The panoramic views of the Himalayas from the high passes are truly awe-inspiring and will leave you mesmerized.
The Helambu Trek is a moderate trek, suitable for beginners and experienced trekkers alike. The trail is well-marked and passes through charming villages like Melamchi Gaon, Tarkeghyang, and Sermathang. These villages offer comfortable tea houses and lodges for accommodation, where you can rest and rejuvenate after a day of trekking.
The best time to embark on the Helambu Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear. However, the trek can be done throughout the year, including the winter months.
In conclusion, the Helambu Trek is a perfect choice for those seeking a short and culturally rich trekking experience in Nepal. With its stunning mountain views, cultural immersion, and moderate difficulty level, this trek is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.
ITINERARY
Day 1 : Arrival at Kathmandu transfer to hotel.
Upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport, you will be met by Sherpa Expedition and Trekking staff and transported to your hotel, followed by a short briefing concerning your trek.
Day 2 : Drive to Sundarijal & trek to Chisapani (2,175m/7,136ft) Duration: 6-7 hours.
We will arrive at Sundarijal by car, about an hour’s drive. We begin our four to five hour trek and first enter the Shivapuri Wildlife Protected Area. The first 3 to 4 hours is fairly hard going uphill and then drops for the last hour or two before reaching Chisapani where we can sit and admire the sunset over the mountains and valley. We will stay the night here.
Day 3 : Trek from Chisapani to Kutumsang (2,470m/ 8104ft) Duration: 5-6 hours.
The trek today takes about five to six hours and is mostly uphill. Today we have our first glimpse of several mountain ranges such as Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung and Dorjelakpa. The trail initially drops to Pati Bhanjyang then ascends fo about two hours and finally descends to the Tamang village of Gulbhyang. After another one and a half hours we reach Kutumsang where we stay for the night.
Day 4 : Trek from Kutumsang to Thare Pati (3,600m/11,811ft) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Ahead of us today is a four to five-hour trek and reaches as high as 3800m. From Thadepati you will have some incredible views and see both sides of Gosainkunda and Helambu. The trail takes you through rhododendron forests that are particularly beautiful when in full bloom during spring. The rhododendron is Nepal’s national flower. After arriving at today’s destination you can sit back and take in the peaceful mountain views.
Day 5 : Trek from Thadepati to Tarkeghyang (2,531m/8,304ft) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Today we will follow the trail for about five to six hours, firstly descending to Melamchi Gaun Village. This is a Sherpa village where will most likely stop for lunch and take a walk around the village, especially a visit to their monastery. After leaving here we descend and cross Melamchi Khola then climb up to Tarkeghyang where we will stay the night.
Day 6 : Trek from Tarkeghyang to Kakani (2,073m/6.81ft) Duration: 6-7 hours.
The trail today is less physically demanding and soon reaches Sermathang Village. The trail takes us through some forested areas before reaching Sermathang where we will stop for lunch. After lunch, we head downhill until we reach Kakani where we will stay the night.
Day 7 : Trek from Kakani to Melamchi then drive back to Kathmandu; Duration: 6-7 hours.
We have a short trek of around two hours today before we reach Melamchi where we will take a four hour bus trip back to Kathmandu. After your arrival in Kathmandu we will drop you back at your hotel. In the evening a representative from Sherpa Expedition and Trekking will come to your hotel.
Day 8 : Transfer to International Airport
Today your adventure ends and you depart Nepal with fond memories and many photos of spectacular scenes from your trek to this amazing out of the way Langtang region of the Himalayas. A representative from Sherpa Expedition and Trekking will take you to the airport, approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in this mountainous wonderful – Nepal.
SERVICES
Costs Included In Your Package
- Airport picks up and transports by private Car/Jeep.
- Two Night's hotel accommodation In Kathmandu with breakfast (3 star Hotel)
- Transportation from Kathmandu to Sundarijal and from Melamchi to Kathmandu via private car/Jeep
- All standard meals (lunch, dinners & breakfast) during the trek.
- Best possible teahouses, lodge accommodation (generally twin share rooms)- during the trek
- Government licensed holder English speaking trek leader (10 or more trekkers an assistant guide) and porter to help carry your luggage.
- Strong, helpful Sherpa porters with proper safety equipment and walking equipment, his salary, food, accommodation, and insurance (one porter for two people).
- Guides and porters provided by Sherpa Trekking & Expeditions, including their meals, insurance, salary, lodging, transportation, and other necessary equipment
- All the required permits and paper works( Shivapuri Nagarjun National park permit, TIMS etc)
- All government, local taxes, and official expenses
- Assistance in arranging rescue operations in case of complicated health conditions such as altitude sickness (funded by travel insurance)
- Souvenir - Sherpa Trekking & Expeditions t-shirt
- Use of sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, and walking poles (if you don’t have your own, to be returned after the trip is completed).
- Sherpa Expedition and Trekking’s certificate of appreciation & completion after the successful trek
- Oxygen meter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms) which will ensure your health during the trek.
Costs Exclude
- International airfares
- Nepal entry visa fee (easy to obtain the visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport – Kathmandu). $30 USD for 15-day, $50 USD for 30 Days, and $125 USD for 90 Days visa.
- Extra night’s accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival or late departure or early return from the trek.
- All the alcoholic and nonalcoholic, soup, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cocoa, mineral water, extra food, cold and hot drinks on trek ( i.e. those you choose to purchase along the way and during evenings in the tea houses)
- All desserts & sweet things like chocolate, cake, pie, pudding.
- Hot shower and battery charging at the tea houses.
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Personal clothing and gear
- Travel insurance which has to cover emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation (compulsory)
- Tips for guide and porters (recommended in our culture – and well deserved too!)
- Additional costs or delays caused by events beyond our control, for example, landslides, severe weather conditions, itinerary modification due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policies & strikes.
- All the costs and expenses which are not listed in "costs include" will be counted as exclusions.
EQUIPMENTS
The following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek. It is important you do not forget the essential items, as this will determine your comfort and safety on the trek. Equally important is that you do not burden yourself with unnecessary equipment on the trek.
- Sleeping Bag (Sherpa Teams will provide but need to return after completing the trip)
- Duffel Bag (Sherpa Teams will provide but need to return after completing the trip)
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Waterproof windbreaker or windcheater
- Thermal underclothes
- Rain poncho
- Down jacket (Sherpa Teams will provide but need to return after completing the trip)
- Fleece or wool trousers
- Sun hat or scarf
- Trekking pants (two pairs)
- Mittens or woolen gloves
- Hiking socks (several pairs)
- Moisture-wicking shirts, including t-shirts
- Trekking shoes or boots with spare laces
- Flip-flops or sandals for relaxing in the evenings
- Underwear (several pairs)
- Swimsuit or swimming costume
- Sunglasses
- Headlamp or flashlight/torch
- Sleeping bag (Sherpa Teams can provide this for you)
- Trekking poles (if desired)
- Hiking backpack with a capacity of at least 40 liters
- Small lock for your backpack
- Reusable water bottles (at least two liters)
- Water purification tablets or filtration device
- Wash towel
- Basic first aid kit
Toiletries (tissues, toilet paper, moisturizer, lip balm, sunscreen, sanitary pads, hand sanitizer, nail clippers, a small mirror, toothbrush, toothpaste, glasses, contacts, etc.)
GOOD TO KNOW
Accommodation
You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu. During the trek, we will be staying at lodges/ teahouses. You may find comfortable and better quality teahouses - having attached bathroom at lower levels- until you reach higher elevations, where the accommodation is more basic with bare necessities.
Meals during the trek
In Kathmandu, your hotel includes breakfast, whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided during the trek. A staple food of the Langtang regions is potatoes, oats, buckwheat, Sherpa stew, and Tibetan bread. Sherpa’s’ started farming potatoes when the first seeds were introduced to the region in the early 90s. There is a limited choice of food at higher elevations and except many potato dishes. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates – an excellent source of energy needed at high altitudes.
Transportation
We use a private car for sightseeing and for the airport to hotel pick and drop off. We use public transportation or local buses during the trek.
Physical fitness
This can be an easy trek where you often have to walk 5-6 hours a day. You don’t need past experience of hiking or trekking but if you have done any kind of trekking activities then it is always a plus! We have met people from all walks of life, shapes, and sizes who have completed the trek. The only difficult part is when altitude sickness strikes and the effect that it can have on your body. Before leaving for Nepal it is good if you can prepare yourself physically by increasing your stamina and oxygen intake.
Remember – The better prepared – the more enjoyable your trek!
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FAQS
How long is the Helambu Trek?
The Helambu Trek is a relatively short trek, typically taking around 6-7 days to complete. The total distance covered is approximately 70-80 kilometers, depending on the specific route and side trips.
What is the difficulty level of the Helambu Trek?
The Helambu Trek is considered a moderate trek, suitable for beginners and experienced trekkers alike. The trail involves some uphill and downhill sections, as well as occasional steep ascents and descents. However, it does not require any technical climbing skills.
Is prior trekking experience necessary for the Helambu Trek?
While prior trekking experience is not necessary, it is recommended to have a basic level of fitness and stamina. Regular exercise and some pre-trek training can greatly enhance your trekking experience.
What is the best time to do the Helambu Trek?
The best time to do the Helambu Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these months, the weather is generally pleasant, with clear skies and moderate temperatures. However, the trek can be done throughout the year, including the winter months, although the weather may be colder and there is a chance of snowfall in higher elevations.
What permits are required for the Helambu Trek?
For the Helambu Trek, you will need to obtain the Langtang National Park Entry Permit, which can be obtained in Kathmandu or at the park entrance. Additionally, you may need a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card, depending on the regulations at the time of your trek.
What kind of accommodation can I expect during the trek?
Along the Helambu Trek, there are several tea houses and lodges available for accommodation. These provide basic facilities such as a bed, blankets, and meals. However, it is advisable to carry a sleeping bag and your own personal toiletries.
Is it possible to hire a guide and porter for the Helambu Trek?
Yes, hiring a guide and porter is optional but highly recommended, especially if you are new to trekking or prefer the convenience of having someone else handle logistics and carry your heavy backpack.
Are there any altitude-related risks on the Helambu Trek?
The maximum altitude reached on the Helambu Trek is around 3,800 meters at Tsergo Ri. While this is not considered high altitude, it is still important to acclimatize properly and be aware of symptoms of altitude sickness. It is recommended to ascend gradually and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Latest Traveller’s Reviews
Travel experiences of our clients who recently returned from their trips.
100%
Based On 22 Reviews
Lewana Sentz
Canada
September 12, 2024
Top-Quality Helambu Trek
Sherpa Expedition provided a top-quality experience on our Helambu Trek. Their team’s professionalism and dedication were evident throughout the journey. The guide’s expertise and engaging storytelling made the trek both educational and enjoyable. The porters were diligent and courteous, making sure our gear was well-handled and our needs met. Sherpa Expedition’s excellent organization and focus on customer care ensured a smooth and fulfilling trek. If you’re seeking a reliable and skilled team for the Helambu Trek, Sherpa Expedition offers an exceptional service that you won’t forget.
Geri Elizabeth
Netherlands
August 2, 2024
Memorable Helambu Trek
Our Helambu Trek with Sherpa Expedition was a memorable adventure, thanks to their expert team. The guides were knowledgeable and friendly, making sure we had everything we needed for a successful trek. Their insights into the local culture and environment greatly enriched our experience. The porters were efficient and always willing to help, ensuring our comfort throughout. Sherpa Expedition’s commitment to quality service and their thorough planning made the trek smooth and enjoyable. For an exceptional trekking experience in Helambu, Sherpa Expedition is a top choice.
Janek Mierzejewski
Denmark
July 18, 2024
Outstanding Helambu Trek
Our Helambu Trek with Sherpa Expedition was outstanding thanks to their exceptional team. Their meticulous planning and execution ensured a smooth and enjoyable trek. The guides were not only expert navigators but also enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge of the local culture and environment. The porters were efficient and attentive, taking great care of our belongings. Sherpa Expedition’s focus on customer satisfaction and their well-organized approach made the trek a memorable adventure. If you’re considering the Helambu Trek, Sherpa Expedition will provide an excellent experience.
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