Trip Highlights
- Sightseeing around local markets and streets in Kathmandu (Thamel)
- Explore the region untouched by modernity
- Explore the beautiful green forest of rhododendron, pine, and green meadows.
- Fantastic views of mountains like Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung, Gaurishankar, Jugal Himal, Gang Chhenpo, and many more.
- Vist mold monasteries, stupas, and shrines to know about Buddhist culture.
- Visit the locality of Tamang, Sherpa, and Hyolmo ethnic groups and learn about their daily lifestyle, culture. and tradition.
- Mountain view, waterfall, streams, river, monasteries, lush green forest. unique and beautiful village settlements
Helambu Trek Overview
Helambu trek is a customized trek that starts from Melamchi Bazar at a suitable price range. this trek is the short and easiest trek which is located the north of Kathmandu. Helambu is mostly famous for things like Buddhist monasteries, sweet apples, Tamang, and Hyolmo culture so this trek is mostly suitable for those who want to explore the typical Hyolmo culture of Nepal. The word Helambu is derived from the word Hyolmo. This village is the home to the Hyolmo people who has their own distinct tradition, culture, and lifestyle.
The trek starts from Sundarijal and passes Chisopani, Hyolmo, Kutumsang, Mangegoth, Tharepati, Melamchigaun Nakote and Hyolmo, Tarkegyang. Upon reaching Tarkegyang, you will have two options, one to follow the walking trail for Sermathang and another one is to drive to Kiultapkakharka. both the route takes you to Melamchi from where you will ride back to Kathmandu.
This short trek allows you to witness the Buddhist culture and incredible landscapes and stunning views of mountains like Gauri Shankar, Langtang, and Ganesh Himal. Apart from that, you will observe lush green forests of rhododendron and pine, green meadow, Shivapuri National park, waterfall, rivers, and a beautiful community of Tamang, sherpa, and Hyolmo ethnic groups.
Why choose Helambu for 9 days of trekking in Nepal?
Helambu 9 days trek begins from an hour's drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal, which has a little dam and hydroelectric station. The trekking trails pass through thick mountain forests, beautiful paddy fields, and different Buddhist monasteries. Helambu trek can be one of the most remarkable treks for any trekker. Your heart will hurdle with the stunning view of the Langtang ranges. People living in this locality can motivate you with the simplicity of their daily lifestyle and their tradition and culture will have a positive effect on you. This trek is one of the easiest and closest Himalayan treks from Kathmandu.
Helambu is outstanding among the best trekking goals for any sort of trekker. Helambu is renowned for sweet delicious apples and Buddhist pilgrim sites which are add-on points of this trek. Some of the other attractions of this trek are the snow-capped mountains like Gang Chhenpo, Jugal Himal, Nayagang Himal, Dorje Lakpa, Ganesh Himal, and Langtang Lirung. Relish every moment of this Helambu trekking in Nepal with full-fledged accommodation and food facilities.
Trip Outline
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel
Day 02: Full-day sightseeing in Kathmandu valley
Day 03: Drive to Melamchi Bazaar and trek to Kakani
Day 04: Kakani to Gangjawal
Day 05: Gangjawal to Melamchi Gaon
Day 06: Melamchi Gaon to Mangengoth
Day 07: Mangengoth to Chisapani
Day 08: Chisapani to Sundarijal and drive to Kathmandu
Day 09: Fly back to your country or extension of your trip
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel
On the day of your arrival in Kathmandu, our company representative will be there to pick you up and drop at your Kathmandu hotel. You will be accommodated in 3 to 4 starred hotels (or similar) upon your stay in Kathmandu. If you arrive early, you can explore around and enjoy the sightseeing of local markets, shops and fares.
Day 02: Full-day sightseeing in Kathmandu valley
Today, after breakfast, you will start the sightseeing tour of the day. You will go through places like Pashupatinath temple (one of the greatest Hindu pilgrimage sites in the world), Swayambhu stupa (commonly known as Monkey temple and one of the largest Stupas in South Asia for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims). You will have lunch in nearby hotel/restaurant while touring, and have dinner at Kathmandu hotel. Stay overnight at 3 to 4 starred hotel (or similar).
Day 03: Drive to Melamchi Bazaar and trek to Kakani
Today, you will have a road drive from Kathmandu to Melamchi and then hike towards Kakani. It will take around 3 hours to reach Melamchi via the busy road of Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you will trek for around 3 hours to reach Kakani. En-route, enjoy the busy road of Kathmandu as well as the country-side environment. Upon arrival at Kakani, you can explore the area or simply rest in the hotel/lodge/tea house and enjoy the interaction with local people. Stay overnight at Kakani.
Early morning after having your breakfast at a tea house in Kakani, you will be prepared to start your long day hiking uphill to Gangjawal via crossing the Sherpa villages Sermathang. We immerse ourselves in the local culture, taking time out to meet the people of the area and understand their lifestyle and customs. After lunch at Sermathang, we will be heading towards Gangjawal Villages. It will take around 4 to 5 hours to complete the hiking distance of the day.
Day 05: Gangjawal to Melamchi Gaon
Today, you will be starting your trek from Gangjawal to Melamchi Gaon which will take around 3 to 4 hours to complete. Strolling through the forest of rhododendron, passages of temples and monasteries, you will reach Tarke Gyang valley (2620 meters - largest village area in Helambu region). Following the trail through Sherpa villages carved with stone and mud houses, you will finally reach Melamchi gaon, which is at an altitude of 2530 meters. Stay overnight at well-facilitated lodges in Melamchi gaon.
Day 06: Melamchi Gaon to Mangengoth
Today, most of the time, you will have an up-hill climb till Tharepati, and then the path inclines with down-hill and straight pathways till Mangengoth. On the trail, you will cross the forests of rhododendron, fir, and oak witnessing the high massif of Langtang. It will take about 3 to 4 hours to reach Tharepati. Upon arrival at Tharepati top, you will have lunch and continue the walk. It will take about an hour or two to reach Mangengoth. Stay overnight at lodge in Mangengoth.
Day 07: Mangengoth to Chisapani
Crossing the villages like Kutumsang, Golphu Bhanjyang, Chippling, and Thankune Bhanjyang, you will reach Chisapani from Mangengoth. It will take around 3 to 4 hours to complete the distance of the day. The major attractions of the day remain tamang and Gurung villages, monasteries, gompas, stone-paved ways, and forest of rhododendron, oak, and fir. Stay ovenight at local yet well-accommodated lodge in Chisapani.
Day 08: Chisapani to Sundarijal and drive to Kathmandu
After having a breakfast at Chisapani lodge, you will start the downhill walk towards Sundarijal. It will take around 4 to 5 hours to complete the distance of the day. En-route, you will cross several villages with paddy and wheat farms/fields, stone-paved ways and stone-crafted houses. Crossing Shivapuri National Park arena is another major allure of the day. You will also observe the huge and long-length drinking water pipelines from which water is supplied in Kathmandu valley.
From Sundarijal, you will have a road drive till your hotel at Kathmandu. The distance is around 15 kilometers and it will take about 2 hours to reach the hotel (depending upon the traffic situation in Kathmandu). Stay ovenight at Kathmandu hotel with exotic farewell dinner and cultural programme from company’s side.
Day 09: Fly back to your country or extension of your trip
Today, you will fly from Kathmandu to your native country. Our company representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer to the airport as per your flight time. Then, you can catch the flight and fly-on to your country with goodbye.
Alternatively, you can join another treks or tours in Nepal and continue your venture in Nepal.
What's included?
- Airport transfer services to and from the airport on your arrival and departure day
- Accommodation in 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Permit for Shivapuri National park
- All necessary road transportation in a private vehicle as per the itinerary
- Trekking Map
- Pre-briefing about the trek a day before trekking
- Delicious and hygienic organic welfare dinner at the end of the trek in Kathmandu by the company
- Full Board (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner) service during the trek
- Accommodation in local teahouses/lodges during trekking
- Company’s experienced licensed holder guide and porters as per your group size
- Essential and basic medical first aid kit box (which is carried by your team)
- Foods, accommodations, and local tax for guides & porters
What's not included?
- Your travel insurance (Travel insurance is compulsory to take an adventure trip and it must be covered both medical & emergency evacuation with the worth of USD100, 000.00 minimum) and personal medical insurance
- Nepal entry visa fees
- Any kind of drinks (tea, coffee, water, hot water, etc) and bar bills (alcoholic beverages)
- Hot shower, WIFI, any electronic battery charges, or any kind of personal expenses during the trekking
- Tips and gratitude to your guides, porters, drivers, or any staff
- Any extra accommodation or meals will not be included in Kathmandu in case of extra stay than the scheduled itinerary
Essential Information
FAQ for Helambu trek
What is the accommodation for the Helambu trek?
You will be staying in tea houses or lodges during the trek on room sharing basis (twin-sharing). Every room has a twin bed with basic facilities. You can also get a single room on your demand but it might cost you a bit more. Most tea houses or lodges provide a hot shower with an extra charge for using the hot shower.
What food is available during this Helambu trek?
You will get almost every food during this trek but it also depends upon the place where you are staying. Normally, all the lodges provide basic Nepalese foods apart from that some hotels and lodges also provide western food.
What is the best season for this Helambu trek?
Mostly spring and autumn are considered the best seasons for trekking. During these seasons, the weather is favorable and due to clear sky, you will get the perfect view of the mountains and surroundings.
Which mountains are seen during this helambu 9 days trek?
The mountains that are seen during this are Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung, Gaurishankar, Jugal Himal, Gang Chhenpo, and many more.
I saw long pipelines in Sundarijal. Does that water really come to Kathmandu?
Indeed. The water goes to different water stations in Kathmandu and then it is supplied to houses through pipelines.