Trip Duration 06 Days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu)
Trekking destination Thadepati (3,650m)
Trip Grade Medium
Activities Trekking
Best Seasons March to May and Mid September to December
Transportation Private vehicle
The Helambu Trek is very popular amongst those looking to get off the beaten path and combine breathtaking scenery, culture and tradition all on the same amazing trail. After immersing ourselves in the hustle, bustle, vibrancy and action of Kathmandu, we will head to the land of the Sherpas and Tamangs, visiting some very remote mountain communities scattered on both sides of the Malemchi Khola. Along our route we meet the villages of Shermathand, Tarkeghyand, Milamchigaum and Kutumsang and gain an insight to the traditional life and culture of the residents. Coupled with breathtaking panoramic mountain views, this trek really gives you the sense of being away from it all, enjoying the serenity of the Himalaya.
The duration of the trek and altitude reached makes for an ideal way to truly get an authentic Himalayan experience, without the intensity of other treks available. The Helambu Trek offers the option to get in touch with the ‘real Nepal’, authentic agricultural villages surrounded by green terraced hills, the awe inspiring landscapes will no doubt grab your hearts. A land of intrigue and mystique, of yaks and yetis, and of the greatest mountain range in the world, the mighty Himalaya, Nepal is a country that will inspire and enchant! There is another side to Nepal though aside from the sheer beauty of the landscape: the people and this trek really offers you the chance to meet them and experience their beautiful, warm and hospitable nature discovering for yourself the meaning of NEPAL: Never Ending Peace and Love.
Fresh mountain air, vast landscapes
Experience traditional Tamang and Sherpa culture
The UNESCO Kathmandu Valley and Temples
Fly amongst giants in a spectacular Mt. Everest scenic flight
An authentic insight to Himalayan life
Head straight to the hills – trail head is only a 1 hour drive from Kathmandu
A fully supported and well-organised expedition
Part of The Great Himalaya Trail
Drive to Sundarijal (1 hour) & trek to Chisapani (2,300m)
Climb through subtropical jungle to a panorama of the world’s highest mountains
Today, we make an hour’s drive to Sundarijal (1,350m), the starting point of our trek. On arrival we will walk along the ridge through a forest of oaks and a splendid array of rhododendrons to Chisopani. Leaving the hustle and cacophony of Kathmandu behind, we now find ourselves in a different world entirely, seeing another side of Nepal. Here, you’ll experience your first taste of the tranquility, remoteness and splendour of the mountains. The trail offers an exciting view of the central Himalaya range including Everest, Gaurishanker, Annapurna, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal. Simply Breathtaking.
Chisopani to Kutumsang (2,446m)
Traverse lush terraced hillsides experiencing traditional Tamang culture
After taking our morning breakfast, we continue our journey to Kutumsang. Our trek starts with a descent, crossing postcard-perfect meadows and fields. Enjoy the magnificent views of the Langtang mountains. We have a beautiful walk along a high ridge which offers spectacular panoramic views of both sides of the valley before continuing our descent on a trail taking us to Pati Bhanjyang, a local village.
Our trail then climbs towards our lunch stop. We will continue to climb after lunch until we reach Gul Bhajyng where we pass a small forest before visiting a typical trail-side mountain Chorten and a Buddhist Stupa. Another small climb before we arrive at our final resting point for the day: Katumsang, a small cloud-shrouded village inhabited by the Tamang. The people here are Tibetan Buddhist and the tranquil nature of the surrounding mountains and plush green fields ensure a wonderfully peaceful sleep.
Kutumsang to Thadepati (3,650m)
Hike through forest and alpine pastures to spend the evening on a high Himalayan ridge
Today we really get to feel the remoteness and isolation of the mountains as 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 Himalaya. Finally, we arrive at Tharepati for our overnight stay. If the day hadn’t been scenic enough for you, our rest stop provides the perfect platform for beautiful views of several high mountains like Gaurishanker, Baudha Himil, Ganjela and Dorjelakpa. If it’s mountains you came for: this is the right place.
Thadepati to Tarkeghyang (2,560m)
Discover the Himalayan homeland of the Sherpa
Today we head for Tarkeghyang. During the early parts of the trek, the trail descends until we cross the Melamchi Khola a beautifully picturesque river. We then trek up to Tarkeghyang passing through Sherpa settlements. En Route we often experience the gliterring forms of majestic Himalayan peaks pushing through the clouds and sunshine in front of us, a breathtaking, awe inspiring sight. Discover the village of Tarkeghyang and visit one of the oldest and largest monasteries in the region. The village is more popularly known as Helambu (our trek’s namesake), since most of the inhabitants belong to the Helmu caste.
Tarkeghyang to Sermathang (2,610m)
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the forests, streams and waterfalls
Today is a comparatively easy walk as we do not gain that much altitude. We pass forests, streams, and waterfalls before the trail makes a sweep around the wide valley end between Parachin and the Sherpa village of Gangyul. From Gangyul, we arrive at Sermathang where there is enough time for us discover the village and take in our breathtaking surroundings, all amongst the backdrop of impressive mountain ranges. It is well worth taking a final little stroll to the highest point of the village where you can see a Buddhist monastery.
Sermathang to Malemchi Bazaar (3 hours) Drive to Kathmandu
Descend through agricultural villages surrounded by green terraced hills
Today we continue to descend to the bottom of the lush valley and begin to see the culture of the people changing with the landscape. The land here is richer and there is a large Hindu population. When we reach the bottom of the valley, we cross a bridge just before the Milamchipul Bazaar where we stop and have lunch. This is sadly the end of our trek and we have chance to sit and reflect as we take our private transport back to Kathmandu. The journey takes approximately 3 – 3.5 hrs to arrive in Kathmandu. We’ll have a group farewell dinner at a local restaurant in the evening.