Helambu Trek

11 Days

Overview

Helambu Trek happens in the hiking famous region of Langtang. The trek has special mixture of natural sightseeing along with adventure imbued into it. Helambu is situated to the north of the Kathmandu Valley. It is a short adventurous trek on trails worthy of consideration. It is full of natural diversity and picturesque landscapes. The whole trekking route gives an enthralling view of the majestic Himalayas and traditional Nepalese villages mainly of the Tamang and Sherpa communities. Getting to explore the Buddhist culture and tradition is another feature of this trek which attracts hikers. You see monasteries, traditional living of Buddhist people and the natural wonders of the region. This trek is well suited for all kinds of trekkers and those that don’t have any previous trekking experience. You get fantastic panoramic views of the Himalayas like the Everest, Langtang Lirung, Dorge Lakpa, and Annapurna Ranges that makes the hike all the more worthwhile.

In Break Free Adventure of 11 days, you get to hike in this region. A short one hour drive takes to you to the fringes of the Kathmandu Valley to the Village of Sundarijal. It is here that your hike actually begins. We trek to Chisapani, meaning cold water in Nepalese. The following day it is to the Tamang village of Gul Bhanjyang via Chipling and Thodang Betine. Then descending through a forest, crossing the Chhyadi Khola Bridge, you reach the Sherpa Village of Melamchigaon. You continue descending steeply to reach Tarke Gyang and continue in the same mode to Sermathang and Melamchipul. The hike completes here and we drive back to Kathmandu.

There is much that one can take away from this Helambu trek. The most important of all, is, along the way one gets the panoramic views of the Himalayan Mountains making the trip all the more comforting. The other thing is that Helambu is in close proximity to the Kathmandu valley so, there is practically hardly any travelling to be had. Then you pass through a number of villages on the way with mixed ethnic diversity, giving you the sense of the true culture, tradition and clothes worn by people in rural Nepal. This more of an eco-trek where you get to feel the bio-diversity of the flora and fauna of the Himalayan Mid-range Mountains. Then the hiking trails are moderately comfortable, so much so anyone with proper physical fitness and loves to trek in the wild can do it. Since you are passing through much of the hike in forested areas, you will be bound to spot a variety of small animals adapt to this part of the world and not to forget talking about the bird species. And, at the climax of the trek, you get to see the spectacular view so close of the Himalayas like the Everest, Langtang Lirung, Dorge Lakpa, and Annapurna Ranges. In all, this Helambu trek is an eco-friendly, culturally diverse and spiritual trek meant for any and everyone who appreciates unpolluted and pristine fresh, lung purifying atmosphere away from the modern consumerism world. The trip simply rejuvenates the body and mind when it’s all over.

Outline Trekking Itinerary for Helambu Trek
Day 01 : Arrival at Kathmandu
Day 02 : Kathmandu Sightseeing and trek preparation
Day 03 : Drive to Sundarijal (1460m) and Trek to Chisapani (2165m) [1 hour drive/4 hours trek]
Day 04 : Chisapani to Gulbhanjyang (2140m) [5-6 hours]
Day 05 : Gulbhanjyang to Tharepati (3640m) [5-6 hours]
Day 06 : Tharepati to Melamchigaon (2530m) [4-5 hours]
Day 07 : Melamchigaon to Tarke Gyang (2590m) [5-6 hours]
Day 08 : Tarke Gyang to Shermathang (2610m) [4-5 hours]
Day 09 : Shermathang to Melamchipul Bazar (880m) [5-6 hours]
Day 10 : Melamchipul Bazar to Kathmandu [3-4 hours drive]
Day 11 : Transfer to airport for your onward destination

Trip Highlights

  • Enjoy sightseeing tour to various historical/natural/cultural world heritage sites in Kathmandu
  • Enjoy scenic drive to Sundarijal from Kathmandu
  • Step inside and experience the lifestyle and traditions of people living in the Langtang region
  • Discover unique Buddhist culture and tradition
  • Explore varieties and floras and faunas
  • Visit Langtang National Park
  • Explore some of the beautiful glaciers of the region
  • Explore Helambu region and traditional villages
  • Witness eye popping views of beautiful peaks of Langtang Lirung (7246m), Naya Kangri (5846m), Gang Chhenpo (6388m), Dorge Lakpa (6966m), Ganesh Himal, Mt. Manaslu etc.
  • Explore different monasteries and religious sites

Itinerary

You will be welcomed by a staff of Breakfree Adventures at the International Airport on landing. He will have you chauffeured off to the three star hotel. Checking in, you can either freshen up or if you still have the strength left, can stroll the city to see what captivates you. You stay at this hotel for the night.

Earlier in the day, you are taken sightseeing of four historical important sites of value to the UNESCO, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pushupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa. At Kathmandu Durbar Square, you get to see the old palace and the surrounding temples from which the kings of Nepal once ruled. Then it Pushupatinath temple, built by the King in the fifth century for Lord Shiva. On having lunch, we head to the Monkey temple as known by the tourist, Swayambhunath, a holy temple atop a hillock. Later, it is Boudhanath, a massive stupa which is said to have been built around the single hair of the Buddha. Walking around the perimeters of the stupa brings relief from pain, anguish and torment.
On returning, you attend a seminar on your forth coming trek in the Helambu region. You stay for the night at the hotel.

We take a vehicle which gets us to Sundarijal the statring point of the trek. We start our trek up a stone staircase along a massive pipeline to the reservoir. We then enter the Shivapuri National Park and later reach the village of Mulkhaka. We go on and pass through some Tamang Villages and finally reach Chisapani. On reaching, we get a spectacular view of the Himalayas ranges, such as, Langtang Liring, Annapurna, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu and Mount Everest. In the evening we get a wonderful view of the sunset over the Himalayas. We stay at a guest house for the night.

Today, we head to the Tamang village of Gulbhanjyang. We move down to Pati Bhanjyang from Chisapani and up to Chipling (2170m). Then the path takes us to Thodang Bentine (2260m) giving us a lovely view of the Mountains to the north. The final descend get us to Gulbhanjyang. We stay for the night at guesthouse.

The trails ascends to get to Khutumsang (2450m) and going on, it is through an oak and rhododendron forest to Panghu and Magen Goth (3420m). Trekking further, you reach Tharepati. We stay at a guest house for the night.

Through a thick wood, we hike to Chhyadi Khola. We cross a bridge here and ascend to the large Sherpa village of Melamchigaon. We stay at a guest house for the night.

Today, we first descent downwards through a forest over the Melamchi Khola where we cross a suspension bridge and move upwards to Tarke Gyang. It is the largest village in this region. At the village, we get stroll around in it to get a taste of the lifestyle in it and the monastery as well. It also has a large brass prayer wheel. We stay at a lodge for the night.

It is a hike to shermathang today. The trail first leads to Gangyul, a sherpa village. The trail then descends through a forest, across many streams and reaching a large Gompa in Chumil. From here, it is a gentle climb to Shermathang. We stay overnight at a Camp.

Today ends our hiking part of the trip, but first, we pass through the villages of Nigale and Gyalsha and further descend to Raithni Gyang (2290m). From here we go through a forest to reach Dubhachaur (1610m). Hiking on, we finally get to Melamchipul Bazaar. We stay at a guesthouse for the night.

We return to Kathmandu by road today. It takes about five hours to reach Kathmandu by road. Reaching the city, you either have the option of rest or hanging around, buying gifts for your loved ones. In the evening a farewell dinner is held for you at an authentic Nepalese restaurant, by the Break Free Adventure team. You stay the night at a hotel.

You journey to the majestic country of Nepal concludes today. A representative from Break Free Adventures takes you to the Airport, three hours ahead of your flight out, for in check formalities.
At the company, we only hope, that you would have had a trip to be remembered long after, with our tailored made package, which includes, your comfort and security.

Cost

What is Included

  • Airport pick up/drop by a private vehicle.
  • Three night’s accommodation in Kathmandu including breakfast as per the itinerary.
  • Guided Kathmandu city tour at 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites with private vehicle and guide.
  • Kathmandu – Sundarijal & Melamchipul - Kathmandu transfers by a local bus. (Option: private vehicle)
  • All accommodations during the trek at lodges/Teahouse.
  • All meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trek.
  • Experienced Government licensed English speaking trekking guide and necessary porters (1 Porter for 2 trekkers) on the trek.
  • Trekking staff costs like their transportation, food, accommodation, wages, and insurance.
  • Langtang and Shivapuri National Park entrance permit fee.
  • Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS) card fees. (Please bring 2 passport size photos for TIMS & ACAP Permit)
  • First Aid medical kit (carried by your trek guide).
  • Trek gears like duffle bag, down jacket, sleeping bag and walking pole. (To be returned after the trek)
  • Our souvenir to you - Breakfree Adventures T-shirt, trekking map and trip achievement certificate.
  • Farewell dinner in Authentic Nepali Restaurant after the trek completion.
  • All government and local taxes, VAT.

What is Not Included

  • Lunch or Dinner in Kathmandu.
  • Monuments entrance fees while sightseeing in Kathmandu.
  • Nepal visa fee (bring accurate USD cash, US$30 per person for 15 days, and two passport photos)
  • Extra accommodations in Kathmandu or Pokhara if required.
  • International airfare and travel insurance.
  • Any kinds of drinks or personal expenses (tea/coffee, hot chocolate, boiled water, bottled water, soft drinks, beer, phone calls, laundry, battery recharge, hot shower etc.)
  • Tips for guide and porters.

FAQs

Where is Helambu in Nepal?

Helambu is located at a distance of 80 km from Kathmandu. Helambu regions begin from Lauribina La pass and descend to the Melamchi valley. The region is popular for it’s sweet apples and also it’s unique Buddhist culture.

What is Helambu trek route?

Helambu trek route starts after a drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal and start-off the trek passing along small villages of Chisapani, Gulbhanjyang, Tharepati, Melamchigaon, TarkeGyang, Shermathang, Melamchipul Bazaar. The trek ends at Melamchipul Bazaar and drive back to Kathmandu.

Can I Helambu trek alone?

Helambu trek alone is possible since the trek is an easy graded trek but still taking along an experienced guide is suggested which will be helpful for any emergencies and he shall also help you in leading the way since at times the trekking trails may lead you to other destinations if you properly don’t know the way.

Can I do Helambu trek without a guide?

As suggested above with the help of a guide who knows the area better and has previously trekked in these regions, it will be a plus point. A trekking guide shall take care of everything from arranging lodges to taking care of you in emergencies.

What are Helambu trek highlights?

There are several Helambu trek highlights such as easy and short trek, witness beautiful Buddhist monasteries, taste sweet apples and visit apple farms, unique culture and traditions of Hyolmo people, exotic flora and faunas.

Is Helambu trek permit required to trek into this region?

Yes, Helambu trek permit is required which includes Shivapuri/Langtang National park entry fees and TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card.

What is the best time for Helambu trek?

The best time for Helambu trek is spring (March to June) and autumn (September to December). The temperature is moderate during these seasons with majestic Himalayan views. Monsoon (Jun-Aug) will be too wet for trekking with slippery and muddy trails.

How much will be Helambu trek temperature?

Helambu trek temperature will be around 6°C-15°C during day time and may drop to -15°C at night. In winter, you will witness snowfall and blizzards and trekking trails covered up with snow.

Is trek to Helambu difficult?

Trek to Helambu falls under easy category hike in the Himalayas but it still requires fair enough level of physical fitness since the trek is up in the Himalayas. Regular jogging or walking about two or three months before the trek will be beneficial.

Will I get altitude sickness on Helambu valley trek?

Helambu valley trek goes over 3500 meters of altitude so one may experience altitude sickness but it depends upon individuals. The trick is to walk slowly and drink enough water. Altitude sickness rate can be low on this trek if compared to other high Himalayan treks in Nepal but as you know it’s wise to be in safe side beforehand.

What is Helambu trek Nepal packing list?

Helambu trek Nepal packing list depends upon the season you trek. In winter, warm clothing like dawn jacket, thermals, long sleeves are suggested and in spring, light clothing including mid-warm clothes are suggested since the mornings and nights can be colder in higher elevations.

Trip Info

We will provide you with comprehensive information on the every trek and tour we arrange. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require more information or have any questions, we are more than happy to assist you in anyway.

When to go:
Spring (February, March, April, May) and Autumn (October, November) are the best seasons for the Helambu Trekking. Trekking in summer/monsoon (June, July) will be affected by rain but summer trek could be a boon for a keen botanist. The trekking routes are crowded during spring and autumn but during monsoon and winter the routes are not packed and you could enjoy rather best of nature.

Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance is highly recommended and is in fact compulsory should you be going trekking, rafting, paragliding etc. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, helicopter rescue, loss of luggage, etc. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Please check with your insurance company that adventure activities and trekking above 3000m are covered in your policy, as some companies do not cover such things. You must carry proof of insurance (e.g. your insurance certificate) with you on the holiday; if you cannot provide this at the start of the holiday, you will be required to take out a suitable policy at that time.

Meals and Accommodation:
In Kathmandu, we normally use 3-4 stars hotel with breakfast but can upgrade upon request. During the Helambu Trek, we provide the best available guest house which is called Tea house (lodge). Tea Houses are more like hotels, with hot showers, western food, and private rooms (twin sharing). Some guesthouses are basic with shared washing and toilet facilities. If you are travelling in a group, you will share a room with someone else of the same gender from your group. If you prefer a single room, you may indicate your preference on request and pay a supplement. Keep in mind that there are several places which do not allow single accommodations during peak season, but we will try our best to accommodate your preferences if possible. In this arrangement overnight halts with dinner and breakfast will be in Tea-houses (Lodges) and lunches in local restaurants en-route. Furthermore as you will be staying in locally owned lodges you will be benefiting and interacting with the local community. It will give you a true feel for the Nepalese people and their lives.

We provide quality food in sufficient quantities (breakfast, lunch and dinner) from guesthouses chosen from a menu. While Helambu Trekking, your guide will help with menu selection and ensure that you get the best value meals possible. Although the food is usually plentiful and delicious, you should be aware that the menu is not normally extensive due to the extreme locations. Most teahouses offer a variety of rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup and seasonal vegetables. A variety of cereals, bread and egg dishes are generally available for breakfast. There will also be plenty of snacks available such as biscuits, chocolate and soft drinks and in some areas you will find fresh fruit in season. You can buy bottled mineral water from local lodges and shops en route or you can also ask your guide to fill your water bottle with boiled water and treat with water purification pills.

Fitness and Experience Required:
Our 11 days Helambu Trekking is moderate trek suitable for passionate walkers who have ability to walk at least 5-6 hours a day with a light day pack. Walking in higher altitude is physically demanding than walking in the lower altitudes; however, if you are in excellent health with average physical fitness and have positive attitude, self confidence and strong determination, you can accomplish the 11 days Helambu Trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly for some weeks prior of the trip are good idea to enhance your strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood disease should inform us before booking the trek.

The Trekking Group:
For the Helambu Trekking, there will be one Guide, assistant Guide (8 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and porter for luggage carrying (2 trekkers: 1 porter). This arrangement ensures that should any body in the group is sick; the trip can still go ahead as planned. We can run the Helambu trek for group of any size, but generally have a maximum of sixteen people, as weve found this to be the optimum size for a successful trip. However, if youd like to make a group booking for more than twelve people together, we can arrange this too.

Trekking Guides and Staff:
The most significant thing that makes your Helambu Trekking successful, enjoyable and memorable is the expert, experienced, courteous and helpful trek and Guide and the crew members who have ability of operating your days in the mountain smoothly. Your trip will be led by the best and most professional Guide. All of our Trekking Guides are carefully selected on the basis of their appropriate experience, Guiding skills and personal aptitude. With an objective of sustaining local communities Breakfree Adventures employs staffs who have plenty of knowledgeable about culture, flora and fauna, geography, and history of Nepal. Trekking Guide of Breakfree Adventures are also trained with following trainings to make them educated on potential medical issues during their trek, biodiversity and environmental issues, English language, etc:

• Intensive Wilderness First Aid – KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Educational Project)
• Trekking Guide Training – Nepal Governments Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation department of Hotel Management and Tourism Training Centre of Nepal
• Eco Trekking Workshop and Adventure Meet TAAN (Trekking Agents Association of Nepal)
• English Language – KEEP (Kathmandu environment education project)
• Conservation and Biodiversity TAAN
• Rock, Ice Climbing and Mountaineering (Climbing leaders) Nepal Mountaineering Association

Our Trekking Guides obviously speak English sufficient enough to communicate but please consider this is not our mother language. The guides and porters know the routes and locality like the back of their hand, they practice the local culture themselves and they are extremely passionate about their country and its cultural aspects.

Climate and Weather:
The climate of Nepal is as varied as its geography. The low-lying Terai has a sub-tropical monsoonal climate. The Himalayan foothills, where most of our treks take place, are best in the cool dry season from September to May. The traditional trekking season in Nepal is late September to December, with October and November generally recognized as having the best weather. Spring is also a popular time of year with warmer weather and the advantage of seeing spring flowers and rhododendrons in bloom. The visibility is good and days are pleasantly warm, although nights can be cold, and snow is possible above 3,000 meters.

Himalayan weather can be unpredictable where nights are generally cooler and days warmer. It’s a bit colder during the winter season (Jan to Feb) but days can be quite warm and lovely if the sun is shining. You can expect a bit of snow in the months of January/February and December. Expect the unexpected! The temperature could be as high as 20 deg C to -15 deg C low.

Safety and Security:
Security and safety are a high priority of our company however there are risks associated with adventure travel, that you should consider before booking .Our trip operators constantly monitor their areas of operation and will cancel or re-route a trip if they feel a destination is unsafe. The decision to travel to a particular country or region is a personnel one.

Responsible Travel
Breakfree Adventures is a leading trekking and travel agency with dedicated travel Professionals who are well trained to give you the best of what Nepal has to offer. Our professional team follows a social philosophy that accepts responsibility for the local people and the environment in which we work. We respect the natural environment and the culture of our country, and we help travellers from around the world discover the natural beauty and cultural treasures of Nepal. We know that responsible travel tries to minimize the impact of tourism on the environment and maximize employment and income-generating opportunities for local communities. The whole of Nepal, including those living in remote rural areas that have very few other opportunities for development, benefits from sustainable tourism.

Breakfree Adventures is passionate about preserving the environment. As responsible tour guides in Nepal, we strive to maintain a symbiotic relationship with the local communities through which we travel. While trekking to different destinations, we choose environmentally- friendly lodges that respect the needs of their staff members. We take care of our staff as well as our valued clients. During our treks and other trips, we follow a zero garbage policy (“pack in, pack out”) and leave nothing behind in the campsites. We always welcome your feedback and comments regarding responsible travel, so please send an e-mail to let us know what you think.

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Helambu Trek

Trip Facts

  • 10 Nights/11 Days
  • March-May, Mid Sept-Nov
  • Minimum 2 People
  • Private vehicle
  • Tarke Gyang (2,590m)
  • Moderate
  • Sundarijal
  • Melamchipul Bazar
  • Cultural Sightseeing & Trekking
  • 5 - 6 hours each day
  • Lodge to Lodge Trek
  • Langtang National Park, Helambu region, Buddhist culture and tradition
  • Hotels in Kathmandu, Lodge/Guest house during the trek

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