Helambu trek is a short trekking destination begins from Kathmandu Valley. Offering gorgeous views of Gauri Shanker (7134 m), Lamtang Lirung (7246 m) and Ganesh Himal (7405 m). Following a ridge line the trail passes through Kutumsang (2460 m), the first permanently inhabited village of this trek and climbs through cool rhododendron forests to Tharepati (3597 m), the highest point of the trek. The Gompa that we come across at Tarke Ghyang commands excellent views of Dorje Lakpa (6996 m) and Ganja La to the north. Despite being so close to Kathmandu, the Helambu region remains relatively un-spoilt. Besides the hyolmo culture of high mountain people, bamboo forests, magnificent waterfalls, and snow-capped Himalayas make the trek one of most diverse treks near Kathmandu. The great Himalayan scenery at the border with Tibet and monasteries make a trek to the region a fascinating experience. The people living the highlands of the Langtang region are certainly the Nepalis, being the descendant of the Tibetan origin, they still look like Tibetans.
The Helambu Trek begins from Sundarijal, an hour’s drive from Kathmandu. After about an hour’s walk, we enter Shivapuri National Park. Continuing along the Chisopani, Kutumsang, Thadepati and Sermathang, the trek ends at the Malemchi Pul Bazaar in the Helambu region.
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, you will be welcomed by a representative from Real Journey Nepal. After sorting out your custom formalities (Visa etc) you will be then transferred to the hotel. The representative will help you check into your designated hotel and give you some time to freshen up. After this, we will attend an orientation about your trek led by our Trekking leader over a typical Nepali welcome dinner that will include a scintillating cultural dance performed by the local belles. You then return to your hotel for your first overnight in the valley of the gods!
Kathmandu is the cultural heart of Nepal and has been a famous destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its borders to visitors. The city displays an interesting combination of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. Patan and Bhaktapur, the two important neighboring cities bear much cultural and religious significance to Nepal’s landscape. There will be a full day guided tour to the historic Durbar Square, unique architectures and Kumari (living goddess), the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhu Nath) and Buddhists shrine (Buddha Nath), in the evening, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we meet our trek leader and other stuff for your adventure trip. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast, we drive to Sundarijal. From Sundarijal, trek to Chisopani (2300m). We begin our trek along a small hydroelectric plant. The trail then enters through into the Shivapuri National Park. The first settlement we come across is Mulkharka mostly inhabited by the Tamang people. Then we walk along the ridge through a forest of oaks and rhododendron to Chisopani. We stay overnight at guesthouse (B, L, D)
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. We stay overnight at guesthouse (B.L. D)
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. We stay overnight at guesthouse (B. L.D)
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 offer 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 Helambu caste. We stay overnight at guesthouse (B.L. D)
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. We stay overnight at guesthouse (B. L.D)
On our final day of the trek, we walk down to Malemchi Pul Bazaar. The village is mostly inhabited by the Sherpa, but there are also people of other ethnicities. We stay overnight at guesthouse (B.L. D)
Short walk down to Malemchi Puul Bazaar with many Sherpa village and we will drive back to Kathmandu which takes about 5 hours .Your day is free, however, at even tide; you will be taken to a well known Nepali kitchen for a delicious farewell dinner of the original Nepalese cuisine. As you enjoy your meal, you will also be entertained to an exciting cultural dance performed by the local belles. You will enjoy this experience which is complimentary on behalf of the Volunteer Society Treks. Overnight at hotel (B. D)
ur office representatives will escort you to the airport for your connecting flight home. It’s been wonderful meeting you & knowing you all of these weeks. We are doubly sure you’ve had the vacation of a lifetime & we hope you will pass on your experiences to the generations to come. We will remember you & also hope you will remember us in the days ahead. Bon Voyage!! & take care!!! (B)
Thank you for doing this venture with US. We’ve got to know each other well over the weeks. Please do stay in touch & we wish you a wonderful journey back home. Take care!
