Helambu Trek — Hardcore Nepal Team’s favorite Trek!!
Helambu Trek Nepal
The Sherpa villages of Helambu due north of Kathmandu valley presents an easy getaway. This area because of its low elevation and the Sherpa villages make it an interesting 6 day loop. Starting with a short drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal the trail to Helambu climbs on to the Shivapuri ridge from where there are sweeping views of the central Himalayas. Following a ridge-line the trek heads north to Thare Pati before turning east to Melemchi Gaon and Tarke Gyang the principle villages of this area. From here we visit Shermathang before descending to the Melamchi river to end our trek with a drive Melamchi Bazaar back to Kathmandu.
Helambu is popular among the trekkers for its scenic grandeur, pleasant & favorable climate, located about 72 kilometers northeast of Kathmandu, is extending from north of Taramarang to the tree limit of the Gosainkunda Lake and lower slopes of Jugal Himal. There we meet several highland Tamang and Sherpa villages, scattered on both sides of the Malamchi Khola.
The Langtang valley is aptly called ” the valley of glaciers”. Here the mountain-scape is spectacular. On either side of valley, mountains rise, soaring into the sky. The valley offers pine forest, slow moving rivers and swift mountain streams, rugged rock and snow-capped peaks, grassy downs and meadows strewn with daisies and wild primulas. In the upper part of the valley there are snow bridges spanning angry torrents, high passes enveloped in mist, tiny lakes with icebergs floating on them and waters of crystalline brightness.
This is a good trek for people who don’t have much time in Nepal. It is an 8-day long trek which starts in Kathmandu itself, but can be completed in as little as 5–6 days. The normal trailhead starts off at Sundarijal and goes past Chisopani,Yolmo, Kutumsang, Magin Goth, Tharepati, Malemchigaun and Yolmo, Tarke Gyang. After which you have the option of two roads one is the footpath via Sermathang or the bus routh via Kiul Takpa Kharka. Kashye Both ways ultimately meet at Melemchi where you can take a bus back to Kathmandu. Another variation is the reverse of this trek. The maximum height reached during the trek is about 3650m.
This trek is comparatively easier one due to the fact that the elevations are lower, ranging between 800m. and 3600m, offering the less & climbing as well as warmer temperatures. The most important benefit of this trek is that the area is less crowded & free from noise with the comparison to the Annapurna trek or some parts of the Everest treks. Besides, the trek offers a wide range of cultures and spectacular scenery.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.Rest of day at leisure. Please let us know your flight details in advance.
Day 02: Kathmandu.
We take a tour of some of the palaces, temples and historic sites of the city where Buddhism and Hinduism blend uniquely in a salad-bowl of cultures. Kathmandu is a busy city but it still presents some wonderful historic architecture and has many atmospheric temples, squares, palaces and courtyards. There’s also a vibrant nightlife, including restaurants and bars, although most places close relatively early.
Day 03: Drive to Sundarijal & trek to Chisapani (2300m.)
After breakfast in your hotel drive to Sundarijal (1350m.) by private vehicle about one hour and trek to Chisopani (2300m.) which takes about four hours. The unpaved road from Kathmandu turns into a trail near a small hydroelectric plant. The trail will enter through the Shivpuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve. The first settlement we will come across is Mulkharka with Tamang habitants. The route heads down the ridge through a forest of oaks and rhododendron to Chisopani (2300m.)
Day 04: Trek from Chisopani to Kutumsang (2446m.)
After breakfast trek to Kutumsang which takes about seven hours. The trail continues to drop from Chisopani on a good, sometimes level, trail that crosses meadow and fields. You will then descend through Pathi Bhanjyang till Gul Bhanjyang. The trail climbs the ridge from Gul Bhanjyang to another pass at 2620m. The meadow makes a good camping spot, its downhill to Kutumsang at 2470m, in a saddle atop the ridge. Over night at teahouse.
Day 05: Trek from Kutumsang to Thari pati(3650m.)
After breakfast trek to Thara pati which takes about five hours. The trek continues north up the Yurin Danda ridge and affords views of the peaks. The trail climbs above Kutumsang on a steep, eroded trail mostly through fir and rhododendron forest where there are no permanent settlements. Now you will be in Thara pati. There are few lodges and Goths (Domestic Animal Shed).Overnight.
Day 06: Trek from Thari pati to Melamchi Gaon (2640m.)
After breakfast trek to Melamchi Gaon via Tharepati Pass (3650m.) which takes about four hours. The trail gradually ascends through the enchanting forest enriched with beautiful rhododendron, oak and other trees. Tharepati in fact is a great view point from where you can take a glimpse of the breathtaking snow caped mountains views such as Dorje Lakpa, Gaurishankar, Langshisa, Jugal, and many others. From Tharepati the trail gradually descends through the pine and rhododendron forest with great views down into the Helambu valley. Melamchi Gaon is surrounded by beautiful forests, which is mainly inhabited by Sherpa people with their distinctive culture. There is some Buddhist monasteries situated which can be visited.
Day 07: Trek from Melamchi Gaon to Tarkeghyang (2743m.)
After breakfast trek to Tarkeghyang and it takes about six hours. The early part of the trek descends until you cross the stream named as Melamchi. Now you trek gently up to Tarkeghyang passing through Sherpa settlements. Tarkeghyang is a beautiful Sherpa village with one of the oldest and biggest monasteries. Tarkeghyang, also known as Helambu is named after the Helmu caste. The Sherpa people living here originally belong to Helmu caste.
Day 08: Trek from Tarkeghyang to Shermathang (2621m.)
After breakfast trek to Shermathang which takes about four hours. This day the trail is quite easier through flat land with beautiful forests on the way. You trek on crossing some small streams on the way. There is situated a beautiful village on the half way to Shermathang. To add your joy, Shermathang is another pretty Sherpa village where you can visit many ancient monasteries. From here you can see Jugal Himal range at the north face of Shermathang village.
Day 09: Trek from Shermathang to Melamchi Pul Bazaar (846m.)
After breakfast trek to Melamchi Pul Bazaar and it takes approximately five hours. The trail gradually descends all the way to Melamchi Pul Bazaar through meadows and cultivated fields. On the way, you come across several old villages with their own particular tradition. Walking this day is quite pleasant with mountain views and interaction with local.
Day10: Drive from Sundarijal to Kathmandu
Morning we’ll drive back through the scenic countryside and en route will stop for lunch and breakfast. It takes 5 hrs to back to Kathmandu and optional homestay in Nagarkot with trailfinders family
