Helambu Trek is one of the delightful trekking routes in the Langtang region of Nepal, located to the north of Kathmandu. It is a relatively short trek that can be completed in 5-7 days and is popular for its accessibility, stunning mountain views, and the opportunity to experience the unique culture of the Sherpa and Tamang communities.
The Short Helambu Trek starts with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal, which is the starting point of the trek. Additionally, From there, the route follows a trail through beautiful rhododendron forests and traditional Sherpa and Tamang villages such as Chisapani, Kutumsang, Tharepati, and Tarke Gyang. Throughout the trek, trekkers can enjoy the views of snow-capped peaks such as Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, and Jugal Himal.
Helambu Short Trek is the opportunity to experience the unique culture of the Sherpa and Tamang communities. Furthermore, Trekkers can visit local monasteries, Chortens, and traditional houses, and interact with the friendly locals who are known for their hospitality.
The Helambu Trek is considered a moderate trek, with altitudes ranging from 1,350m to 3,640m. The best time to do the trek is from March to May and from September to November when the weather is clear and the views are spectacular.
Langtang Helambu Trek is one of the short moderate destinations for low-adventure trekkers. At present few groups of foreign visitors seldom venture to this lovely countryside, located northeast of Kathmandu valley rim. Helambu Circuit Trekking leads to scenic walks around Tamang and Hyalmo villages adorned with traditional Buddhist prayer flags and monuments.
This trekking trail linked popular treks like Langtang Valley and Gosainkunda Lak. Helambu Trek begins from the northeast valley rim of Kathmandu city suburb heading up above Sundarijal farm town. A famous watershed and reservoir for Kathmandu city, located in a beautiful forest surrounding fresh streams and waterfalls.
The trail climbs past the farm villages of Burlang Bhanjyang and into the lovely forest to the top of Chisapani high ridge. Chisapani a small settlement offers a spectacular panorama of the Central and Western Himalayas range with Langtang, Ganesh, and Jugal Himal. The view of sunrise and sunset is equally captivating, from this scenic spot of Chisapani. Leaving Chisapani to walk on a ridgeline steeply up toward the lovely villages of Gul Bhanjyang and Kutumsang.
As the adventure continues reaching the highest spot at Thadepati, a place on a high ridge. Provides several simple tea-house and lodges for travelers’ comfort, including stunning views of Himalayan peaks and dramatic landscapes. After Thadepati into the cool shade of dense forest reaching around Helambu region at Melamchi Gaon and then at Tarke Gyang. One of the most charming villages in the area, an exciting place to explore and observe the local culture.
Besides, the Helambu dominated by the old tribe known as Hyalmo is interwoven with Buddhism similar to Sherpa and Tamang cultures. Enjoy exploring the nice village of Tarke Gyang, and visiting the old monastery of Ama Yangri. Located on top of the village treasures valuable ancient artifacts and large statues of Buddha and other famous Guru.
From Tarke Gyang enjoying a pleasant stay, return journey to another lovely village of Sermathang. Having a wonderful time around Helambu then an exciting drive brings to Kathmandu, after a short memorable experience on Helambu Trek.
Mode of trekking: Overnight in the local best available lodge.
Trekking Grade: Moderate with Ups and Downhill.
Highest Spot: At Thadepati at 3,597 m / 12, 982 feet high.
Trek duration: 06 Nights and 07 Days. Includes short drives both ways.
Best Seasons: Spring from March to May and autumn/fall starts from September to November.
A short drive of an hour brings you to the outskirt of Kathmandu city at the northeast valley rim in Sundarijal farm town. From here steep up for short while to enter Langtang National Park and Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve.
A beautiful area within a cool shade of forest with fresh running streams and waterfalls. The walk continues heading up to Burlung village, and then into dense woods, as the day ends on reaching at Chisapani. It a scenic spot, located on the high ridge above Kathmandu valley with several nice lodges facing excellent views of the Central Himalayas. At Chisapani check into a nice local lodge and enjoy the sunset views that reflect on Himalayan peaks.
Rise early to catch the stunning sunrise views over the range of peaks of the Central and western Himalayas. Having breakfast descend to Pati Bhanjyang and then climb on a series of steep switchbacks to Chipling at 2,170 m. At Chipling for a possible lunch stop, after an exciting morning walk. After lunch walk follows the steep climb to the top of Jhogin Danda / Hill.
On walks enjoy grand views with the descent to a forest then come across a large Chorten (a Buddhist religious monument). As a walk, the day walks completely on reaching Gul Bhanjyang a nice Tamang village, situated within the Helambu area. Check into a nice local lodge and enjoy the rest of the afternoon visiting the village and witnessing the local cultur
After a pleasant stop at Gul Bhanjyang village, start the morning walk with a climb entering a lovely rhododendron forest. As continues to reach a high ridge at 2,580 meters high, the top is called Yurin Danda.
Enjoy marvelous views from the top facing Langtang and Jugal Himal, as walk head down at Magen Goth. Located on a wide green field with few small tea shops. From this peaceful isolated place, the climb leads into the forest within wild-flower-strewn meadows. The trail follows to cross a stream and then last short steep climb to Thadepati for an overnight halt. Which is the highest spot of the adventure at 3,597 meters.
Check into a nice local lodge, rest of the day marvel at the beautiful views of Langtang and Jugal Himal range. As far as Dorje Lakpa and
Mt. Gaurishankar.
Enjoy the morning views of snow-capped peaks from Thadepati, morning starts with a long descent within a dense forest of rhododendron and pine tree lines. As the walk continues downhill reaching at Melamchi-Gaon, for a lunch stop, from here within the Helambu area.
Afternoon walks to the main village at Tarke-Gyang, following downhill into a forest, and then over a bridge above Malemche Khola (Stream). As climb starts for an hour or more to reach the most charming village at Tarke Gyang. The major and largest village around the Helambu area, and home to Nepal’s smallest group of hill tribes the Hyalmo people. Check into a nice cozy lodge of warm traditional hospitality, the rooms are speck and span with a large dining room.
A day in Tarke Gyang, after continuing walks for five days, enjoy the rest day exploring this lovely village. Visiting an old and largest monastery in the Helambu area of Ama Yangri, enriched with colorful Buddhist arts and painting.
An interesting place to observe the local impressive culture and customs within the happy cheerful people of Helambu. The Hyalmo tribe follows similar culture and traditions to Sherpa and Tamang of Buddhism religion.
Walk today will be pleasant as the route leads to slow gain in altitude, as the trail leads through dense forests, streams, and waterfalls overlooking wonderful sights. As the trek continues reaching many small villages between Parachin and the Sherpa village of Ganguly.
After Gangyul then reaching at Sermathang for the last overnight halt around the Helambu region. Sermathang is a lovely village with few Buddhist monasteries. After checking into a nice simple lodge, with time to explore around the village and learn about Buddhism culture. From Sermathang enjoy the views of distant snow-capped mountains.
Today the last day of this wonderful trek, morning leads to short distance walks and then taking local transportation. The exciting drive leads downhill on a dirt road with long winding tracks reaching low warm farm areas and then to Melamchi Bazaar, a nice large settlement close to Melamchi River.
From Melamchi Bazaar drive continues joining on the main road towards Dhulikhel, a slow climb to Dhulikhel. An old Newar town offers grand views of Himalayan peaks, after a short refreshing stop, an hour’s drive reaches Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu transfer to your hotel, after a marvelous short adventure on Helambu Trekking.