8 Days / 7 nights

For a spectrum of Nepalese people and the Himalayas, the Helambu trek is unrivalled. A short distance North east of Katmandu the trek begins a Panchkhal and as the journey progresses we visit the homes of Brahmins, Newars, Tamangs and Sherpa peoples. From low altitudes we have excellent views of mountains that include Langtang, the Annapurna, Manaslu and even Everest on a clear day. This is a pleasant and exciting journey, a time to relax and become immersed in the beauty of the Himalayas.

Trekking Itinerary Day Location Day 1 Kathmandu Arrival Day 2 Kahmandu – Sundarijal – Chisapani Day 3 Chisapani – Kutugsang Day 4 Kutugsang – Tharepati Day 5 Tharepati – Melamche Day 6 Melamche – Sermanthang Day 7 Sermanthang – Melamchepul – Kathmandu Day 8 Departure

Highlights: 06 days trekking, tent camping or lodges 02 nights hotel in Kathmandu The closest trek to Kathmandu offers a scenic loop through villages of varied ethnic make-up with good high-mountain views.   Trekking Profile (click to enlarge)

Helambu Trek

For a spectrum of Nepalese people and the Himalayas, the Helambu trek is unrivalled. A short distance North east of Katmandu the trek begins a Panchkhal and as the journey progresses we visit the homes of Brahmins, Newars, Tamangs and Sherpa peoples. From low altitudes we have excellent views of mountains that include Langtang, the Annapurna, Manaslu and even Everest on a clear day. This is a pleasant and exciting journey, a time to relax and become immersed in the beauty of the Himalayas.

The upper part of the Helambu is inhabited by Sherpas who are very different from their cousins in the SoluKhumbu. Instead of the Tibetan-style black dress and colourful apron, the Sherpa women of Helambu wear a dress of red printed cotton. The men forgo the Sherpa dress and wear the Nepali national dress called daura suruwal. Their language is also quite distinct from the Sherpa language of the SoluKhumbu. There are grammatical differences and, in addition, Helambu Sherpas speak much more rapidly than other Sherpas. Helambu women have a reputation for being very beautiful, and many Helambu Sherpa girls were once employed in aristocratic Rana households in Kathmandu during the Rana regime. Many of their benefactors gave gifts of land to these girls, so many Helambu families now own large tracts of farmland in the valley far below.

Trip Profile:
08 Days Trip
02 Nights in Kathmandu
06 Days in Langtang Trekking

Graded: moderate

ITINERARY:

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1200m)

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be met at the airport and brought to your downtown hotel. While in Kathmandu we will take you on a fascinating tour of the city, visiting Buddhist and Hindu shrines reflecting ancient local traditions. There will be time to explore the city's many charms on your own as well. A traditional Nepali welcome dinner will follow shortly after a pre-trek briefing by the trekking staff manager. Overnight in the hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 02: Kathmandu – Sundarijal – Chisapani

Drive to Sundarijal and start trek. Cross drinking water supply project then a 1½ hour ascent up staircases through villages. Watch for fearless but friendly langur monkeys along the trail. Then we walk for about two hours up a deeply eroded ancient trail through a lovely jungle/forest. We arrive at Burlang Bhanjyang (2400m) the first view point of Himalayas. We can see from Annapurna to Gaurishankar from here. Then we descend for about half an hour to reach Chisopani.

Day 03: Chisapani to Kutugsang

We descend for about half an hour through some rice fields and small villages. Arrive Patibhanjyang and start gradual ascent through villages and forest. This walk from Patibhanjyang to Tharepati is one of the best ridge walks among the other treks in Nepal.

Day 04: Kutugsang to Tharepati

Gradual ascent through villages and rhododendron forest with magnificent views that make you want to come to Nepal again.

Day 05: Tharepati to Melamche

Descend to Malamche, the first village of Sherpas in the Helambu area. It is a collection of neat houses fronted by prayer flags and surrounded by orchards and fields.

Day 06: Melamche to Sermanthang

The trail drops down to Melamchi Khola and climbs back up to the same height to Tarkeghyang. There is a large restored Gompa here dating back to the early 18th century. Continue on to another interesting Sherpa village, Shermathang.

Day 07: Sermanthang – Melamchepul – Kathmandu

We now descend from the ridge through more villages and forest. Arrive Melamchi Pul Bazaar at the bank of the Indrawati river and a four hour driving tour to Kathmandu.

Day 08: Free or transfer to the Int'l airport for journey out.

Cost includes:

Two nights hotel in Kathmandu, airport arrival/departure transport services land & air transportation as per trek itinerary, meal three times in a day, guide, porters, entrance permit, insurance for Nepalese staffs, and accommodation in the tents for camping treks and in lodges for Tea House treks.

Cost does not include:

Hard drinks, cold drinks, sleeping bag, tips for guide/ porters, hotel in Kathmandu except two nights offered after upon arrival at international airport and return from the trek, rescue helicopter if used during the trek (travel insurance recommended!), international airfare.

RESERVATIONS

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