Helambu Circuit Trek Itinerary

    Helambu Trek lies in the Helambu valley, around 75 km northeast of Kathmandu, hence being one of the nearest destinations from Kathmandu City and a moderately graded trek. The major settlements of the Yolmo or Hyolmo are in the Eastern and Northern Himalayas of Nepal, especially in the helambu region. They call themselves "Yolmowa" or "Yolmopa," which roughly translates to native inhabitants of the Helambu valleys and surrounding areas of Northeastern Nepal. The area is richly cultural, traditional, and religiously important, which may be thought to be the places of meditation by Lama Guru Rimpoche and Buddhist Saint Milareppa by the Tamang and Sherpa ethnic groups. These ethnic groups have established their unique way of survival in the Himalayas, different from the Khumbu region. Thus, Helambu Treks are gaining popularity among most people because it offers the magic of natural beauty combined with cultural interaction within a short span of time from Kathmandu.
     
    You can start trekking to this beautiful Himalayan destination, during our 7 day Helambu package, you start from Sundarijal, a trek route that passes through verdant forests with loads of wild animals at 1,350 meters above sea level. Sundarijal route as it passes through beautiful valleys like Chisapani, Sermanthang, and Tharepati amidst mountains such as Langtang, Manaslu, Ganesh, and Gauri Shankar.
     
    Tharepati Pass, at 3,650 meters, offers stunning views of Dorje Lakpa, Gauri Shankar, Langsisa, and other snow-capped peaks above the temperate forests of oak, rhododendron, and grassy meadows, making it the highest point of the 7-day Helambu trek. Another highlight in trekking is swimming in the fresh waters of Melamchi Khola. The tour would finally conclude with a return drive to Kathmandu after this rare blending of adventure and culture in unsullied Himalayas. Helambu Circuit Trek is one of the finest, moderately difficult, and underrated trails in the Langtang region to explore hidden natural and cultural treasure within Nepal. It would be an unforgettable adventure.
    • Awesome views of mountains and landscapes in the Helambu region, fascinating in their own way.
    • Interact with historic Yolmo tribes of Helambu and their culture, so different from others.
    • A mystical blend of natural beauty found in Northeastern Nepal.
    • Historic sites of Buddhist pilgrimage and the exquisite art of Thanka painting.
    • Famous monasteries and caves where Guru Rimpoche and the Buddhist saint Milarepa meditated.
    • Diversified range of flora and fauna.
    • Experience of diversified population with a rich natural resource base.
    • Trekking at moderate heights with no extreme altitudes​​​​

    What are the highlights of the 7 Day Helambu trek?

    7 Day Helambu Trek offers a complete experience in both ways, rich in both cultural and natural beauty in the Himalayan valleys. It will take you through routes that are not very frequently used, offering glimpses of authentic and unpolluted Tamang and Sherpa cultures amidst pristine nature, far away from city pollution.
    During the trek, you will also pass through mountain valleys, breathtaking views of the regal peaks, meadows, and highly productive farmlands, not to mention the spellbinding glacial rivers. This circuitous trail passes through traditional villages, terraced fields, and strategic forests to unfold a typical landscape dominated by Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, and Dorje Lakpa-ideal for photography and nature lovers.

    The valley itself is a thick pine forest with brilliant rhododendrons and babbling brooks tracing their courses down from snow-capped mountains. Primulas and daisies cover the gentler slopes. You will also cross High Mountain passes wrapped in mystical mists, with surprises at every bend.

    Cultural Embarance of the Helambu Trek

    The key inhabitants of Helambu are the Tamangs and the Sherpas, with all their cultures, histories, and traditions intact since few modernities pressed through urbanization. Trekking around Helambu would offer you a great opportunity to get along with these friendly and warm locals; observe their ceremonies, and get a deeper understanding of their customs and beliefs.
     
    You will also get the chance to make your trekking more rewarding with the visits to some ancient gompas and monasteries that decorate the trail with prayer flags and religious tools, creating an ambiance that is spiritually rewarding and which you will never forget. Helambu is often considered the religious paradise for Buddhists as there are several meditation caves and monasteries providing a tranquil retreat to its visitors for self-discovery and meditation.
     
    Besides, places such as Milarepa Cave in Kharchung, Guru Rinpoche Meditation Cave in Ripchung, and Ghyang Monastery have great spiritual importance. Visiting these may help one gain knowledge from the wise monks and give one insight which might lead to peace and a positive outlook on life, if one is searching for questions about being at crossroads in life.

    Incredible cultural and natural immersion in Langtang National Park on the Helambu Trek

    Helambu Trek takes one to different sections of Langtang National Park, lying about northwest of Kathmandu-1,710 sq. kilometers, made up of a wide variety of wildlife, including rare mammals such as the red panda and Himalayan tahr, with many species of bird. The park, approximately 113 km from the Kathmandu Valley, boasts a heavy collection of flora and fauna, ranging from dense rhododendron and bamboo forests, alpine meadows, and high-altitude wetlands.
     
    Langtang National Park is also home to glacial lakes, including Gosaikunda and Surya Kunda, which add to the spectacular mountain scenery that draws adventurers and nature enthusiasts. The 7 day Helambu Trek is also one of the closest trekking destinations, allowing explorations in a shorter time compared to other famous trekking areas, and thus it is an ideal option for anybody in good health.
     
    In fact, this is a moderately challenging route due to the easily accessible trailhead from Kathmandu, offering the serenity of the Himalayas along with an enriching experience of traditional Nepalese culture and natural beauty without the rigorous demands of higher altitude treks. This trek allows you to participate in the rural cultural values of the Tamangs and Sherpas, their interactions, and their warm hospitality, with towering hills and mountains as your background. It is, therefore, an ideal low-altitude Himalayan trek for different kinds of trekkers because one can glimpse the Himalayas in a rather short time.

    The Helambu Trek 7 days Itinerary and Cost

    Helambu Trek usually takes up to 7 days, depending upon the trekking route and starting and ending points. This itinerary is highly flexible and can be designed according to your preference and time availability. Here is a complete 7 day itinerary for the Helambu Trek provided by nepalnomad, Start the journey with a fascinating drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal and start your trek upwards via dense alpine oak, maple, rhododendron, and pine forests.
     
    En route, you will be taken to some of the most beautifully crafted wooden and stone villages, such as Chisapani, Kutumsang, Thadepati, Tarke Gyang, and Shermanthang, which have excellent agricultural practices, with rice and other mountain crops grown. This is a suggested 7 day itinerary, which also allows for proper acclimatization, covers all major highlights, and still allows flexibility to accommodate your schedule and desires. Preparation for varying altitude gains, packing accordingly, and considering weather and trail conditions will go a long way in ensuring an enriching experience in these serene Himalayas. The cost of trekking to Helambu can really be very different depending on the duration, choice of services, and season of your trek. Here's a special 7 day Helambu Trek offer from Nepal Nomad Trekking. Discounts are available for larger groups, and the price includes expenses for food, accommodation, and necessary legal documentation. Prices per person are as follows.
    USD 900 for 1 person
    USD 800 for 2-3 person
    USD 700 for 4-6 person
    USD 600 for 7-11 person

    Itinerary

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    After your arrival at Tribhuvan Airport in Kathmandu, our representative will welcome you at the airport and take you to the hotel. Later on, you will go to the office to meet your trek guide and other fellow trekkers for trip brifing.

    • Max. Altitude:1400meter (592ft.)
    • Accommodation:Hotel
    • Time:20 minute
    • Meals:BnB
    • Walking Distance:20 minute
    • Transport:Drive
    Have your breakfast at the hotel and drive to Sundarijal. The guide will arrange the permits required for the entrance to Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. From Sundarijal, the trek starts through the lushes forest with abundant flora and fauna, which takes you to Chisapani.
    • Max. Altitude:2300meter (7544feet.)
    • Accommodation:Lodge
    • Time:4 hour
    • Meals:Beakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Walking Distance:5km
    • Transport:Drive / Trek

    Commencing the day with breakfast at Chisapani, you will prepare for a 6 hour trek over the next few days each day. You follow the route to Helambu Trek and pass by Pati Bhanjyang, Thankune Bhanjyang, and Golphu Bhanjyang before reaching to Kutumsang.

    • Max. Altitude:2445meter (8020feet.)
    • Accommodation:Lodge
    • Time:7 hour
    • Meals:Beakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Walking Distance:6km
    • Transport:Walk / Trek

    Obtain your Langtang National Park permit at the National Park office in Kutumsang and progress with the trek to Thadepati. You cross by several mani stones, Kyuola Bhanjyang, Mangengoth, and Dobate to reach Thadepati Bhanjyang. This path provides the best opportunity to sight the rare Red Panda. During clear weather, you will see a panoramic view of Mt. Everest along with other Himalayan ranges.

    • Max. Altitude:3690meter (12103feet.)
    • Accommodation:Lodge
    • Time:7 hour
    • Meals:Beakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Walking Distance:6 km
    • Transport:Walk / Trek

    Thadepati Bhanjyang, at 3,690 meters, is the highest point of the Helambu Trek. After breakfast, you start your way down to reach Melamchi Gaun. On the way, you will have your lunch at Melamchigaon, a beautiful Sherpa village. You are also free to visit one of the beautiful monasteries here. After lunch and sightseeing in Melamchigaon, you go down to a small river and hike up to Tarke Gyang, where overnight stay will be managed.

    • Max. Altitude:2600meter (8529feet.)
    • Accommodation:Lodge
    • Time:7 hour
    • Meals:Beakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Walking Distance:5 Km
    • Transport:Walk / Trek

    After breakfast, you will be visiting the monastery at Tarke Gyang, from where you will start trekking downhill. You will go through two roadways and then climb up the trail to Sermanthang by following many mani walls and some villages. The village of Sermanthang is famous for its apple and apricot products.

    • Max. Altitude:2590meter (8496feet.)
    • Accommodation:Lodge
    • Time:5 hour
    • Meals:Beakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Walking Distance:5km
    • Transport:Walk / Trek

    Today, you descend to Melamchi Bazaar and take a bus or a private jeep to get back to Kathmandu. You will be leaving Sermanthang along the routes passing by a number of villages and settlements such as Nigale Bhanjyang, Kakani Bhanjyang, Pokhari Bhanjyang, and Tallathok. It takes around 5 hours from Melamchi to Kathmandu by local or private means of transportation.

    • Max. Altitude:1400meter (592ft.)
    • Accommodation:Hotel
    • Time:5 hour
    • Meals:BnB
    • Transport:Local / Private

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