Helambu Trek
Helambu Trek is a short and simple trek in the vicinity of Kathmandu. The Helambu area, situated about 72 km from the valley of Kathmandu, remains fairly unspoilt. It extends from north Taramarang to the upper slope of a prominent Gosaikunda Lake and Jugal Himal's downward slope. At an altitude of 800 m to 3600 m, the Helambu Langtang trek includes the lush rhododendron, pine trees and bamboo forest, panoramic views of the Himalayas, stunning mountain lakes, a magnificent waterfall, grassy land and meadows strewn. In the upper part of the Helambu valley, there are snow bridges, swirling furious torrents, small lakes with icebergs floating on them and crystalline luminosity created by wind. The Helambu Circuit Trek begins from Sundarijal, which is an hour drive from Kathmandu. Continuing along the Chisopani, Kutumsang, Thadepati and Sermathang, the trek finishes in the Helambu area at Melamchi Pul Bazar. The trek passes through dense mountain forests, Tamang and Sherpa villages with amazing views of the Himalayas such as Langtang, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Rolwaling Himal, and Gauri Shankar. At the end of the journey, you can even walk past several stunning rice terraces and some magnificent Buddhist monasteries. This trek is comparatively easier due to less protected area, less crowded mindset. The great landscape of the Himalayas at the border with Tibet makes this trek an enchanting experience.
Overview
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m/1968ft)
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, our company representative will meet and welcome you to Nepal and then you'll be transferred to your confirmed hotel. Once you finish the check-in procedure, you can rest & relax at the hotel. Later you will be accompained by the office staff for a short tour of Thamel to make you familiar with some good restaurants, ATMs, money changer and other necessary places you might need during your stay in Thamel.
Day 2: Sightseeing around Kathmandu valley
The very next morning, after breakfast you will leave for a full day sightseeing tour around Kathmandu valley. You can visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple and Swyambhunath, very ancient and essentially enlisted in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The biggest Buddhist Stupa at Boudhanath and the fine arts and historical architecture of Kathmandu Durbar Square reflecting the ancient Nepalese culture which is the highlights of our guided tour.
A visit to Patan City will enchant you with its famous fine arts and historical architecture. On return to your hotel, you will have time to explore the local area, have dinner and perhaps take a leisurely stroll through the famous streets. Finally, day ends with a Authentic Nepalese Dinner in Nepali Cultural Restaurant.
Day 3: Drive to Sundarijal & trek to Chisapani (2,300m/7,544ft)
Drive for about an hour from Kathmandu to Sundarijal (1350m) where there is a massive water project which supplies most of the drinking water to Kathmandu Valley. The unpaved road turns into a trail near a small hydroelectric plant and starts up concrete steps alongside the water pipe.
Beyond Sundarijal the trail climbs continuously through forests to a medieval-looking reservoir, dam and waterworks. Crossing the dam, the path leaves the water supply system and rises steeply to a road to the top of the Shivapuri ridge and wildlife reserve. The trail now continues up the hill through the forest to meet the Mulkharka Villages with the inhabitants of Tamang people.
The trail continues with climbing on the forest of rhododendron and oaks after pass the BorlangBhanjyang trail goes downhill to Chisopani (2140m), The mountain views are excellent from here can see the sights of Annapurna to Everest.
Day 4: Trek from Chisapani to Gul Bhanjyang (2,140m/7,021ft)
The trail continues to drop from Chisopani on a good sometimes level crossing meadows and fields. There are excellent mountain views as you leave the full track and drop down into the valley on a muddy zigzagging path. The trail heads north out of PathiBhanjyang (1770m), the Brahman and Chhetri village and a gentle ascent to a small white chorten at the Sherpa village of ThakuniBhanjyang.
Make a very steep incline on a switch back to Chipling and 200m climb on a stone staircase to the top of the Jhogin Danda ridge (2470m). You’ll have good views of the peaks as you drop down through rhododendron forest on the far side of the pass. We will Continue along the forested ridge and descends to a large chorten overlooking the Tamang village of GolphuBhanjyang.
Day 5: Trek from Gul Bhanjyang to Tharepati (3,597m/11,801ft)
The trail climbs the ridge from GolphuBhanjyang to another pass at 2620m. The trail steadily rises through the prickly-leaved oak forest with excellent views of the mountains and the Helambu valley. The trek proceeds due north up the Yurin Danda ridge and affords views of the peaks above Langtang and the Gosaikunda peaks. The trail climbs above Kutumsang on a steep, eroded trail, mostly through fir and rhododendron forests where there are only a few shepherds’ huts.
The trail descends to Magen Goth and continues to climb, steeply at first, and then more gradually, the trail makes some ups and downs passing through forests, across flower-strewn meadows and crossing streams. A steep path raises above the village to a fluttering white prayer flag on a mind swept hilltop, offering a perfect panorama of the Langtang Himalaya. We arrived at Tharepati Rise early for excellent close-up views of Gosaikunda and surrounding high mountains. Overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 6: Trek from Tarepati to Tarkeghyang (2,590m/8,495ft)
The path passes pine and rhododendron forest rich with bird life along with excellent views down into the Helambu valley. The elevation gives you a marvelous mountain view of the Jugal Himal and Numbur in the Solu Khumbu.
After crossing the bridge, the trail climbs steeply up to the sprawling valley of Nakote (1980m). Then the path goes gently up to beautiful Sherpa village Tarkeghyang (ghyang means monastery) passing through Sherpa old settlements and most prominent monasteries. Narrow cobbled lanes and tightly packed houses here resemble the high altitude villages of Mustang and Dolpo which are worth viewing. Tarkeghyang boasts an 18th century Gompa with a considerable brass prayer wheel.
Day 7: Trek from Tarkeghyang to Sermathang (2,610m/8,563ft)
Today the trail is quite easy through the flat land with beautiful forests. The path leads us to cross small forest with the view of the charming village of Helambu region. The trail makes a sweep around the wide valley end between Parachin and Sherpa village of Gangyul of Khumbu region.
Sermathang is another pretty Sherpa village where you can visit many ancient monasteries and view of Jugal Himal range. In the bright day, the villages provide good views of Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Gosaikunda and Rolwaling, Even Mt. Everest also in the distance.
Day 8: Trek from Sermathang to Melamchi Bazaar (828m/2,716ft)
Today the trails gradually descend all the way to Melamchi Pul Bazaar through meadows and cultivated fields. On the way, you come across several old villages. With the spectacular Mountain View, you will get to interact with local and friendly people. From here take a drive of around 3-4 hrs to the Kathmandu valley. Enjoy the panoramic views all the way, enjoying the fresh air and forested road. Drive back to Kathmandu by bus or private vehicle; overnight in Kathmandu hotel.
Day 9: Drive back to Kathmandu and free day
4-5 hrs. drive to Kathmandu. Leisure day at Kathmandu followed by farewell dinner & celebration. You can ask your guide to take you on a sightseeing trip inside Kathmandu Valley. On this day you can go to the various museums around the valley including the Narayanhiti Museum which earlier used to be the residence of the last king of Nepal. You may also go to the hilltop of Nagarkot. After some sightseeing around the world heritage sites in the valley, you will have a farewell dinner and enjoy with your Nepali friends and guide. You might even make plans for extending your stay for Chitwan jungle safari, rafting activities, and more with your guide.
Day 10: Departure
Finally it’s SEE OFF TIME. You will be picked from Hotel by representatives of Wongchhu Peak Promotion staff and dropped at Tribhuvan International Airport with a hope to see you again.
Includes
- Airport pick-up and drop,
- Hotel in Kathmandu 2 nights pre and 2 nights pro on sharing basis,
- Salary, Accommodation, and Insurance of trekking guide and porters,
- All accommodation during the trek,
- All Ground Transportation as per itinerary,
- All necessary documents and permits for trekking,
- National Park/Conservation Area entry permit,
- Wongchhu Peak Promotion duffel bag, cap and trekking map,
- Daily Dispatch on WPP website,
- Welcome and farewell dinner.
Excludes
- Meals in Kathmandu (except welcome and farewell dinner),
- Extra night accommodations in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary,
- Beverages and alcoholic drinks on trek,
- Personal trekking equipment,
- All personal expenses, including Nepal Visa (for country entrance),
- Personal medical and evacuation insurance,
- All other additional charges for additional services, including recommended TIP,
- Additional tips for tour guide, others as one sees fit,
- Personal purchases.
Equipments
1.0 Travel Documents
- Valid passport
- Credit/Debit card
- Passport size photo (6 pieces)
- Insurance paper and contact address
- Family contact number
2.0 Upper Body Wear
- Thermal Top Base Layer (2 Pcs)
- Fleece Jacket (1 Pcs)
- Gore-Tex Jacket (1 Pcs)
- Down Jacket (1 Pcs)
- Cotton T-Shirt (2 Pcs)
3.0 Lower Body Wear
- Thermal Bottom Base Layer (2 Pcs)
- Fleece Trouser (1pcs)
- Gore-Tex Pant (1 pcs)
- Mid Weight Pants (1Pcs)
- Light Weight Quick Dry Trekking Pants (2-3 Pairs)
- Gaiters for trekking boots
4.0 Headwear
- Sun Cap
- Fleece Hat/ Warm Hat (1-2 Pcs)
- Neck Gaiter (2 Pcs)
5.0 Handwear
- Thin fleece gloves
- Wind stopper/screen tap gloves
6.0 Footwear
- Normal Socks (2-3 Pairs)
- Trekking Shoes (Gore-Tex)
- Slipper (1 Pair)
7.0 Sleeping Bags
- Sleeping bag -20°c to -30°c for Base camp
- Down Sleeping Bag -40°c for extreme comfort
- Thermarests Mattress (Cell foam)
- Sleeping bag Liner
- Inflatable Pillow
8.0 Trekking Equipment
- Power Bank
- Pee Bottle
- Altimeter watch
- Pocket Knife
- Walking Stick/Trekking Pole
- Satellite Phone with credit
- Battery
- Headlight 500-700Lumens
- Spare Tape Slings/240cm
- Unlock Carabiner
- Lock Carabiner
9.0 Bag packs
- Rucksacks 35 L -50 L
10.0 Sun stuff
- Banana Boat/ Nivea Sun Cream (-20 Spf)
- Lip Guard -20 (Spf)
- Sun Glasses (Uv Protection)
11.0 Toiletries (Personal)
- Toilet Paper / Wet Tissue
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Towel
- Garbage Bag
12.0 Eating & Drinkings
- 1 ltr. Water Bottle
- 1/1.5ltr. Thermos Mug (Opt.)
- Spoon / Fork (opt.)
- Bowl (opt.)
13.0 Medical / First Aid
- Brufen / Ibuprofens
- Antibiotic
- Diamox
- Paracetamol
- Handy Plaster
- Crack Bandage
- Tincture Iodine
- Ondem
- Cetirizine
- Electrolyte
- Minil 10mg (Palpitation, anxiety)
- Codopar (Headache & chest pain)
- Salbetol 4mg (Breathless)
- Azithromycin 500mg (chronic tonsillitis, fever, nose, throat infection-must take 5 days)
- Flupen 250mg (prevent wound infection)
- Allegra 120/180mg (Allergic tonsil)
- Menstrual Products
14.0 Miscellaneous
- Nail cutter
- Umbrella /Raincoat
- Hot water bag
- Camera
- Trails Maps
- GPS Tracker (Recommended)
- Hand & Toe Warmer
Map
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