Helambu Trekking is one of the shortest and easiest treks starting from Sundarijal which is 15 Km north of Kathmandu city. Helambu, located to the north of Kathmandu valley and famous for sweet apples in Nepal, is a Trekkers Paradise mostly inhabited by Sherpa and Tamang along with others. Helambu trek is a direct Himalayan trek from Kathmandu. It is one of the diverse treks that offer the unique culture of the Sherpa and Tamang communities in the villages like Tarke Ghyang, villages on the side of Melamchi Khola, Hyolmo culture of high mountain people, the company of green rhododendron and bamboo forests, majestic waterfalls and magnificent scenery of the mountain. The main attraction of the Helambu trek is Helambu valley, the view of Langtang, and the diverse culture of mountain people. As the elevation of this trekking route ranges from 800m to 3600m with favorable climate and warm temperature, the trekkers find it easier to explore this trail and feel the pleasure of Mountain trekking. The trail of the Helambu Trek is less crowded and free from pollution; this trekking is an alternative for trekkers who are fed up with the crowded and polluted trekking trail and area.
The real trekking begins from Sundarijal which is the foot of the Shivapuri Himal and from where you enter the Shivapuri national park. From Shivapuri, you ascend the uphill to Chisapani passing through Shivapuri national park and small but dispersed Tamang villages allowing you to explore their culture and experience their hospitality behavior. The trail passes through a thick forest of rhododendron and bamboo with amazing vistas of the White Mountains and artistic Buddhist monasteries. The trail crosses the Kutumsang, Magin Goth from where you see the eye-catching view of Langtang and Gosaikunda peak. From Tarke Ghyang walk through Sermathang and reach Melamchi Bazaar from where you take a bus to Kathmandu.
Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu airport and transfer to the Hotel.
Day 02: Drive to Sundarijal (30 min drive) and trek to Chisapani (2194 m.) 4/5 hours
Day 03: Chisapani-Kutumsang (2471 m.), 6/7 hours
Day 04: Kutumsang -Tharepati (3600 m.), 5/6 hours
Day 05: Tharepati –Tarke Ghyang (2740 m.), 4/5 hours
Day 06: Tarke Ghyang -Sermathang (2590 m.), 4/5 hours
Day 07: Sermanthang- Melamchi Bazaar (870 m.), drive to Kathmandu 8/9 hours
Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International airport, the representative of Destination Himalaya treks gives you warm welcome in the adventurous Himalayan country Nepal. Then, you are transferred to the hotel. Overnight in a hotel.
The trek begins with a 30-minute drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal. Upon arriving at Sundarijal, pass through Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve. Walk on a trail on concrete steps admiring the greenery and arrive at Mulkharka. Continue to trek further and get a glimpse of snow-capped mountains en route. Arrive at Chisapani for an overnight stay.
Walk downhill to the beautiful village of Pati Bhanjyang. Walk on ascending and descending trails and traverse Gul Bhanjyang to reach Kutumsang. Overnight in Kutumsang.
Walk through Magen Goth enjoying the views of Langtang and Gosaikunda peaks. Keep continuing to trek until you reach Tharepati. The highest point of the Helambu trek is Tharepati. Overnight stay.
An easy trail begins walking from the east. Walk on a descending trail and arrive at lovely Melamchi Gaon (village). Traverse the bridge over Melamchi Khola and ascend to the largest village in Helambu called Tarke Ghyang. Overnight stay.
Walk on a forested trail that consists of several ascends and descends. On the trail, walk enjoying the view of breathtaking Langtang ranges. Arrive at Sermathang for an overnight stay.
Walk past the forested trail of Sermathang and arrive at Kakani. Admire the picturesque beauty of the surroundings. Have lunch and continue to trek to Melamchi Bazaar. Upon reaching there, take a public vehicle ride to Kathmandu. Overnight in a hotel.
Accommodation
During the Langtang region trek, teahouses or guesthouses are the means of accommodation that are basic but comfortable. The room with an attached bathroom in the lower regions and room sharing at the peak seasons and in the higher regions. One must pay an extra charge for the use of Wi-Fi, charging electronic devices, hot water buckets, and laundry.
Meals
The 3-course full meals are served during the entire trek in the Langtang region. The meals are simple but with good energy portions for the trekkers to trek. Nepali Dal-Bhat is a good energy source for trekkers. Besides this, noodles, soups, fresh green vegetables, hot tea, etc. are served. It is always a good idea to carry some light snacks and choco bars with you.
Drinking water
Drinking water in the Langtang region is easily available. One can fill up the water at the teahouses paying an extra amount or purchase bottled water. It is convenient to carry a water bottle and water purifying kits for safety.
Communication
The internet connectivity and phone networks are stable in the lower regions whereas it is hard to find the networks in the higher Langtang region. For the use of Wi-Fi, pay an additional charge at the teahouses or purchase a local sim with a data pack. And for emergencies, there is a satellite phone facility.
Transport
The Langtang region is located just north of Kathmandu, and the best way to get there is to take a bus or private jeep from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi. The bus fare costs approx. NPR 800-1000. Whereas a private jeep fare costs slightly higher than a local bus. If one wants a comfortable ride, opt for a jeep ride.
Starting and Ending points
There are several trek routes in the Langtang region. Most of the Langtang region trek starts from Syabrubesi and ends in Syabrubesi. Some of the trek routes start from Syabrubesi and end in Melamchi Bazaar. Only for Helambu Trekking, the trek starts from Sundarijal and ends in Melamchi Bazaar.
Best Time to trek
The best time to go on a trek in the Langtang region is from September to November (Autumn season) and from March to May (Spring Season). During this time, the weather is dry and the skies are clear. The rainy season (June-July) is quite riskier as the trails are muddy and slippery. During the winter (December to February), this region gets very cold, and snow covers the higher parts of the trek. Many of the guesthouses actually close up for the winter and re-open in late February to March. However, it is possible to trek the Langtang region on the fringe of the season in late February/early March and it can be quite beautiful with snow cover.
Required Permits & Its cost
A Langtang National Park permit and a TIMS card (Trekkers' Information Management System) are required for the Langtang region trek. These can be obtained in Kathmandu or at the park entrance.
Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)
Langtang National Park (LNP)
Travel Insurance
The region is mostly remote with off-beat and rough trails. Travel Insurance is very helpful and a safety net for travelers/trekkers. Travel Insurance must cover all medical emergencies, flight cancelations, emergency evacuations, loss of luggage, and altitudes over 3000 m.
Safety and our guides
We assure you 100% when it comes to safety. Our client’s safety is our main concern. Our guides are certified and well-trained with years of expertise in this field. They are technically competent and have excelled in safety performance. They always carry essential safety equipment, gear, and first-aid kits. For the safety of our trekkers, the itinerary is properly scheduled and acclimatization rest days are properly set up to adjust to the high altitude and prevent altitude sickness. If any queries concerning safety, feel free to share them with our guides. We are always there for your services.
Langtang Region Trek Difficulty
The Langtang region trek is moderately difficult. The trails are least developed, off-beat, and rough. There are several ascend and descend which makes it tougher for trekkers to trek. Besides this, high elevations, change in climate, and unavailability of all major facilities are other factors that make this trek difficult. But, with proper planning and assistance before the start of the trek, this Langtang region trek is possible. We recommend you participate in exercises, day hikes, and physical training months before starting the trek. Also, take necessary health tests before trekking to high altitudes. You can completely trust our assistance and guidelines throughout the trekking journey.
Acclimatization and Altitude Sickness
Acclimatization rest is necessary during trekking. So, try to properly utilize the acclimatization rest days and do some short hikes and explore nearby places. It helps prevent altitude sickness and adapt to the environment. Altitude sickness in the mountains is normal. It can happen to anyone. By acknowledging its symptoms and with accurate preventive guidelines, altitude sickness can be cured.
Symptoms of Altitude Sickness
Primary: Headache, nausea, gasping, appetite & sleep loss, dizziness, fatigue, vomiting
Extreme: primary symptoms and hallucinations & unconsciousness
Preventive Guidelines
Shoes: Pair of hiking boots, Rubber sandals
Clothes: Windcheater jacket, Thermals, Down Jacket, Fleece, Long sleeve shirts, Gloves, Towels, Inner garments, Trekking pants, Trousers, Shorts, Socks
Accessories: Sunglasses, Ski Goggles, Hats/Caps, Beanie, Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Head Lamp, Pocket Knife, Personal Hygiene &Toiletries
Equipment: Warm Sleeping bags, Map, Trekking poles, Duffel bag
Medicine Kit: Wash Kit, First-Aid Kit, Blister Repair Kit, Medicines for preventing Altitude sickness, Prescribed Medicines (Personal use)
Rainy season: Waterproof clothes, boots, Raincoat, Anti-leech socks
Winter Season: Woolen clothing items (light)
Extras: Heat/Leak proof water bottles, Water Purifying solution (Iodine based), Water filters, Insulated cup/flask, Map, Binoculars, Travel Documents, Sewing kit, Cash, Extra batteries, Power bank, Pen, Diary, Book, Reusable (spoon, cup, plate), Reusable bags, Large Waterproof Disposable Bags, Snacks (Choco-bars, Mints, Nuts, Granola Bars)
It is best to bring the clothes and essential equipment from your home from the provided checklist. Also, you can buy or rent equipment and clothes in Kathmandu. You can customize the checklist as a necessity.