Helambu, home to the Hyolmo people, is a short, easy, and popular trek located near Kathmandu, providing an authentic glimpse into the local lifestyle, culture, and natural beauty. The trek, which can be completed in as little as 5-6 days but is typically 10 days long, is suitable for adventurers of all levels, making it an ideal option for globetrotters with limited time but enthusiasm for local and rural livelihood.
The journey starts in Kathmandu and takes an hour's drive to reach the quiet trailhead at Sundarijal. From there, the trek passes through a temperate forest of Rhododendron, green valleys, Tamang and Sherpa settlements, and monasteries. The trek leads up to Tharepati Pass (3,650m), the highest point of this trek, and offers stunning panoramic views of Dorje Lakpa, Gauri Shankar, Langsisa, and other snow-capped mountains.
One of the unique features of this trek is the organic and authentic lifestyle of the Hyolmo people. The trek takes you through their humble community, where you can observe and experience their Buddhist traditional lifestyle, along with a greenish terrace farm, and authentic local cuisine. The trek also offers a chance to witness mid-hill natural beauty with lush green forests, waterfalls, and mountain rivers.
At the end of the trek, you have the option to add another day trek to Melamchi or to drive back to Kathmandu, ending the journey on a memorable note. Overall, the Helambu trek offers a perfect blend of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural immersion, making it a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Nepal.
Itinerary
- Day 01 Arrival at Kathmandu.
- Day 02 Kathmandu | trek preparation, Permits Procedure
- Day 03 Drive to Sundarijal (1,385m / 4,545ft), Trek to Chisapani (2,295m / 7,655ft) (Drive 1 hrs/ Trek 4-5 hrs)
- Day 04 Chisapani (2,295m / 7,655ft) to Khutumsang (2,470m / 8,250ft) Trek 6-7 hrs
- Day 05 Kutumsang to Tharepati Pass via Mangengoth (3690m)-6 to 7 hours
- Day 06 Thadepati to Tarke Ghyang – 2560 m/ 10925 ft – 6 hrs
- Day 07 Tarke Ghyang to Sermathang – 2610 m / 14632 ft – 3 to 4 hrs
- Day 08 Sermathang to Melamchi Bazaar – 846 m / 2775 – 3 to 4 hrs
- Day 09 Return to Kathmandu. (1400m)-4-6 hours
- Day 10 Departure (Breakfast)
Cost Details
- Airport/Hotel/Airport pick up and transfer by private car/van.
- Accommodation in twin bed sharing basis with breakfast Hotel in Kathmandu.
- The transportation from Kathmandu to Sundarijal and Melamchi to Kathmandu by local bus.
- Tea House/ Lodge accommodation including meals Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner during trek.
- Government License holder trek leader (guide), and porter to help trekkers luggage (2 trekkers: 1porter).
- Coverage of guides and porter’s meals, insurance, salary, lodging, transportation and other necessary equipment.
- Langtang National Park entry permit fee.
- Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card fee.
- All Government and Local Taxes
- International Flight.
- Optional day tour in Kathmandu
- Excess baggage charges.
- Meals (Lunch and Dinner) and Accommodations in Kathmandu.
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival, late departure, early return from trekking (because of any reason) prior to the plan scheduled itinerary.
- Personal expense such as shopping, snacks, bar bills, bottle or boiled water, shower, Wi-Fi, laundry, telephone call, bettery re-charge fee extra porters etc.
- Personal clothing and gear.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips for guide and porters.
- Additional costs or delays caused by management out of control like landscape, bad weather condition, in case of itinerary modification with a view to safety concern, illness, change of government policy, political instability raises strike, moment etc.