Helambu Trek - 9 Days
Maxium Altitude
3650MDifficulty Level
Moderate to DifficultTrekking Season
March to May and September to November
Trip Overview
The Helambu Trek is an excellent adventure, defined by beautiful scenery and a wealth of cultural experience in the Langtang region of Nepal. This trek is quite an easy trek- a moderate-level trek for a beginner or experienced trekker seeking an exceptional Himalayan adventure. Helambu Trek 9 Days passes through beautiful villages, lush forests, terraced farmland, and views of snow-capped peaks like Langtang Lirung and Dorje Lakpa. The diversity of people along the way includes Tamang and Sherpa people, who offer inspiring traditions which can only be described. With serene monasteries plus cascading waterfalls, every step is full of hope, amazement, and discoveries.
Trekking at Helambu has distinctiveness since it is relatively low compared to many other Himalayan treks, which lowers the risk of altitude sickness, all while giving breathtaking mountain views.
The route stretching from the capital goes to Shivapuri National Park, rich in flora and fauna-the paradise for nature lovers. Overall, the Helambu Trek 9 Days would be the ideal mix where culture meets nature with accessibility into an experience for one in search of Nepal’s beautiful landscapes.
Preparation for Helambu Trek 9 Days
Permits and Regulations for Helambu Trek
Langtang National Park Entry Permit
This permit is required for entry into Langtang National Park, which includes the Helambu segment. The permit can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or the entrance gate at Dhunche, Langtang National Park. The fees are NPR 3,000 for foreigners and NPR 1,500 for nationals from SAARC countries.
Shivapuri National Park Entry Permit
As the initial phase of your trek passes through Shivapuri National Park close to Kathmandu, you will require this permit. This can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or at the entrance to the park in Budhanilkantha. The cost is NPR 500 for foreign nationals and NPR 200 for nationals from SAARC countries.
Trekkers’ information Management System (TIMS) Card
Every trekker in Nepal should have a TIMS Card. The card is issued at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or through the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN). An individual trekker costs NPR 1,000 and a group trekker costs NPR 2,000.
Guides and Porters for Helambu Trek
Guides and Porters are important companions on the Helambu Trek 9 Days. They make your experience safe but also enjoyable while trekking through the mountainous terrain of Nepal. A guide is a professional who knows the geography, culture, and historical background of the region. They will instruct you in local community traditions, bring out the emphasis on natural surroundings, and show you the safest and most efficient routes. Their knowledge of English, as well as the local language, ensures the cultural gap. It makes you enjoy an immersive experience with residents while developing your knowledge of this beautiful country. In addition, they train in first aid and prepare to handle any situation that may arise during the trek.
Porters relieve you of the load so that you can enjoy the scenery and adventure along the trail. They carry your luggage with them from one destination to another. Porters are usually local people who have firsthand experience of the way the mountain ranges are and how the weather behaves.
By employing guides and porters, you not only make your trek more pleasant but also assist the local economy and communities. Their devotion, fortitude, and warm hospitality only further make your trekking experience real and unforgettable.
Food and Accommodation during Helambu Trek 9 Days
The food and accommodation on Helambu Trek comforts and nourishes you enough on the way. The teahouses and lodges along the trek route usually serve meals, offering diverse traditional Nepali food and international cuisine. People generally favor Dal Bhat, momo, and Tibetan bread as a delicious complement to healthy trekking nutrition. Many lodges serve hardy breakfasts and evening meals, complemented by hot tea or coffee, to energize their guests. We prepare all meals with local ingredients and recipes to showcase the flavor of Nepali culture.
The types of settings vary-some are as basic as teahouses while others are more comfortable lodges. Normally, the rooms are small and clean, with twin beds and hot blankets. Some lodges do have attached bathrooms, while others may have common ones. No matter how basic, the hosts always make one feel at home.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is the most critical factor when trekking in Nepal. It gives peace of mind and, in some cases, financial backup in the event of unforeseen circumstances. The nature of the high altitudes and the mountainous terrain makes it very necessary to have coverage in light of emergency medical treatment, evacuation, and cancellation of trips.
Typically, a good travel insurance policy will offer medical and evacuation coverage. Still, it will also include provisions for unexpected events such as lost property, flight delays, and cancellation of trips. Before you commence the Helambu Trek 9 Days, go through your insurance policy to verify that it answers to the particulars of trekking high. Reliable travel insurance like Allianz and Travelex prepares customers for contingencies while traveling. This allows customers to stay adventure-focused.
Major Packing List for Helambu Trek
- Hiking Boots: Comfortable, waterproof, and well-broken-in.
- Thermal Layers: Essential for warmth in cold nights and higher altitudes.
- Sleeping Bag: Rated for at least -10°C for chilly Himalayan nights.
- Down Jacket: Lightweight yet warm for evening use.
- Daypack: 20–30L capacity for carrying essentials.
- Trekking Poles: Reduce strain on knees and improve balance.
- Water Purification Tablets:For clean drinking water throughout the trek.
- Headlamp: Necessary for early starts and evening use.
- First Aid Kit: Include blister treatments and altitude sickness medication.
- Snacks: High-energy bars and electrolyte powders for a quick energy boost.
Conclusion
The Helambu Trek offers more than just a trekking experience. It brings travelers into the vibrant heart of Nepal’s cultural and natural treasures. Whether gazing up in awe at the dominating presence of the Himalayas or dining with locals in a charming little village, each moment of this trek seems featured with its imprint. Between adventure and serenity, the Helambu Trek 9 Days is a wonderful way to introduce yourself to this part of the magic that lies within these mountains and open the way to memories you will never forget.
Mountain Treks Nepal Pvt. Ltd. welcomes all of you with a thankful heart as we have created a systematic schedule for the Helambu Trek 9 Days with detailed Itinerary. Moreover, we have similar Langtang Region Treks in Nepal, and they are: Langtang Valley Trek, Gosaikunda Trek, and Tamang Heritage Trek.
Trip Highlights
- Explore around Helambu
- Experience the culture and lifestyle of the ethnic group
- The picturesque views of the snow-capped mountains
- Walk past the beautiful rhododendron forest and climb up the viewpoint- Yurin Danda ridge.
- Explore the Shermathang village, which is known for its apple orchards. You can also get good views of the Jugal Himal, and Ganesh Himal ranges from here.
- Visiting old monasteries, shrines, and stupas to learn about Buddhist culture
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Detailed Itinerary
The adventure begins at Kathmandu, a bustling city in Nepal, where our representative will welcome you upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. Afterwards, you will continue with the immigration formalities before being escorted into the hotel located in the city centre.
The streets of Kathmandu are indeed vibrant and lively, almost welcoming travellers. You can settle in already and mix this into the potion that leaves behind a property to rest and graze at with old heritage and the newly defined new invention culture. You take the afternoon to indulge yourself in the streets of Thamel, which is basically a tourist hub in Kathmandu.
This place is popular among tourists due to its colourful markets, yummy cafes, and trekking gear shops; another approach is to visit our office, where you will meet your trekking guide and learn more about his or her adventure trek. You will also gain insight with regard to the trek, which makes you entirely ready for this amazing journey.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
The second day of the Helambu Trek 9 Days is set for preparation and sightseeing in Kathmandu. You will have your first stop at Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest of holy places in all of Hinduism, with respect to the rest of the world. Pashupatinath, on the banks of the Bagmati River, is one of the World Heritage Sites of UNESCO, and example after example shows the embedded spiritual legacy of Nepal. You can have a look at the carvings and rituals sacred to make this site the base of Nepali culture.
From here, walk up and come to the noticeable Swayambhunath Stupa, often called the Monkey Temple. The stupa is positioned high on a hill and affords a complete view over Kathmandu Valley. The peaceful aura, together with the antics of monkeys, has resulted in this unique experience.
You will complete your sightseeing today by going to Bouddhanath Stupa, world’s largest Buddhist stupa. The huge mandala and ambience make it the most visited site by people and tourists alike. A visitor will feel complete tranquility while circling the stupa in the prayer wheels and listening to the chants of the monks.
On the third day, the trekking journey officially begins here with a short drive to Sundarijal, a beautiful little village located on the outskirts of Kathmandu. Lasting for just about an hour, the drive ensures getting acquainted well with the hills and their greenery surrounding the valley.
Sundarijal marked the start of the trekking journey as you always entered the Shivapuri National Park, which is a protected area and a refuge for its biodiversity of flora and fauna. That ends up following a water pipeline drinking water to Kathmandu, but offers an interesting lens into the kinds of resources nature has produced in the region above.
You will walk deeper inside the forest, entering a small, beautiful village called Mulkharka. It has the settlement of a Tamang community, which is famous for its cultural acceptance and hospitality. This Tamang settlement would definitely give you a brilliant opportunity to see the real traditional culture and lifestyle of Tamangs. There is an enveloping trail taking me through thick forests of oak and rhododendrons that wrap me with the aura of nature.
You eventually reach Chisapani, a silent village with many glorious views of the Himalayas. From this point, you can gaze at the amazing peaks of both the Langtang and Ganesh ranges. You will spend the night at Chisapani.
Today’s trek takes you into the heart of the Langtang region today, crossing different landscapes that describe the nature beauty of Nepal. The trek begins along flat grassland and terrace fields with descent before it climbs up, with wonderful views of the hills and mountains all around it. The trail finally leads up to Gul Bhanjyang, the beautiful yet quaint little village known for its scenic charm and warm locals.
From Gul Bhanjyang, the trail climbs a ridge with sweeping views of the Langtang Himalayas and other nearby summits. It’s a time for quiet contemplation as you drink in the grandeur of the vista. Continuing, you eventually will find yourself on a rugged mountain pass, adding an adventure to the hike as the terrain becomes rockier.
Reaching the end of the journey for today after a trek to Kutumsang-a peaceful village embraced by lush green hills in the background. Kutumsang promises relaxation and a dip into a placid environment. The simplicity and natural beauty of the village give a just right place for rest and refreshment. Overnight in Kutumsang.
Going to Thadepati forms a very beautiful part of the Helambu Trek as a union of nature and beautiful views of the mountains. The trek starts with a walk through dense forests of firs and rhododendrons, especially during spring when the firs are more vibrant. The journey is peaceful yet refreshing as the occupants will enjoy lush greenery and chirping birds.
From there, the trek continues upward until you reach Yurin Danda-ridge, one of the attractions of this place because of its outstanding viewing points of Langtang Himal and Gosaikunda Peak. This opens up a fantastic view of snow-capped mountains, rolling hills, and farther valleys. The cool mountain air, along with fantastic views, creates a significant part of this trek.
Moving forward, the trail goes through common alpine landscapes before arriving at Thadepati, a high-altitude village that acts as a junction for trekkers toward the Gosaikunda. The place is something for itself, giving a glimpse of the rough but beautiful life that its inhabitants live. Overnight in Thadepati.
The sixth day of the Helambu Trek brings us into the biggest village in Helambu, Tarkeghyang. The day starts with a drop-down to the Melamchi Khola; a very clean river flowing through here. The excitement is added by crossing the river through a suspension bridge. The trail climbs over the terrace fields and through several little villages, frequently providing sight of rural life denied to most of Nepal.
Tarkeghyang greets you with the beautiful scene of terraced landscapes and Sherpa houses. This village not only has one of the oldest but also one of the largest monasteries in the region, speaking volumes about the deep-laden spiritual roots of the Sherpa community. Take time to explore the monastery and know its different sinful historical facts.
It offers a panoramic view of the Tarkeghyang Valley, hugging the surrounding Himalayan peaks, such as the Langtang range. You can walk through the villages while soaking in the rich local culture experienced with the warm hospitality of Sherpa people. Overnight at Tarkeghyang.
This is quite a nice trekking route toward Sermathang through forests, streams, and waterfalls. The trail is not very difficult, so you can enjoy the nature of the area to its fullest. The site visits with the Sherpa village of Gangyul are mostly very near untouched modernity by traditional lifestyles and practices.
When you finally arrive in Sermathang, you will notice the lively community around its monastery. The monastery is on the highest point of the village and has a very calm place for solitude and meditation. While wandering around the village, you can learn something about the Sherpas in culture and practices, with the opportunity to interact personally with them and know their ways.
The beautiful landscape of Sermathang, coupled with the vibrant cultural heritage, denotes a twist for Helambu Trek. Overnight stay at Sermathang.
On the last day of trekking, we descend to Melamchi Pul Bazar. This is a busy market town tucked away among the hills. The views along the trails consist of terraced fields and mountains around the place to conclude your trekking journey appropriately. The Sherpa communities mainly populate the local bazaar, and the widespread atmosphere gives a chance to experience culture from the inside.
A short drive from the bazaar will take you back to Kathmandu. Now, you can reflect on your experiences and memories collected during the trek while back in the city. Mountain Treks Nepal will organize a dinner farewell in the evening for your successful trip. Spend the night in Kathmandu.
Day 9 of the Helambu Trek is the last day of your journey in Nepal. You will bid farewell to us and Nepal after the successful completion of this trek and fly back to your home country. Our representative will escort you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight.
Trip Includes
- 09 days Trips, 06 of which included 3 meals a day.
- Airport pick up and drop.
- Private vehicle for Kathmandu sightseeing .
- Two nights’ accommodation (2* categories) in Kathmandu with Breakfast.
- Three times meal a day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trek.
- A cup of tea every morning during the trekking.
- Kathmandu to Sundarijal and back to Kathmandu from melamchi puul bazar ground transportation.
- Highly experienced, helpful and friendly Guide, porters (1 porter for 2 people) their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment’s.
- langtang National park Entry Permit .
- Nepal Government taxes.
- Local Taxes.
- Sleeping bag, down jackets and duffel bag – if Necessary (Need to returned after the trek).
- Farewell Dinner
Trip Excludes
- Personal Travel Insurance.
- Nepal entry visa.
- International airfare.
- Entry fee for Kathmandu sightseeing (temple ,stupa)
- Drinks (mineral water, Tea, coffee, whisky) or other snacks and any meals beside breakfast, lunch and dinner. Hot shower, charge etc.
- Tips for Guide and potter.
- Snacks and other personal expenses.
- Personal trekking equipment.
- Any others expenses which are not mentioned on the “Trip Includes” Section.
Packing List For Helambu Trek
Clothing
- Thermal tops and bottoms
- Fleece jackets and pullovers
- Waterproof/windproof jackets and pants
- Warm hat/caps and gloves
Foot Wears
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Warm hiking socks
- Sandals/slippers for your use at tea houses
Trekking Items
- Trekking poles
- Daypack, Duffel Bags, and dry bags to carry your items
Other Items
- Sleeping pads and sleeping bags
- Hot Water Bottle
- Sunglasses for UV protection
- First aid kit
- Trek map and guidebooks
- Trek permits
Frequently Asked Questions
Spring and Autumn Seasons are the best time to go to Helambu Trek because of its favorable weather conditions.
Yes, altitude sickness is always a concern when trekking 3000 meters above sea level. So while you prepare for the Helambu Trek, respective methods should be acquired.
With Mountain Treks Nepal, it takes 9 days to complete Helambu Trek.
During the trek, you will enjoy both traditional Nepali dishes including Dal, Bhat, and Tarkari and western dishes like pizza, pasta, and others.
kerina
October 23, 2023 at 12:35 amHelambu trek
My recent Helambu trek in Nepal with Mountain Treks Nepal was an absolutely fantastic experience! I would highly recommend them to anyone considering a trek in this beautiful region.
Martin
April 12, 2023 at 10:53 pmHelambu trek with mountain treks Nepal
Our recent Helambu trek in Nepal with Mountain Treks Nepal was an absolutely fantastic experience! We couldn’t recommend them.
yaka and Bharat are amazing