Overview
To the north of Kathmandu lies Helambu, a naturally stunning region popular for trekking. This trek offers a true Himalayan experience for those short on time. It starts from Kathmandu and includes pleasant walks through idyllic Sherpa villages and beautiful forests filled with rhododendron flowers and pine trees. This is an easy-going trek with a maximum height of 3500m. Along with the breathtaking views of giant Himalayan mountains and other typical Nepalese landscapes, you will also benefit from cultural immersion, experiencing the one-of-a-kind Tamang ethnic group, the Sherpas and their varying lifestyles.
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Price per person | 7 days trekking (+ 1 preparatory day with overnight in Kathmandu) - US$ 720 |
Duration | 7 Days |
Difficulty | I-II (Easy - Moderate) |
Maximum Altitude | 3,690m |
Destination | Tharepati |
Group Size | 1-8 |
Starting From | Kathmandu |
Ending at | Kathmandu |
Description
To the north of Kathmandu lies Helambu, a naturally stunning region popular for trekking. This trek starts from Kathmandu and includes pleasant walks through idyllic Sherpa villages and beautiful forests filled with rhododendron flowers and pine trees. This is an easy-going trek with a maximum height of 3500m.
The Helambu trek offers a true Himalayan experience for those short on time. It allows you to immerse yourself in one of Nepal’s breathtaking mountainous areas which sees less tourists than some of the treks in the Annapurna and Everest regions. This trek takes you through the uphill regions of Shivapuri, and continues to Tharepati before ending up on the Melamchi Bridge. Melamchi is the biggest traditional village en route, and it has a Tibetan Gompa along with interesting farmlands where basic foods such as potato, wheat, millet, and vegetables are produced for local families.
Along with the breathtaking views of giant Himalayan mountains and other typical Nepalese landscapes, you will also benefit from cultural immersion, experiencing the one-of-a-kind Tamang ethnic group, the Sherpas and their varying lifestyles.
Thus, the Helambu trek is a perfect adventure for those with a small window of time and a desire to experience local cultures and landscapes.
Route/Itinerary
The following route and itinerary applies to the full 8 day trek. For shorter versions of this trek, the itinerary is adjusted accordingly.
Route
Kathmandu – Sundarijal – Chisopani – Kutumsang – Tharepati – Melamchi Gaon – Sermathang – Malemchi Pul – Kathmandu
Day 00 // Preparatory Day
- Meet and greet and Q&A with guide/yoga teacher (and any other participants) in Kathmandu
- Packing (daypack, trekking gear and possessions to be carried by porter etc.), and final preparations
- Welcome dinner
- Overnight in hotel/guesthouse in Kathmandu (we choose simple but clean and comfortable accommodation, with a good space for yoga on the morning of Day 1)
Day 01 // Kathmandu – Sundarijal – Chisopani // 2,165m// 1hr drive, 5 hr trek
- Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
- Breakfast
- In the morning, a short drive towards northeast of the city and your hiking route begins from Sundarijal (literally means beautiful water), from where we enter Shivapuri National Park and walk towards the dam of Sundarijal which is the main water supply for Kathmandu valley. Stone steps take us to Mulkharka, showcasing beautiful mud houses and farm terraces with the Kathmandu valley view. The ridge at Deurali offers a first stunning view at nearby Himalayan giants, including Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang, Dorje Lakpa and many more. We end the day in Chisopani, another beautiful and characteristic village. Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
- Restorative relaxation/meditation
- Dinner
- Overnight in a teahouse
Day 02 // Chisopani – Kutumsang // 2,470m // 7hr trek
- Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
- Breakfast
- We start the day with an easy walk to the ridge of Chisopani, from where we tackle a steep descent, and then a climb up to the village Gul Bhanjyang. A few more ups and downs in these picturesque surroundings take us to our destination for today, Kutumsang. Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
- Restorative relaxation/meditation
- Dinner
- Overnight in a teahouse
Day 03 // Kutumsang – Tharepati // 3,690m // 7hr trek
- Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
- Breakfast
- We continue northwards, ascending through a magical pine and rhododendron forest with beautiful views of the mountains and valleys. Today’s destination Tharepati is the highest elevation we will reach on this trek. It offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
- Restorative relaxation/meditation
- Dinner
- Overnight in a teahouse
Day 04 // Tharepati – Melamchi Gaon // 2,530m // 5hr trek
- Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
- Breakfast
- The trail descends from Tharepati to a beautiful bridge at the bottom of the forest before we reach Melamchi, a large, picturesque Sherpa village with a Gompa and a village school. It is pretty village to walk around and experience a taste of the life people here lead. Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
- Restorative relaxation/meditation
- Dinner
- Overnight in a teahouse
Day 05 // Melamchi Gaon – Sermathang // 2,590m // High Camp 6hr trek
- Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
- Breakfast
- Today starts with a descent to the river, and a gradual, gentle climb up through small villages to Tarkeghyang, from where the walk to Sermathang is easy. You will have wonderful panoramic views of high snow-capped Himalayan mountains, and villages low down in the valleys, providing an unusual, stunning perspective. Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
- Restorative relaxation/meditation
- Dinner
- Overnight in a teahouse
Day 06 // Sermathang – Malemchi Pul // 870m // 7hr trek
- Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
- Breakfast
- Today’s journey takes us to, Kakani, a splendid little village, and its ridge with beautiful views. From here, we continue our descent towards Melamchi. Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
- Restorative relaxation/meditation
- Dinner
- Overnight in a teahouse
Day 07 // Malemchi Pul – Kathmandu // 1,450m // 5hr trek
- Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
- Breakfast
- On our final day, we take a bus ride to Kathmandu, where each guest can check into their room and relax for the day, or do some sightseeing.
- Restorative relaxation/meditation
- Farewell dinner
- Overnight in a comfortable hotel in Kathmandu
Included/Excluded & Add-Ons
What Is Included
- Daily yoga and meditation classes during the trek
- Yoga Mats and Blankets
- All necessary transportation during the trek
- Hotel accommodation (twin sharing) in Kathmandu on the first and last day of the itinerary
- Dinner in Kathmandu on the first and last day of the itinerary
- Teahouse accommodation (twin sharing) during the trek
- 3 meals a day during the trek
- Healthy snacks
- First Aid supplies
- All necessary paperwork, conservation fees and trekking permits (ACAP, TIMS), and local taxes
What Is Excluded
- Beverages (Hard or Soft drinks, Mineral Water Bottles, Filtered Water)
- Personal travel equipment
- Personal expenses (WiFi, phone calls, laundry, extra porters, water, hot shower etc.)
- Personal travel and health insurance
- Any expenses related to emergency evacuation
- Any cost arising due to circumstances outside of our control such as natural disasters, strikes and political disturbances, guest sickness, etc.
- Tips for trekking guide, yoga teacher & porters