Helambu Trek

Day 1: Kathmandu to Sundarijal (Drive) to Chisapani (Trek)

• Drive time: 1 hour | Trek: 4 hours
• Accommodation: Tea House
• Distance: 13 km /8 miles

Your guide will collect you from your hotel and accompany you to the bus station where you board a local bus for Sundarijal.  It takes around an hour to drive there then the trek really begins!

At Sundarijal you can see a hydroelectric plant which feeds the city with water from Shivapuri.  If you look closely you can see that the large water pipe, with steps running up its side, is part of  a second hydropower project (640kW)  built in Nepal at Sundarijal in 1939 with British cooperation. The date is still stamped on the metal pipe.

On today’s trek you will enter Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve, now known as Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, and reach the town of Mulkhara where you will probably stop for tea. Mulkhara is mainly occupied by Tamang ethnic people.  Continue hiking through a forest until Chisapani (cold water).  From here the views of the Langtang range are wonderful.

After a cup of tea, keep going until you reach the village of Kulkharka where you hike down a ridge into oak and rhododendron forests until you reach Chisapani.  

Overnight at Chisapani – teahouse.

Highlights and Challenges

• Trek so close to Kathmandu yet with stunning mountain views of the Annapurna and Langtang Ranges.
• Enter Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park with its wide array of wildlife and plant life.
• Learn about the almost 100-year-old hydropower project which is still operating today.·   No major challenges today!

Day 2: Chisapani to Kutumsang

• Trek time: 7 hours
• Accommodation: Tea House
• Distance: 12 km /7.5 miles

Although it’s a long day, the trail is not difficult today.  Crossing fields and meadows while in the presence of the majestic mountains such as   Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal,  Langtang and Jugal Himal is very uplifting. 

Continue trekking through forests and more meadows, you pass small villages including Gul Bhanjyang as the trail winds its way through ascents and descents.  These villages have traditional houses made of stone and wood in typical Tibetan style.  We can also see their cultivated lands and learn a little of how they live. 

Overnight at Kutumsang – teahouse.

Highlights and Challenges

• Stunning views and a good path to follow.
• A long day with little shade on parts of the trail – bring sunscreen!

Day 3: Kutumsang to Thadepati

• Trek time: 6 hours
• Accommodation: Tea House
• Distance: 5 km /3.1 miles

This is perhaps the toughest day of the trek and the highest in terms of altitude. 

From a ridge you get fantastic views of the mountains before descending then ascending through forests and over rougher trails than you were on yesterday. 

The views from your overnight stop at Thadepati are outstanding – the mountains you will see include Gaurishankar, Jugal, Dorje Lakpa and Numbur.  Nearby, on the top of a hill is a chorten (a small Buddhist stupa).  From there the views include Rowaling Himal and Jugal Himal. 

Overnight at Thadepati – teahouse.

Highlights and Challenges

• Stunning views of many snow-covered peaks.
• A tougher hike today at high altitude. Be aware of any altitude related symptoms.

Day 4: Thadepati to Tarke Ghyang

• Trek time: 6 hours
• Accommodation: Tea House
• Distance: 14 km /8.7 miles

More rhododendron and pine forests to hike through today as you hike down to Melamchi Gaon (village).  You are descending back down to an altitude that is much more comfortable for hiking.  This and the views of the Helambu Valley and mountains make it a pleasant day.

In this area there are a few Sherpa settlements including Tarke Ghyang with its traditional stone houses.  Here you will also find a very old monastery, which goes by several names:  Churi Gompa, Tsuti  Gompa and Dzoeril Gompa. It is believed to have been build in the 8^th century.  You are welcome to explore the monastery.

Actually, the nearby Ama Yangri Peak is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists. According to locals, Ama Yangri (goddess of the mountain)  is the wife or female counterpart to Lirung peak.  She has five sister peaks in the area and is considered the protector of the village.   Please see Trip Extensions section for more details.

Overnight at Trake Ghyang – teahouse.

Highlights and Challenges

• Stunning views of the Helambu Valley
• Visit Churi Gompa.
• Be delighted by the fact your teahouse may well have an attached bathroom in this village! Ah those little things that mean so much!
• A steep descent which can be hard on the knees.

Day 4: Tarke Ghyang to Sermathang

• Trek time: 3 to 4 hours
• Accommodation: Tea House
• Distance: 8 km /5 miles

There are two routes on this part of the trail, one longer by milage, the other shorter but steeper and more challenging.  The guide will decide on the day which route you will take.

It is a day of streams, waterfalls, and of course, those beautiful forests.

Overnight at Sermathang – teahouse.

Highlights / Challenges of the Day

• A short day with beautiful scenery.
• Your trek is coming to an end!

Day 6: Sermathang to  Melamchi Bazaar (trek) Melamchi Bazaar to Kathmandu (drive)

• Drive time: 3 to 4 hours
• Accommodation: Tea House
• Distance: 8 km /5 miles

Your final day on the trek as you make your way to the busy Melamchi Bazaar. As you hike you will notice that the mountains, which have been with you all through your trek, are no longer so prominent.  While you can still see some of the Himalayas on a clear day, this is a sign your trek is coming to an end.

On reaching Melamchi Bazaar, time for lunch before boarding a bus back to Kathmandu.  It takes longer to reach the city on the return journey and gives you time to reflect on what you have seen on this marvelous trek. 

Highlights / Challenges of the Day

• You have accomplished this wonderful trek and seen fantastic views.
• It is sad to be leaving the countryside and heading back into the city.

Location of the Helambu Trek

This short trek is incredibly near to Kathmandu – within a very short drive in fact.  No need to spend all day on the road or hours in the airport waiting for a fight.  This trek is ideal for those who wish to trek through the Nepal countryside and see fabulous mountain views, but don’t want to wander too far from the capital city.

Starting at Sundarijal, you find yourself in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park on the northern fringes of the Kathmandu Valley or 12 km / 7.5 miles from the center of town.

How Difficult is Helambu Trek

The Helambu Valley Trek is considered a gentle trek and is suitable for families with children, being that it is so close to Kathmandu.

It does have one high altitude day however, and care should be given to take that day slowly to mitigate altitude problems.

The majority of the trek is through rhododendron, pine and oak forests, with a few streams to cross and pastures and meadows to see.  The mountain views are stunning, with a huge number of peaks to see and put  names to (with the help of the guide).  There are Buddhist villages to discover, and monasteries to visit.

As well as being suitable for families, you can extend your trek if you wish to increase the level of difficulty.

Overall, this is a wonderful, short and not too hard trek into a quiet rural area, off the beaten track yet close enough to Kathmandu should the need arise to return quickly.

What to Expect during Helambu Trek

A short drive at the start of the trek takes you into the wonderful countryside, and its only a slightly longer drive on the return journey.

Hiking through forests and over meadows and pastures, through villages of Buddhist communities and with the possibility of sighting some interesting wildlife in the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is what makes this adventure so perfect as a short trek.

The highest you will climb is the Tharepati Pass at 3,650 m / 11,975 ft but the views are well-worth it. On that day you will see Gaurishankar, Jugal, Dorje Lakpa, Numbur, Rowaling Himal, Jugal Himal and many more!

The trekking lodges, or teahouses, in this area are not luxurious, but are comfortable.  The best probably being at Tarke Ghyang where they even have attached bathrooms. 

There is a chance to visit monasteries and learn something about the Buddhist way of life on this trek. 

An Average Day on the Helambu Trek

Breakfast is taken early in the teahouse you have slept in then you head out on the trail around 8am.  It will not be too cold on this trek in the early morning, but you will need a jacket for a short time. 

You will likely be walking through forests and admiring the red blooming rhododendrons if you are there in the spring. 

Lunch is taken on the trail, either at a small tea shop, or taken as a packed lunch from the teahouse.  Your guide will try to find you a picturesque place to take a break and eat lunch.

When you reach the next teahouse, you can relax a bit before dinner.  It’s a good idea to order dinner as soon as you reach there as food is usually prepared fresh so it can take time.  Over dinner enjoy chatting with other trekkers and your guide.  Free feel to ask him about what you saw today and what you are going to see tomorrow.

Then it’s early to bed as it’s another early start in the morning.

Safety First

This gentle trek doesn’t have the challenging, steep and potentially dangerous trails that some treks in Nepal have.  Nevertheless, care needs to be taken not to over-exert yourself on the day you are at higher altitude.  Your guide will brief you on how to hike slowly, with plenty of breaks.  Care also has to be taken not to slip on any damp trails that may be found under the forest trees.

And, especially if you have children with you, do not wander off during breaks or in the evening.  There are wild animals, confusing trails and streams which may result in accidents.

Having said that there are wild animals, yes, there are many many interesting mammals in this part of the country. Unfortunately we may never see them as they are so shy.  But there is livestock – goats for example, that might not be so shy, and monkeys which can be a pest if they have lost their fear of humans. You don’t want to report you were trampled by a goat in Nepal!

Our guides are trained in first aid so any smaller problems can be solved on the trail.

When is the Best Time for the Helambu Trek

Spring: (March to May) Spring is a very popular time in Nepal for trekkers.  On this trek the temperatures will be good ranging from 10⁰C to 20⁰C (50°F to 68°F). And of course, the rhododendrons will be in bloom.

Autumn: (September to November)   Autumn is another fantastic season for trekking in Nepal.  It is basically the same as spring, but without the red blooms in the forest.  It will be getting a little colder as the weeks go on and can fall to below 5°C or 41°F in the night.

Monsoon: (June – September) Monsoon can bring heavy rain leading to slippery, muddy trails, landslides and overflowing streams.  It is not recommended as a good time for the Helambu Trek although it is possible to do it if you are an experienced trekker.  Not recommended for families at this time.  

Winter: (December – February) Most likely December will still be a fine month on this trek as it is not a high altitude one.  January and the first half of February will be very cold.  Snow is not so much of an issue at the lower altitudes.  If this is the only season you have available, please talk to us about this. Again, not recommended for families.

Permits Required for Helambu Trek

Two permits are required, the Langtang National Park Permit, as Helambu falls within this areas, and the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park Permit as you are also entering this area.

Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park Permit:  This is required for trekking in Helambu Valley.   

Cost:  

• Nrs 1,000 per person, per day. 
• SAAC Nationals Nrs 600 per person per day

Langtang National Park Permit:  

Cost:  

·       USD25 per person

·       SAAC Nationals Nrs 1,500 per person

·       Children under 10 – FOC

What to Eat and Where to Stay on the Helambu Trek

What is included in the price:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included when you are on the Helambu Trek.

Tea and coffee are available with breakfast and dinner. Soft drinks, alcohol, drinking water and snacks should be paid by you directly to the teahouse as they are not included in the price of your trek.

Lunch will be from a small tea shop on the trail, if available.  Otherwise, your guide will organize a packed lunch for you.

All the meals reflect the fact you are in the Nepal countryside.  No fancy cuisine, just good home cooking!

What will you eat during Helabu Trek

Breakfast may consist of:

• Porridge
• Eggs
• Toast
• Pancakes
• Homemade bread like Tibetan bread or roti
• Cereal
• Rice dishes
• Noodles dishes
• Tea/ coffee

Dinner may include:

• Soup
• Thukpa (Tibetan soup with flat noodles)
• Nepali Dal Bhat (vegetable curry and rice)
• Fried rice
• Noodles
• Momos (Nepali steamed dumplings)
• Tingmo (a plain Tibetan item like a cross between bread and momo)
• Potatoes cooked in different ways
• There may be some dessert/  sweet items such as banana pancakes, hot drinking chocolate, and yogurt.

Lunch items on the trail may be:

Momos, dal bhat, or noodles. 

Drinks:

Tea, coffee, soft drinks, beer, and water are available in most places.

A locally made juice of sea buckthorn berry may be available.  You may like it.  Or not!

Dietary restrictions:

Meat is not an everyday item on the household menu in Nepal, so vegetarians have no problem when trekking.

If you are not vegetarian normally, we suggest not eating meat / chicken when trekking.  There may be no fridges in the teahouse and the meat may not be very fresh.  

Let us know if you have any food allergies so we can tell the teahouse kitchen.

Bring your own snacks such as dried fruit and nuts, cookies, and chocolate bars, which are a great way to boost your morale at these ‘why am I doing this’ moments.  Or to celebrate your success! 

Tips on Food:

Buy snacks in Kathmandu to bring with you.

Be careful with spicy food. Ask them not to make it too spicy.

Water on the Trek

Do not drink tap or spring water until you treat it with purifying drops or tablets.

Buying water on the trail can become very expensive but that expense is nothing compared to having your trip ruined by having an upset stomach.  Teahouses will provide boiled drinking water which you will have to pay for.  To us, this is preferable to buying bottled water (if available) as it is better for the environment of this national park area.  

A Lifestraw will filter out most bacteria, but these are heavy to carry.  Bring one, if you like, then 2 or 3 stainless steel bottles to put boiled water into.  Basically, you can never have too much water ready and available!  

Tips on Water:

• To avoid dehydration drink plenty of water every day. 
• Never drink unfiltered/ unpurified water. Ask the guide if you are in doubt.

What are the Accommodation option on the Helabu Trek

Teahouses in this area are quite basic.  Indoor toilets are rare, private toilets even rarer!

Twin beds are the norm in teahouses and if it is very busy, you may have to share even if you have requested a single room.  None of the sleeping rooms have heating.  A hot shower is available; if you pay for it.  

We recommend you bring your own sleeping bag.  Warmer, cleaner and just more comforting somehow.

Tips on Accommodation:

• No heating or electrical sockets in the sleeping rooms.
• Dining rooms are warm and are for socializing in, as well as eating in.
• You will be sharing toilets and showers with other trekkers.
• Do not enter the kitchen – it’s busy in there.
• You need to pay for hot water for the shower (which may come in a bucket).
• If your teahouse has WiFi you will have to pay to use it.
• Order dinner as soon as you arrive at the teahouse as it takes time for the kitchen to prepare meals.

Transport Options

Included in the price is transport by local bus from Kathmandu to the start of the trek, and then back to Kathmandu. If you would like a private jeep, either going or returning, or both, please discuss the cost of this with us. The cost is normally divided between the number of trekkers in a group.

Trip Extensions

While you are at Tarke Ghyang you may wish to take the opportunity to trek up to Ama Yangri Peak (3,771 m / 12,372 ft) This is considered a holy pilgrimage site for Buddhists. The reason being it is believed Guru Rinpoche (a guru who spread Buddhism to Nepal and Tibet around 600 years ago) visited both the location of the village and the peak. There is a cave where he meditated (there are caves throughout Nepal where it is said he meditated), and to meditate there helps you become enlightened.   

This peak is also thought of as the protector of Tarke Ghyang and if you climb the peak and made a wish, it will be granted by the Goddess.  Whether that is true or not we do not know, but we do know the experience and views are astounding.

It takes around 6 hours to climb the peak and return so it would require another day at Tarke Ghyang village. 

Alternatively, if you are a fit trekker, you could do the trip on the morning of Day 5 before heading to Sermathang. That would make it a very long day, with a very early start in the morning and we only recommend this to experienced and fit trekkers.  Let’s discuss!

On Your Arrival in Nepal

We can collect you from the international airport which will save you the time and energy of negotiating with taxi drivers.  Please advise us on the booking form if you want to be collected from the airport, for which there is a small charge.

Hotels in Kathmandu:

There are many excellent hotels on booking.com or hostelworld.com.  Kathmandu has a very wide range of star and budget hotels. Thamel is a good place to stay as there are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops geared to visiting tourists.  If  you prefer not to be in the noise hub of backpackers and trekkers, we can suggest hotels in the Lazimpat area of town. Lazimpat is a 15 minute short walk to Thamel.  Those with Proud certification include Nomad Hotel, Lazimpat, and the Marriott chain (two found in Thamel and one 15 minutes’ walk away).   

What to do in Kathmandu before / after your trek:

Seven UNESCO Heritage Sites, the old palaces, ancient temples, Buddhist stupas and Hindu burning ghats… and much more!

Seen enough temples?

Thamel has a vibrant music scene.  From the traditional to rock and everything in between. There is the Godawari Botanical Garden, if you are interested in flora, and even a vin yard just outside Kathmandu if that is your thing! 

Have children with you?

Unfortunately, Kathmandu isn’t great for activities for children, but you could try Jump KTM (trampolines) or Bhrikuti Mandap Fun Park.  The Garden of Dreams at the entrance of Thamel has enough space for small children to run around in a lovely, safe setting – while you sip coffee or a drink.  Teenagers might enjoy swimming in a hotel pool, playing archery at The Best Archery, or  spending time at the Astrek climbing wall in Thamel.  

We can also recommend places outside of the Kathmandu Valley to visit such as Chitwan National Park, Bardia National Park, Pokhara, Lumbini etc. Please ask us!

Visa on Arrival

Visa on arrival is available for people from most countries, via the Immigration Department of Nepal’s on-line site.  Please complete the form online, print it out and bring it with you.  Bring exact USD cash to make payment on arrival at the airport. 

Visa on arrival is valid for 15 days, 30 days or 3 months and costs: 

• 15 Days – 30 USD
• 30 Days – 50 USD
• 90 Days – 125 USD

Should I Hire a Porter for this Trek?

The Helambu Trek is a short trek and there are not many steep climbs up or down.  However, carrying 10 or 15 kg for a few hours, over a few days, can become tiring if you are not used to it.

If you have children or are not used to carrying your pack on a trek, we recommend you think about hiring a porter.  You can share the cost of a porter between another trekker, thus keeping the cost down.  You will also then have to keep the weight of your pack down as a porter should only be asked to carry up to 20kg in total.

Remember you will be carrying your own, and perhaps your children’s, day pack with water, sun cream, sun hat etc in it.

Landscapes,  Wildlife  and Culture in the Langtang Valley

Landscapes: You will be hiking through Langtang National Park as well as Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park with its abundant flora and fauna.  On this trek you will be hiking through forests and over meadows and pastures.

Wildlife: There are a host of animals living in this area.  We just don’t get to see them very often.  Wild cats, leopards, red pandas, monkeys, deer and even Himalayan black bears are just some names to mention.  So many animals, yet so few sightings from the average trekker.  If you are particularly interested in wildlife we could arrange a special trek focusing on that for you.  Ask us.

Peoples:  The people of this region are closely related to Tibetans, having migrated here hundreds, or even thousands of years ago.  They follow Tibetan Buddhism and have their own culture and language.

Extra Expenses on the Trek

Food, accommodation, transport and the guide are already included in the price of the trek.

You might want to budget for the following.

What kind of cash to bring?

Nepali rupees for everything along the trail!

For tipping your guide and porter (if you have one) you can use foreign currency or Nepali rupees.

Transport: Public bus transport is included in the cost of the trek.  A private vehicle is possible, but you will have to pay extra for that. Please discuss with us.

Food: Three meals a day and tea/ coffee are included.  Anything extra, such as cold drinks, need to be paid directly by you to the teahouse.

In the teahouse:  The teahouses will charge you for hot water for showers, electricity to charge your device and for drinking water as well as soft and alcoholic beverages. Please pay directly to the teahouse. 

Tips: Please calculate the tips for your guide and porter which can be paid in dollars or other currencies. We suggest the tip for the guide to be  around USD200 (divided by the number of people on your trek)  and your personal porter around USD150 (paid by yourself). 

On the trail: Any snacks or drinks you buy on the trail have to be paid for in Nepali rupees.  When visiting a monastery, it is customary to make a small donation – Nrs100 – 500 is fine. Lighting butter lamps – you should also put in more donations if you are lighting butter lamps for a loved one.

**We can recommend you bring around USD 10-12 per day, in Nepali rupees, plus the tips for the guide and porter. **

Before you come expenses:

Need to buy new gear?  Need to increase your fitness level by swimming or going to the gym?  Buying new travel insurance?  And of course, you are buying a flight ticket and putting money aside for the Nepal visa.

WiFi and Networks on the Trek

Even if a teahouse has phone and WiFi access, bad weather or simply nightfall  can interfere with the signal. 

Tips for Communication

• You can buy a NTC or NCELL sim card when you arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport for data internet for WiFi.

Your Personal Travel Insurance

Your travel insurance should include trekking and trekking up to 5,000 m  /  16,404 ft.  and should cover helicopter evacuation.  This is simply standard procedure.  The Helambu Trek is a safe area with no major risks involved.

Magical Nepal provides  insurance for our guides, porters and other staff.  Due to the rules of the Government of Nepal, we cannot cover the insurance of clients. Foreign tourists cannot buy insurance in Nepal, so please buy in your own country before coming.

Group or a  Private Trek

A group trek is where you will be with a few other trekkers who wish to visit the Helambu Valley at  the same time as you. 

A private trek is where you and your friend(s) are the only ones on the trek with your own guide. This is ideal if you are 3 or 4 or more friends/ family travelling together.  This does not work so well if you are a solo trekker.

There is no difference in the price (other than shared costs such as guide tip, or if you wish to hire a private vehicle)

Packing Tips

Download our packing list PDF here.

Bring clothes to layer:  You will be walking at low altitude, where it will be quite warm in the middle of the day. Then you will be walking at higher altitude when it will be cool, even in the middle of the day.  You cannot pack two sets of clothes so the idea is to bring clothes that can be layered.  That means, things in can take off when the day gets warmer, then put back on as it cools down.  Easily taken off and put on and easy to carry. 

Pack Smart: Keep your pack light for carrying, even if you are hiring a porter to carry it for you.  

Toiletries: Bring what you need in travel sized containers. It is a short trek, you really don’t need much!

Why Book with Magical Nepal

Diversity – Equality – Inclusion: Keys to a Great Experience

We at Magical Nepal are a team of highly trained travel enthusiasts.  

We started Magical Nepal in 2017 and pride ourselves in growing a great team. From our climbing guides, trek guides, and liaison staff to our camp staff, porters and camp chef, we all love to explore and travel in the Nepal Himalayas. We also love to introduce our beautiful country to our clients.

We are committed to human dignity, security, and safety for all – our clients and the communities we visit. We are also committed to the environmental sustainability of the landscapes, flora, and fauna of the Himalayas.

We also pride ourselves on offering great value for money and a price guarantee – if you can find the same trek at a lower price, we will match it – guaranteed.

Please check the reviews from our past clients to see what they say about us.