Duration
12 Days
DIFFICULTY
Medium
GROUP SIZE
1-12
MAX. ALTITUDE
3150
Best Season
Whole Year
Accomodation
Hotel
Overview
Helambu Trek combines natural beauty with cultural richness, offering a blend of moderate trekking challenges. From Kathmandu, one gets to drive up to Sundarijal for an hour, followed by trekking through Shivapuri National Park into Chisapani. During the next days, trekkers go through various sceneries in landscapes that gently slope up towards Kutumsang and then on to Tharepati at an altitude of 3,650 meters. From here, the trekking route drops down to Melamchi Gaun, a quiet village in its peaceful environment and local hospitality with traditional architecture.
Trekking onward on Helambu Trek, passes through two culturally rich villages, Tarke Gyang and Sermathang villages, which give trekkers an insight into the culture and tradition of the Sherpa and Tamang communities respectively. These villages provide an opportunity to enjoy unique insights into the local way of life with monasteries, prayer flags, and stone houses adding to the cultural feel. The final leg of the journey descends into Melamchi Bazaar, from where a drive is taken back to Kathmandu. The time is spring or sautumn, offering clear skies, temperate temperatures, and vibrant landscapes. By and large, Helambu Trek contains the appropriate continuation of rewarding trekking around Kathmandu because of the fact that natural splendor combines with cultural investigation.
Highlights of the Helambu Trek
- Explore Kathmandu’s UNESCO Heritage sites with a guided tour.
- Trek through Shivapuri National Park, featuring waterfalls, forests, and mountain views.
- Visit traditional Hyolmo villages like Melamche Gaun and Tarkeghayang, rich in culture.
- Enjoy stunning views of the Langtang and Jugal Himal ranges.
- Discover ancient monasteries and local traditions.Moderate trekking hours, suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers.
- Experience Nepal’s festive atmosphere during Dashain and Tihar.
Itinerary of Helambu Trek
-
Day 1 :
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel in the bustling city of Kathmandu. After checking in, you can relax and recover from your journey or take a stroll through the vibrant streets of Thamel, known for its shops, restaurants, and cultural charm. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
-
Day 2 :
Drive to Sundarijal (1,600m) and Trek to Chisapani (2,200m)
Helambu Trek starts with the drive for about an hour to Sundarijal, a gateway to Shivapuri National Park. Start your trek with an uphill climb through lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and terraced fields. Pass through the Tamang village of Mulkharka, offering stunning views of the Kathmandu Valley, before reaching Chisapani after a 4–5 hour trek. Overnight at a teahouse in Chisapani.
-
Day 3 :
Trek to Gul Bhanjyang (2,150m)
Start a scenic 5-6 hour trek. Begin with a gradual descent, then climb through peaceful forests and charming villages. Enjoy magnificent views of the Langtang and Jugal Himalayan ranges along the way. The day concludes with an uphill walk to the quaint hilltop village of Gul Bhanjyang, where you’ll spend the night at a teahouse.
-
Day 4 :
Trek to Gul Bhanjyang (2,150m)
Start a scenic 5-6 hour trek. Begin with a gradual descent, then climb through peaceful forests and charming villages. Enjoy magnificent views of the Langtang and Jugal Himalayan ranges along the way. The day concludes with an uphill walk to the quaint hilltop village of Gul Bhanjyang, where you’ll spend the night at a teahouse.
-
Day 5 :
Trek to Magangot (3,150m)
This day involves a challenging yet rewarding 6–7 hour trek. The trail takes you through rhododendrons and oak forests to the high-altitude point of Tharepati, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas. Continue onwards to Magangot, a tranquil spot surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Overnight at a teahouse in Magangot.
-
Day 6 :
Trek to Melamche Gaun (2,600m)
Descend through dense forests to reach Melamche Gaun, a culturally significant Hyolmo village rich in tradition and spirituality. Take time to explore its ancient monasteries, interact with the friendly locals, and immerse yourself in the unique culture. Overnight at a teahouse in Melamchi Gaun after 5–6 hours of trekking.
-
Day 7 :
Trek to Tarkeghayang (2,560m)
The trek to Tarkeghayang is a delightful journey through terraced fields, meadows, and serene forests. Cross a suspension bridge before gradually climbing to the beautiful village of Tarkeghayang, known for its ancient monastery and spectacular mountain views. The day involves 5–6 hours of moderate trekking. Overnight at a teahouse in Tarkeghayang.
-
Day 8 :
Trek to Shermathang (2,500m)
Enjoy a relatively easy 5–6 hour trek to Shermathang, passing through scenic landscapes of rolling hills and charming settlements. Shermathang is a picturesque village with a monastery and stunning views of the Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal, and Jugal Himal. Explore the village and its peaceful surroundings before resting for the night at a teahouse.
-
Day 9 :
Trek to Melamchepul Bazaar (8,28m)
Descend for 5–6 hours through terraced farmlands and small villages to reach Melamchi Pul Bazar, a bustling market town at the base of the Helambu region. Take in the lively atmosphere of this trade hub, reflecting on your journey through the mountains. Overnight at a teahouse in Melamchi Pul Bazar.
-
Day 10 :
Drive back to Kathmandu
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic 5–6 hour drive back to Kathmandu. The journey takes you along winding roads with views of hills, rivers, and picturesque settlements. Once in Kathmandu, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the city. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
-
Day 11 :
Free Day in Kathmandu and Farewell Dinner
This day is reserved for leisure, allowing you to explore Kathmandu at your own pace. You can shop for souvenirs, visit the serene Garden of Dreams, or revisit your favorite landmarks. In the evening, join a farewell dinner featuring authentic Nepali cuisine and a traditional cultural program with music and dance. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
-
Day 12 :
Departure
On your final day, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight. With unforgettable memories of your trek and cultural experiences in Nepal, bid farewell to this beautiful country and its warm hospitality.
Oxygen Level

From: $624
Cost Includes
- All Pick up and drop off transport as mentioned in the itinerary and 2* equivalent hotel with breakfast in Kathmandu
- Accommodation and three meals per day during the trekking
- Trekking guide and porters (Cook and sardar in the case of camping trek)
- National parks’ fees and government royalties
- Domestic air ticket and airport tax for tourists and guides as mentioned in the itinerary
- Insurance of our trekking staff members
- Sightseeing in Kathmandu valley or other parts of Nepal as mentioned in the itinerary
Cost Excludes
- International air ticket, airport tax and Nepal visa fees
- All kinds of drink during trekking and travel stay with us
- Travel insurance and cost of medical services of tourists
- All kinds of cloth and personal trekking equipment
- Other personal expenses and tips
- Charted helicopter, plane and other transports in case of emergency
Talk with a travel expert with more than a decade of experience and plan your adventure.
FAQs for Helambu Trek
The best time for the Helambu Trek is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer stable weather, clear skies, and breathtaking views of the mountains. While summer (June to August) brings monsoon rains, and winter (December to February) is colder, the trek is still doable with proper preparation.
The trek is graded as a moderate one and covers 5–7 hours of walking each day. Gradual ascents and descents take place in the forests, villages, and ridges. Though it doesn’t involve any technical climbing, one needs a decent level of fitness for the trek. Beginners will find it pretty doable with some pre-training or experience in trekking.
The highest point of the trek is Magangot (3,150m). Although the altitude is not extremely high, acclimatization is built into the itinerary to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Yes, you need two permits for the trek:
– Langtang National Park Entry Permit
– TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card
These can be arranged by your trekking agency or obtained in Kathmandu before starting the trek.
Accommodation on the Helambu Trek comprises teahouses that offer basic facilities. Rooms are usually basic, with shared bathrooms and dining areas. Though food options are limited, teahouses serve filling meals like dal bhat, noodles, and soups to keep your energy up.
Yes, the Helambu Trek is safe for solo travelers; however, it’s best to hire a guide or join a group for better navigation, safety, and enriched cultural experiences. Solo travelers are also required to obtain all necessary permits.
Helambu Trek highly recommends having travel insurance. Make sure that your policy covers high-altitude trekking, emergency evacuations, and cancellations of the trip.
To prepare for the Helambu Trek, start a fitness routine 4–6 weeks before your trip, focusing on cardio, strength, and endurance exercises. Practice long walks or hikes with a backpack to build stamina and get used to carrying a load.
Yes, drinking water is available in teahouses and from natural sources. However, it is better to carry a water purification system, tablets, filters, or UV sterilizer to have safe drinking water throughout the trek.
ATMs are not available along the trek route. Make sure to carry enough Nepali rupees in cash for expenses like food, accommodation, and tips before leaving Kathmandu.
The Helambu Trek is known for easy accessibility from Kathmandu, lower altitudes (reducing the risk of altitude sickness), and its cultural richness. The trail goes through beautiful Hyolmo villages, lush forests, and terraced fields, offering panoramic Himalayan views without the crowds of more popular trekking routes like Everest or Annapurna.
Wi-Fi is provided in some teahouses for a small charge, although it is usually slow and erratic. Similarly, mobile networks, such as Ncell and Nepal Telecom, are found along the trail, but the service is spotty at higher elevations.
While the Helambu Trek can be done independently, hiring a guide is recommended for navigation, cultural insights, and safety. A porter can also ease your journey by carrying your heavier luggage, allowing you to focus on enjoying the trek.
The Helambu region is rich in Hyolmo culture, a blend of Tibetan Buddhist traditions with local practices. You will visit monasteries, interact with locals, and learn about their way of life. Trekking during festival seasons like Dashain or Tihar offers an even deeper cultural immersion.
Gear List
- Backpack (50 liters) with outside pockets to keep smaller items
- Trekking boots, well broken in and waterproofed. Gaiters to keep snow out of boots
- Woolen sweaters and down jacket, gloves, wind proof outer garments, pants jacket, skirts, T-shirts, shirts, baggy pants and underwear
- Several pairs of woolen and few pairs of nylon socks. A pair of sandals
- Sleeping bag adequate for temperatures encountered
- Hat with wide brim and sun lotion cream
- One liter water bottle and some food for contingencies
- Repair and medical kit
- Head lamp with spare lithium batteries and bulbs
- Handkerchief and toiletries
- Verified phone number of your Embassy, consulate ,trekking agency and private phone number of your director
- Pen, pencils and letterhead to write an emergency message
- Pocket knife with opener and scissors
- Sunglasses with spare eyeglasses or contact lenses if you wear them
- Umbrella and rain coat
- Camera
SUPPORT
Best Time to Visit Helambu Trek
Spring (March to May):
Spring is one of the best times to do the Helambu Trek because the trails are covered with rhododendrons blooms and greenery. During this season, the weather is usually mild and pleasant, and daytime temperatures at higher altitudes can be around 10°C to 20°C. Skies are usually clear, presenting fantastic views of the Langtang and Jugal Himal ranges. The advent of spring brings vibrant life to villages along the trail, whereby locals prepare for festivals and farming activities. This season is ideal for nature lovers and photographers seeking colorful landscapes.
Summer/Monsoon (June to August):
While summer brings warmer temperatures, between 15°C and 25°C, it also coincides with the monsoon season in Nepal. The Helambu Trek becomes challenging as there is heavy rainfall, slippery trails, and leeches in the forested areas during this time. However, this season offers unique benefits, such as lush green landscapes and fewer crowds on the trails. For those who can brave the rain, the trek greets them with dramatic skies and glimpses of snow-capped peaks through the mist.
Autumn (September to November):
Generally, Autumn is considered the best season for the Helambu Trek as during this season, the sky is clear, the temperature is cool, and the visibility is simply superb. The day temperatures might rise to 10°C-20°C while nights are crisp and refreshing. The trail becomes very scenic with golden hue forests and harvest-ready fields adding extra charm. This season also coincides with Nepal’s biggest festivals, Dashain and Tihar, which give trekkers a chance to experience the local culture. Autumn is perfect for those seeking the best combination of weather, views, and cultural experiences.
Winter (December to February):
Winter is a quiet, different world for the Helambu Trek-12 Days with fewer trekkers on the trails and quieter villages. However, the temperature can go substantially down to sub-zero as low as -5°C to 10°C during the day and nights at higher elevations. It might snow at high elevations; this may add extra magic to the winter landscape but might make some sections of the trail difficult to walk on. Winter offers an enriching adventure for well-prepared trekkers seeking solitude in front of calm mountain peaks.
Important Information Before Your Trip to Nepal
Payment: Down payment: 15% of total payment is required to confirm the reservation.
Payment of the Balance: Rest amount can be paid in our office after your arrival.
Arrival Point: You will be met at the Kathmandu international airport. Our office representative will be waiting for you holding play card of the Nepal Mountain Lovers Treks and Expedition. In case of your change plan, please let us inform.
Booking Air Ticket: If you don’t have regular travel agent, please visit makemytrip.com, www.kayak.com, www.vayama.com. They offer you very good price.
Room System: Normally we have two people in a room. Twin bed or single bed depends on the choice of guests and budget. If tourists want single room, s/he should pay single supplementary.
Trekking Leading Person: Our trekking guide will lead the whole trip with his/her helpers and porters.
Currencies: USD, AUD, EURO are major acceptable currencies in Nepal and visa and credit cards also accepted. There is ATM facility in city area.
Altitude Sickness: Altitude sickness will start from 3000 meter height. Trekkers should immediately inform trekking guide if faced any problems.
Drinking Water: We can get mineral water and boiled water in city area and in some trekking places. We use water purification tablet or liquid in some remote trekking sites.
Laundry Facility: Laundry facility are available in city area but not during the trekking.
Visa: You can get arrival visa at Kathmandu airport that cost 25 USD for 15 days and 40 USD for 30 days. Please bring 2 passport size photos. You can get your visa from the closest Nepali embassy.
Orientation Program: Before starting trekking, trekkers are provided with an orientation by our office representative or trekking guide about the necessary trekking information.
Group Size: There will be maximum 12 persons in one group.
Accommodation: You will stay in a nice tourist standard hotel/resort in city areas. Normal hotels or tents are available during the trekking.
Foods: We provide breakfast, lunch, dinner. Tourists can get continental food both in city and trekking places. Food during the trekking might not meet the standard of your country.
View of Mount Everest: Trekkers to Everest region will of course see the Mount Everest. For trekkers visiting other regions where they cannot view Mount Everest, there are daily mountain flights which approach close to Mount Everest.
Travel Insurance: It is compulsory to have travel insurance.
Personal Expenses: It depends on your spending interest and shopping. There are some expensive handmade carpets, Thanka paintings, jewelries and handicrafts to purchase in Nepal.
Luggage: We take only about 10kg per person in trekking. Your excess baggage will be stored in a hotel.
Tips: Tips are highly accepted and appreciated.
Rules and Regulation
Nepal Mountain Lovers Treks and Expedition accepts your reservation under the following rules and regulations.
1. If the balance payment is not paid before your departure for trekking, the booking will be cancelled without any refund.
2. If there is war or the situation of the country is out of control and the country faces emergency situation before your arrival to Nepal, we inform you not to come Nepal and refund your payment. But in case of any emergency situation or war after your arrival or during the trekking, we will not refund your money. But we will try our best to make your trip successful and pleasant. In such situation, we may need to change the trip plan and itinerary.
3. In case of increase in government royalty and other costs such as the national park fee, you have to pay extra money.
4. If you commit any illegal act or disturbance for the safety and welfare of the group, our leader or guide can ask to leave the group without any right to refund.
5. If you have any complain with regards to trekking and tour please inform our tour leader or company. All kinds of valid complain are welcomed and processed with necessary actions.
6.You are responsible to ensure that all travel documents are with you during the entire trip.
0 of 5 | 0 Review
Langtang Region Trekking
14 travellers are considering this tour right now!