Helambu trek is one of those short treks that bring into highlight the scenic beauty of rural Nepal life. This trek leads you through rice terraces, green valleys and dense forests of oak and rhododendrons with the back drop of the majestic Himalayan mountains. The Helambu region is situated to the north of Kathmandu and is primarily inhabited by the Sherpas and Tamang communities who will heartily welcome you. You can enjoy the simple, but serene life of the people of the Helambu region. It is fascinating to watch the farmers toil in the fields still using their hand made tools and water buffaloes.
This is a low altitude trek and offers a wondrous trip to the rugged but one of the most beautiful terrains in the world.
Day 01 :Drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal (1350m.)
Takes about one hour and then begin an uphill walk to Chisopani. The unpaved road from Kathmandu turns into a trail near a small hydroelectric plant. The trail will enter through the Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve. The first settlement you come across is Mulkharka with Tamang inhabitants. The route heads down the ridge through a forest of oaks and rhododendron to Chisopani (2300m.), which has magnificent views from Annapurna to Everest. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 02 : Trek from Chisopani to Kutumsang (2446m.)
Takes about seven hours. The trail continues to drop from Chisopani on a good, sometimes level trail that crosses meadows and fields. You will then descend through Pathi Bhanjyang till Gul Bhanjyang. The trail then climbs the ridge from Gul Bhanjyang to another pass at 2620m. The meadow here makes a good camping spot and is downhill to Kutumsang at 2470m, in a saddle atop the ridge. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 03 :Trek from Kutumsang to Magen Goth (3514m.)
Takes about three hours. The trek continues north to the Yurin Danda ridge which affords good views of the peaks that surround you. The trail climbs above Kutumsang on a steep, eroded trail mostly through fir and rhododendron forests where there are no permanent settlements before descending to Magen Goth. There are a few lodges and Goths (Domestic Animal Sheds). Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 04 :Trek from Magen Goth to Melamchi Gaon (2640m) via Tharepati Pass (3650m.)
Takes about six hours. The trail gradually ascends through the enchanting forest enriched with beautiful rhododendron, oak and other trees. Tharepati, in fact is a great view point from where you can get a glimpse of the breathtaking snow capped mountains such as Dorje Lakpa, Gaurishankar, Langshisa, Jugal, Numbur and many others. From Tharepati the trail gradually descends through the pine and rhododendron forests with great views down into the Helambu valley and across to Jugal Himal and Numbur in the Solu Khumbu. Melamchi Gaon is surrounded by beautiful forests, which is mainly inhabited by Sherpa people with their distinctive culture. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 05 :Trek from Melamchi Gaon to Tarkeghyang (2743m.)
Takes about six hours. The early part of the trek descends until you cross the Melamchi stream. You then trek gently up to Tarkeghyang passing through Sherpa settlements. Tarkeghyang is a beautiful Sherpa village with one of the oldest and biggest monasteries. Tarkeghyang, also known as Helambu is named after the Helmu caste. The Sherpa people living here originally belonged to the Helmu caste. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 06 :Trek from Tarkeghyang to Shermathang (2621m.)
Takes about four hours. This day the trail is quite easier across flat land with beautiful forests on the way. There is a beautiful village about half way to Shermathang. Shermathang is another charming Sherpa village where you can visit many ancient monasteries and can see the Jugal Himal. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 07 :Trek from Shermathang to Melamchi Pul Bazaar (846m.)
Takes approximately five hours. The trail gradually descends all the way to Melamchi Pul Bazaar through meadows and cultivated fields. On the way, you come across several old villages. This day you will be greeted by pleasant views of mountains and will get to interact with local and friendly people. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 08 :Drive from Melamchi Pul Bazaar to Kathmandu
Takes about four and half hours. You travel on a gravel and bumpy path to Lamidanda and then follow the pitched road to Kathmandu.