Helambu Trek

Helambu Circuit Trek - 8 Days

Helambu Circuit Trek covers the diverse range of brilliant green valleys, hazy rhododendron forests, and distant horizons of snowy peaks and the vivid contrast of Hindu and Tibetan Buddhist cultures.

The Helambu Circuit Trek is the ideal short trek and this Helambu region remains relatively unspoiled. Here in Helembu you will experience the Yolmo culture of high mountains villages, marvel at vistas of lonely high mountains and watch enthralled as the farmers toil in the fields using hand made tools and teams of water buffalo.

Helambu Circuit Trek noted for its scenic greatness and pleasant climate, lie in the north of the Kathmandu Valley. During this trek, you can stay in highland monastery villages and small settlements in perfect forests. The most accessible of all trekking regions, Helambu offers a low elevation, distinctly enjoyable walk.

Tamang and Yolmo villages, people with strong family and cultural ties meet friendly and hospitable. Helambu offers those with limited time an instant Himalayan trek. The Helambu Circuit Trek is an easy and pleasant trip that takes place at an average altitude of 3500m.

The trek takes you to Tarkegyang through Tharepati, where a selection of trails opens. And we trek along the south ridge via Sermathang, down to the Melamchi river the site of a mega-project to bring drinking water through a series of tunnels to Kathmandu. With a drive down to Kathmandu, the Helambu Circuit Trek concludes.

If your time permits and willing to do two weeks of trekking then you can combine this trek with Langtang Gosaikunda Trek!

Highlights of Helambu Circuit Trek

  • Observe the indigenous Yolmo people’s culture and lifestyles.
  • Relatively short and easy to trek nearby Kathmandu capital.
  • The Tharepati at 3650 meters is the highest point of the trek.
  • The landscapes that include lush vegetation, river valleys and Langtang Himalayan Range to the north Shivapuri National Park‘s floral and fauna biodiversity and surrounding regions and visit Buddhist monasteries
  • Spectacular views of the snow-capped Himalayan-Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, Tibetan Shisapangma and many other nearby mountains.
Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu (1400 meters)

Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport after completing your custom formalities Visa, etc. pick up your luggage and look for our airport representative from Himalaya Discovery, who will display your name on the board at the arrival gate. You will be greeted by our representative and transferred to the hotel by private tourist vehicle. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 2
Free in Kathmandu for sightseeing and pre trip briefing and gear check.

Today is free for sightseeing in Kathmandu. You may wish to visit Durbar Square in the heart of the old city where the old Royal Palace, with its intricate woodcarving is located. The whole area is a maze of temples and images. Leading away from the square in all directions are narrow alleys, full of the most amazing variety of shops and stalls.

Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites including the historic Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ Swayambhunath and Buddhists shrine Buddhanath which is one of the largest Stupas in the world.

There will also be a full trip briefing today with gear check. In case you need to hire or buy equipment locally there will be time to do this today. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 3
Drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal and trek to Chisopani (2300 meters) 4.30 hrs.

Drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal takes approximately one hour and trek from Sundarijal the trail will enter through the Shivpuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve. The first settlement you will come across is Mulkharka with Tamang habitants. The route heads down the ridge through a forest of oaks and rhododendron to Chisopani (2300m.) Overnight at guesthouse.

Day 4
Trek to Kutumsang (2440 meters) 6 hrs.

After breakfast, we head for a journey to Kutumsang. Our today’s trek starts with a decent crossing meadows and fields. Enjoy the magnificent views of the Langtang Mountains. Thus we arrive at Pathi Bhanjyang and Gul Bhanjyang.

From Gul Bhanjyang, the trail climbs the ridge to another pass. Another downhill trek from the pass takes us to Kutumsang. Overnight at guesthouse.

Day 5
Trek to Tharepati (3650 meters) 5 hrs.

We climb above Kutumsang on a steep trail mostly through fir and rhododendron forest where there are no permanent settlements. The trek continues to Yurin Danda with magnificent views of the Himalayas. Finally, we arrive at Tharepati. Overnight at guesthouse

Day 6
Trek to Tarkeghyang (2740 meters) 6 hrs.

Starting with some descend upto Melamchi stram the trail gently climb to Tarkegyang. During early part of the trek, the trail descends until we cross the Melamchi Khola. Then we trek up to Tarkeghyang passing through Sherpa settlements.

Enjoy the himalayan peaks ofter appear before you glistening in the sunshine. discover the village and its monastery which is one of the oldest and biggest monasteries in the region.

The village is more popularly known as Helambu, since most of the inhabitants belong to the Helmu caste. Overnight at guesthouse.

Day 7
Trek to Sermathang (2610 meters) 4 hrs.

Today mostly flate, easy walk through wide valley passing through forest and streams. Sermathang is the beautiful village with a Buddhist monastery. Overnight at guesthouse.

Day 8
Drive back to Kathmandu.

Drive to Kathmandu and overnight at hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 9
Free day and farewell dinner in Kathmandu.

Today is rest and relax throughout the day. If you get interested to take some gifts from Nepal for friends and relatives, visit to some nearby shops or go out in Thamel for typical Nepalese goods which can be assisted by our guide or you can do it yourself too.

In the evening we will have a farewell dinner in a traditional Nepalese restaurant with cultural performances. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 10
Fly to home.

The trip ends, our airport representative will drop you to the Kathmandu International Airport.

Price Includes

  • Airport transfers pick-up and drop-off.
  • Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trek.
  • Hot drinks (tea, coffee, hot milk, hot chocolate ) three times a day.
  • All accommodation during the trek.
  • All necessary paper works, Langtang National park entry permit.
  • Trekking information management system (Tims) permit.
  • Drive from and to Kathmandu by bus.
  • English speaking, trained government license holder guide.
  • The required number of staff and Porters to carry your luggage during the trek (1 porter for 2 trekkers).
  • Accommodation / salary / food / drinks / insurance / equipment / medicine and transport for all staff.
  • Sleeping bag and walking stick (if it is required)
  • All government taxes.
  • Farewell dinner with culture show.

Price Excludes

  • International airfare.
  • Nepal entry visa, you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu.
  • Tips for guide / porters (tipping is expected).
  • Travel insurance which covers emergency Rescue and Evacuation.
  • Any others expenses which are not mentioned on the 'Price Includes' section.

Q. Will somebody come to pick me up at the airport upon my arrival?

A. Yes, our airport representative will be there to greet you at the airport. S/he will be displaying an Himalaya Discovery Adventures sign board outside the airport terminal. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel by our tourist vehicle.

Q. When is the best time to travel to Nepal?

A. For the trekking regions of the Annapurna, Everest, Langtang, Jumla Rara Lake, Makalu, Kanchenjunga and Manaslu we recommend the periods February to May and September to December as the best time for travelling.

  •  For trekking in Mustang or Dolpo region we recommend May to September.
  • The Poon hill  trek  in the Annapurna region takes place throughout the entire year.
  • Cultural tours takes place throughout the entire year. For the best mountain views the periods February to May and September to December are recommended.

Q. How is the climate (temperatures) during the seasons?

A. Winter – January and February. Pleasant temperatures. The nights, mornings and evenings can, however, be quite cold (approx. 0°C – 5°C. Throughout the day, it is mostly sunny with cooler temperatures (approx. 18°C – 20°C).

Spring – March to May. Hot and dry pre-monsoon season (approx. 25°C – 30°C during the day, and approx. 7°C – 20°C at night). May is the hottest month in the lowlands. June is the hottest month in the mountains.

Summer – Monsoon from June to August (approx. 28°C – 30°C during the day, and approx. 20°C at night). Strong rainfall, continuous sultriness and high humidity.

Early autumn – From September the monsoon season is constantly interrupted by periods with only a slight rainfall. Towards the end of August the pauses in rainfall become more frequent and longer.

Late autumn – Post-monsoon season from October to December. The nights, mornings and evenings can be relatively cool (approx. 5°C – 10°C). During the day the sun shines and it is warm (approx. 20°C – 27°C).

Q. Where can I change money?

A. Any cash you have taken with you can be exchanged into Nepalese rupees at the banks, large hotels and the numerous bureau de changes.

Q. Can I use my mobile phone in Nepal?

A. The network coverage is meanwhile quite good in the Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara and other parts of the Terai (in the rural areas it is very unpredictable).

Basically, foreign SIM cards (providers having international roaming contracts with Nepal) can also be used. However, it is cheaper to buy a local SIM card (Mero Mobile, NTC (GSM) – for approx. NPR 500 or more) and top this up.

Q. Can I use the tap water for drinking and brushing teeth?

A. Tap water is not suitable for drinking in Nepal and it should not be used for cleaning your teeth, either. As there is often a scarcity of water in the countryside, water should be used very sparingly.

Q. What should I concern during my stay in Nepal?

A. Nepali people are very kind and friendly, but there are some things that you should be aware of:

  • Do not take photos of anyone without their permission; always ask permission first!
  • Do not wear hot pants/short paints or stylish clothes in the remote area! (shoulders and legs should be covered)
  • Do not wear hats or caps when you enter a chapel!
  • Do not touch Buddha statues or ritual offerings inside of a monastery!
  • Do not kiss or hug in public places, especially in monasteries!
  • Do not step across someone’s feet, cups or cooking gears!

Q. What documents do I need to visit Nepal?

A. A tourist visa is required for entering Nepal. The tourist visa can be applied for, for different lengths of stay. A visa is required for children under 10 years but no fee is charged. The entry to Nepal must take place within 6 months of issuing the visa.

Q. How much does the Visa for Nepal cost?

A. The fees for the tourist visa (fees valid since 16.07.2008) are staggered as follows:

  • 15 days (several entries possible)  $ 30 (approx. EUR 27.00)
  • 30 days (several entries possible)  $ 50 (approx. EUR 45.00)
  • 90 days (several entries possible)  $ 125 (approx. EUR 115.00)

An extension of the visa to a maximum of 150 days is possible (per year – January to December). The extension must be made at the Immigration Office in Kathmandu. A fee of $ 2.00 is charged in Nepalese rupees (NPR) per day of extension.

Q. Can I find a hospital with western doctors?

A. CIWEC Clinic with western doctors is located in Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Tel. +977 1 442 4111, info@ciwec-clinic.com.

Q. Do I need an international health and travel insurance?

A. It is recommended taking out a travel and health insurance covering the following risks:- Emergency and personal accident transport/emergency evacuation (helicopter rescue, rescue costs in a case of illness or accident), medical and personal accident risks, repatriation, tour cancellation, damages and theft of baggage.

Q. What happens in bad weather periods?

A. There is virtually always a possibility of a flight delay or postponement owing to highly unpredictable weather conditions that may occur in Himalayan regions, in particular, in the Everest region (Lukla), Jomsom, Dolpo, Simikot and the Jumla region, etc.

When trekking in remote areas or those described above, and especially outside the trekking season, the clients are strongly advised to reserve extra days for making  allowance for possible delays, and thereby avoid any frustrating consequences. In the case of a delayed flight prior to commencing the tour, or at the end of the tour, the participants shall pay for their own accommodation, food costs, etc.

Q. Where can I store my unneeded luggage during trekking?

A. As a rule there is the possibility before commencing the trek, of depositing part of the baggage in the hotel in Kathmandu or in Pokhara.

Q. What kind of meals I can have during the trekking?

A. All Meals on full board basis will be provided during trekking. Freshly cooked food is served at all times (western, continental and Nepalese, Chinese, Indian and Tibetan meals are available in all places).

Q. Is there any communication while we are on trekking?

A. There are telephones in some villages along the trekking routes from which you can make international calls. All our guides are equipped with the local mobile phone. You may wish to pass the number of our guide to your family for the callback or you can make a call from the guide’s mobile and pay him directly for the international call too.

Q. Can I re-charge camera batteries along the trek?

A. Yes, Most of the places, you can charge batteries along the trek (per hour USD 2 – 3 for charging).

Q. What kinds of banking facilities in Nepal?

A. Nepal has modern banking facilities and some international banks even have offices in Kathmandu. Almost all foreign currencies along with credit cards such as American Express, Visa, and Master card are accepted in Nepal. Nepal has also ATM facilities as well.

The above information is a guide and standard template of what we provide. This itinerary can be customized according to the duration of your holiday. We have many options for shorter visits based on your interests and budget.

On an adventure trip of this type, weather, political strikes, transport or a multitude of other factors beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is however very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are necessary the leader will decide what is the best alternative, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.

Trek Leader and Crew

Here at Himalaya Discovery, we firmly believe that the way to get the most out of your staff is to treat them well; a happy staff is a hard-working staff. And this belief manifests itself in every way we deal with our staff.

We employ only local leaders and staff to help sustain the local communities we work with. We provide training for all our staff and all our trek leaders are trained in the following as a minimum;

  • Intensive Wilderness First Aid
  • Trekking Guide Training
  • Eco Trekking Workshop & Adventure Meet
  • English Language
  • Conservation & Biodiversity
  • Rock & Ice Climbing & Mountaineering (for expedition leaders)

So, we can guarantee you your trip will be led by the best, most professional and experienced guides there are. All of our guides good English-speakers, All our guides are carefully selected for their experience, leadership skills and personal ability. We have learnt that effective leadership is a vital for a trip to be safe, enjoyable and successful.

In fact, not only are all our guides experienced working in these regions, but most of them actually grew up in these mountainous regions of Nepal. Its home for them, it’s in their blood. They’re not only ‘familiar’ with local communities and culture; they’re a part of them and they practice it. They truly love their home and relish getting the opportunity to show travellers.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Helambu Circuit Trek

Trip Facts

  • 8 Days
  • Langtang
  • Easy
  • 3650m.
  • All Year Round
  • 4 to 5 hours.
  • Sundarijal/Sermathang
Chhiring Sherpa - Trip Planner

“I was born and raised in Nepal, nearby Everest region. I am proud to be a native Sherpa, and I have been a Mountain guide over a decade now. Following my passion, I decided to start helping travelers with their travel plans! I think life is a journey, a trip where you collect experiences when you share with other people and with nature.”