Helambu is a highland village region in Nepal, around 80 kilometers from Kathmandu. It is the Hyolmo people’s home. Hyolmo is derived from the term Helambu. The Helambu region extends from the Lauribina La Pass to the Helamchi Valley. Helambu is a Buddhist pilgrimage location known for its sweet apples and exquisite Buddhist buildings. Helambu can be visited by several trekking routes, one of which is known as the Helambu Trek.
The Helambu Trek is a renowned trekking destination located in Langtang region. It is a relatively short and easy trek that takes 5-7 days to complete and is suitable for people who wish to see the natural beauty and cultural diversity of the Himalayas without having to face the physical demands of a longer and tougher trek.
“The Valley of Glaciers” is an excellent description of the Langtang Valley. The alpine scenery is breathtaking. Mountains rise on either side of the valley, soaring towards the sky. The valley has pine forests, slow-moving rivers and fast-flowing mountain streams, steep rock and snow-capped summits, grassy downs, and meadows scattered with daisies and wild primulas. There are snow bridges spanning raging torrents, lofty passes shrouded in mist, little lakes with icebergs coasting them, and waters of crystalline brightness in the valley’s upper reaches. This trek is considered easy because the heights are lower, spanning between 800m to 3600m, which means there is less climbing and warmer temperature.
During this trek, you come across people of different exotic cultures. It is also known as Helambu Buddhism Religious Trek, since the region has various Buddhist meditation sites, including Milarepa’s meditation cave in Ripchung of Melamchi hamlet. Helmo, Sherpa, and a few Tamang ethnic populations live in the Helambu region. Helambu valley is a short trip from Kathmandu that is perfect for people looking for less congested paths and learning more about Tamang and Sherpa culture and history.
Seasons to Trek to Helambu
People trek to Helambu all year, but the trails are easier depending upon the season.
Spring-Autumn - Throughout the spring and autumn seasons, the skies are perfectly clear from dusk to dawn, with no rain and no thick sun-blocking clouds. The most breathtaking vistas are offered by the beauty of the clean azure skies.
Winter-Summer- The winter and summer excursions are more difficult. Summer in Nepal coincides with the rainy season, making the paths muddy and dangerous. The rain washes the landscapes.
During the winter, the skies are clear, the temperatures are cold, and snowfalls at high altitudes are common. Please keep in mind that weather is also affected by elevation, with higher elevations being colder than lower ones.
Accommodation
Along the trekking route, there are basic tea houses. The accommodations are generally pleasant and clean, although not as wonderful as those in Kathmandu.
Permits for Helambu Trek
Langatang National Park permit and Trekkers information management system permit (TIMS) are required here in Langtang.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Drive to Sundarijal and Trek to Chisopani
A 15-kilometer drive from Kathmandu takes you to the starting point of the trek. On arrival at Sundarijal, you can visit Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve. From Sundarijal, the trail heads up to the concrete steps beside the pipeline, which supplies drinking water for the valley. We leave the pipeline near the dam and then on to Mulkharka, trekking up the ridge at around 1895m, some 600m above Sundarijal. There, you can take some time to relax in a convenient tea shop and enjoy the view back over the valley. We then continue walking to Chisopani (2300 m), from where stunning mountain views are to be had.
Included suppers: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Driving time: 1 hour
Walking time: 4/5 hours
Altitude- 2300m
The main attractions for the day are oaks, a rhododendron forest, panoramic Himalayan views, and waterfalls.
Day 2: Chisopani to Khutumsang
From Chisopani, the trail leads down to Pati Bhanjyang (1770m), a lovely small village. After reaching Pati Bhanjyang, the trail leads up and then down to the village of Gul Bhanjyang (2140m). From here, the trail climbs up to 2620m and then again descends along the rocky route to Khutumsang (2470m).
Included suppers: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Walking time: 6 hours
Altitude- 2446m
Difficulty level: easy to moderate
Main attractions for the day: Langtang Range Mountains, Meadows, and Fields
Day 3: Kutumsang to Tharepati
Following a ridgeline, the trail continues via the lightly populated forest to Magen Goth, from where the view of Langtang and Gosaikunda peak is stunning, finally reaching Tharepati (3490m). This walk is one of the best ridge walks among all treks in Nepal. The trails to Gosaikunda branch off north-west from here.
Day 4:Tharepati to Tarke Gyang
Turning east, the trail rapidly descends down a ravine through the small Sherpa village of Malemchigaon (2530m) with splendid lodges and fine old and artistic gompas.
The trail again descends, leaving the village and crossing Malenchi Khola by a bridge at 1890m and making the long climb up the other side of the valley to Tarke Gyang at 2620m, which is the largest village in Helambu.
Walking time: 7 hours
Altitude- 2743m
Difficulty Level: easy to moderate
Main Attractions of the Day: Sherpa Village, Melamchi Gaun, Monasteries, and a Beautiful Forest
Day 5:Tarke Ghyang to Sermathang
The trails gently descend through a beautiful forest to Sermathang (2620m). It is the center of an important apple-growing area from which a fantastic view of the Himalayas is seen.
Walking time: 4/5 hours
Altitude- 2160m
Main Attractions of the Day: Sermathang to Melamchi Pul Bazar (846m)
Day 6:Sermathang to Malemchi Pul Bazar (846m) and drive back to Kathmandu
As we leave Sermanthang, the trails then continue to descend to Dubhachaur at 1500m, and then again steeply down to Melamchi (830 m), where it meets the road. This village has a good collection of teahouses and lodges and all kinds of transportation, including buses to get to Panchkhal on the Kodari road. From there, we can catch a bus to Kathmandu (4-5 hours by bus).
Compiled By: Nikita Gautam
Itinerary by: Nepal Trek adventure and expedition
Photo credit: Himalayan Abode Travels and Tours, White Hill Adventure, Wilderness Excursion, Nest Adventure
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