Helambu Trek

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Helambu Trek Summary

Helambu Trip Duration: 7 Days
Trek difficulty: Easy hikes
Maximum Height: 3,510 m/11,512 feet
Trekking Hour: 6 Hours
Helambu Trek Group Size: 1 – 15 People
Meals on Trek: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Best Time to Explore: March, April, May, October, November and December
Trip Mode: Guest House Basis
Mode of Transportation: Bus (Sharing Basis)

Overview

The Helambu Trek is very famous to explore the Milerapa meditation cave and Gekye Gompa in a Hyolmo community located north of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Guru Rinpoche meditated secretly in the cave in this province therefore, the route is purely cultural. Kathmandu to Helambu distance is only 42.3 kilometers and you can see the details on the Helambu trek map.

A short Helambu trek itinerary is carefully prepared by a local expert guide who visited Helambu several times already. Trek to Helambu passes through some of the interesting tiny villages and you might see some of the wild animals such as Musk deer, Himalayan black bears, Monkeys, Himalayan wild goats, and particularly birds and wildflowers.

However, the other attractions like Buddhist culture include the Milerapa Meditation cave, Monasteries. Likewise, Tarke Ghyang is a gateway to visit Ama Yangri peak hiking trail in Helambu that considered to be a divinity creator that has turned into the protector of the Helambu valley. It’s a fabulous hiking at Ama Yangri a hill station where you can see the majestic mountains in a single line without trek difficulty.

Magic Helambu is a lush region to the North of Kathmandu inhabited by Sherpas and Tamang people. While on Helambu hiking, you can also reach the Helambu bazaar, which you can find easily on the Helambu map. Visit Helambu is easy and possible to do at any time throughout the year.

How much does for Helambu Trek Package Cost?

The cost of the Helambu trek package with a Gokyo Trek Agency (a local agency in Kathmandu Nepal) ranges between US$ 345 to US$ 499. Certainly, the Helambu cultural hike cost totally depends upon the group size and the types of transportation you choose. Typically, the trip price includes transportation, accommodation, guide and Porter, food, permit cost, etc.

We also have discount deals for tour leaders. For example, if you could bring 10+ travelers (except you) to your trip, you are treated as a group leader. So you can hike Helambu for free of cost.

However, we often arrange private trips in order to avoid group tours with strangers. A private tour gives you a better experience on your hikes. If you value personalization, flexibility, and in-depth experiences, a private trip customized to your personal needs will be the best option.

It is the standard trip package price for 7 days trek. If you are 2 tourist Helambu trek cost US$ 490 for 7 days trek as given on the above trekking plan. We can modify the trek route and price as per your wish also. Here is the price list for Helambu treks.

Price Per Person for 1-week hikes in the Helambu territory.

Number of Tourist	Price Per Person
1 Person	US$ 499
2 Person	US$ 490
3 Person	US$ 485
4 to 6 person	US$ 425
7 to 9 Person	US$ 390
10 and more than 10 Person	US$ 345

If you’re wondering to know about what is included and what is excluded from this trip price, kindly check on the cost given on a tab button.

Itinerary

Helambu Trek itinerary details

The Helambu trek is a popular trekking route in Nepal, offering stunning views of the Himalayan mountains and insights into local culture. Here’s a basic 7-day Helambu trek itinerary can be customized based on your preferences and available time.

Make sure to book your trip with us, so we check for the latest trail conditions and necessary permits before starting the trek. The particular hiking route is better designed for world explorers who wish to walk peacefully and slowly.

1 DayArrival at Kathmandu airport. Kathmandu tour – World Heritage sites in Kathmandu, 3-4 hours.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, Tribhuwan International Airport, we will receive you with a private vehicle and take you to your hotel in Thamel Kathmandu. Ammar Guni will brief you about your city tour.

We start our day trip visiting world heritage sites located in Kathmandu city. The sightseeing spot covers mainly Boudhanath Stupa and a Pashupatinath temple, the main Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Kathmandu. Pashupati temple is a Hindu holy temple where the cremation takes place by the holy river Bagmati. Later on, we visit Kathmandu Durbar Square to see its ancient monuments and Kumari Temple. Kumari is a living goddess temple dedicated to Taleju Bhawani.

2 Day Kathmandu to Chisopani hiking (2,215m/7,267 feet), 5-6 hours walking

Chisopani area trekking or tour conducts from Sundarijal Bazaar, where there’s a small dam and a hydroelectricity station in the northeast corner of the Kathmandu valley. Our journey leads to a climb through the wet, subtropical forest to an oak forest and on to Mulkharka, a scattered Tamang village.

The trail again ascends through the oak forest to a pass called Borlung Bhanjyang and walks downhill to get to Chisopani village. Chisapani offers a fabulous Jugal, mountain range including Langtang, Ganesh in the far east, and Manaslu, Annapurna towards the far west.

3 Day Chisopani to Kutumsang Lodge Trek (2,470m/8,104 feet), 5-6 hours.

Trek to Kutumsang trail continues to drop from Chisopani on a good, sometimes level trail that crosses meadows and fields. Pati Bhanjyang is on a saddle at the bottom of the ridge at 1,770m. A Brahmin and Chhetri settlement with a few shops and hotels.

Trail heads north out of the Pati bhanjyang along the forested ridge and descends to a large Chorten, the Tamang village of Gul Bhanjyang. Besides that, the trail climbs the ridge from Gul Bhanjyang to another pass at 2,620m. From the pass, one can look back over Gul Bhanjyang at the bottom. The trail descends to Kutumasang at 2,470 meters for the overnight stay.

4 Day Thadepati trek (3,510m/11,516 feet) hill station, 5-6 hours

The trail climbs above Kutumasang on a steep, eroded trail, mostly through fir and rhododendron forests. As we hike into nature, there are not any permanent settlements. Furthermore, we ascend to Magen Goth (3,150 m) and finally reach the Thadepati hilltop. Tharepati hill pass offers an excellent mountain vista that includes Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, Gauri Shankar, Ganesh Himal…etc. Apple Garden’s landscape on the Helambu hiking trail is another impressive part of the journey. The appealing rush and experience the hiking path incorporates navigating along the characteristic plushness of the trek area basically make this outing a valuable endeavoring Helambu journey Nepal.

5 DayTarkeghyang trekking (2,600m/8,530 feet), 7 hours

From Thadepati hilltop, Tourist get an excellent view of Dorje Lakpa, Gaurishankar, Jugal, and Langshisa. Besides that, this pass is also the main junction that connects the trail to the sacred Gosaikunda Lake. We continue east descending steeply down a ravine. The vegetation changes from large firs to oaks and rhododendron. Crossing a stream on a suspension bridge, the trail makes a short final climb to reach the prosperous Sherpa village of Melamchigaon.

Melamchi Gaon is situated at an altitude of 2,530 meters and is famous for Milarepa’s Cave. Guru Rinpoche meditated secretly in the cave in this province. There is a symbol of the top of the stupa inside the cave-like pinnacle sun and moon together. This is the reason that Melamchi Gaun is also spoken of as a Melamchi Gyang village. Hyolmo people are mainly inhabitants in that area thus, this area is called Helambu.

From Melamchigaon, the trail continues to descend to the Melamchi River. Once across the suspension bridge, the trail begins climbing up the other side of the valley towards Tarkeghyang. It is a long rise to this picturesque village at 2,600m, situated on a shelf high above the river.

Tarke Ghyang is the largest village in Helambu, popular as the trekker’s paradise in terms of cultural and natural aspects. It is a good area to rest and meditate in an old monastery (Gekye Gompa).

6 DayAma Yangri Trek (3,771m/12,373 feet), 2-3 hours. And to Sermathang (2,610m/8,561 feet), 3 hours

Traveler’s can pack their gears and ready to hike to Ama Yangri hill station after delicious breakfast in Tarkeghyang Lodges. The tower at Ama Yangri hill situated at an elevation of 3,771 meters is consider to be a deity who has turned into the protector of the Helambu region.

Ama Yangri is a viewpoint to explore the Himalayan range and impressive landscapes even more popular for sunset and sunrise. In clear weather day, traveler’s view a great mountain ranges including Mount Everest range, Manaslu range, Langtang range, and Annapurna ranges. In terms of natural scenery and cultural diversity, Ama Yangri is the best trekking in this territory however the distance from Tarke Ghyang to Ama Yangri hill top is 3.8 km each way and takes two hours each way.

Trek continue across the forested area, you’ll pass through streams and waterfalls before you reach Gangyul. Gangyul is a Sherpa village and offers a few lodges with delicious meals and along the route, you encounter some small chortens or stupas too. Today is a comparatively easy walk as you’ll lose altitude with downhill slopes. Furthermore, we follow the long path through the beautiful green hills and natural vegetation to reach Sermathang village.

Sermathang is another pleasant settlement of the Hyolmo people, the local tribe of the Helambu region. You can visit old and beautiful monasteries and learn about the Hyolmo culture and its traditions. You can spend some quality time interacting with locals and be familiar with their way of life.

7 DayTrek descends to Melamchi Bazaar (830m/2,723 feet), 4-5 hours. Drive by Bus to Kathmandu valley, 5/6 hours.

Today is the last day of the trek. As you will descend more than 1700 meters in altitude, today’s trek is almost all the way downhill to Melamchi Pul Bazar. You walk across the Kakani and Thimbu villages to get down the Melamchi highway. You will also notice that you will head to the subtropical region as you encounter some rice paddy fields. A trek of 5-6 hours will take you to Melamchi Pul (840 meters), which is a busy marketplace.

We take a local bus (private vehicle cost an extra) back to Kathmandu city right on arrival on Melamchi. You can do some last-minute shopping in Thamel for buying souvenirs for your family and relatives. In the evening, join a typical Nepali dinner with the Gokyo Treks agency. In this way, the Helambu circuit trek finishes, and we wish you a wonderful journey back home.

Not satisfied with above plan?

Interested in planning a custom trip? this might take 2 to 3 minutes.

Plan Your Trip

Cost

How much does Helambu Trek cost?

Short hikes near Kathmandu to Helambu Trek price US$ 490 per person on a double occupancy basis. For the deluxe and luxury trekking tour plan, we add a 3-5 star category hotel deluxe air-conditioned room in Kathmandu with breakfast. Likewise, a private room with an attached toilet/bathroom on possible places on trekking days. AND WE ARE OPEN TO CUSTOMIZING YOUR TOUR AND PACKAGE PRICE AS PER YOUR REQUIREMENTS.

Soft adventure Helambu hiking packages price includes:-

Kathmandu Tribhuwan international airport transfer with a private car/van on your arrival.
Single night double bedroom accommodation in a tourist standard hotel in Kathmandu.
6 Breakfast serve with a cup of tea/coffee, 6 lunch and 5 Dinner [main course] during the Helambu tours.
5 Nights Guest house accommodation while you are on trekking days.
Langtang and Shivapuri National Park entrance permit fees.
Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) permits and fees (if requires)
Kathmandu to Sundarijal transfer with Micro Bus & Melamchi to Kathmandu trip by bus transfer [sharing].
English speaking license holder mountain trekking guide on Helambu trek route.
An assistant guide will provide for 7 plus group tourists.
Experienced porter (2 guests: 1 porter basis) because each porter carries a maximum of 24 kilograms.
Salary, food, accommodation, and travel insurance for hiking guides and porters.
Kathmandu city world heritage sites Tour Guide and Private Car Transfer.
Agency’s duffel bag (50 liters capacity), and trek poles if Necessary – return after the trek.
First aid medical kit including Oximeter to check your Oxygen level, Pulse rate to monitor every day to save from high altitude risk.
Updated Helambu trek map and trek completion Certificate after the successful trek – keep them as a souvenir.
Nepal Government Tax, VAT, and as well as Company service charge.

The cultural Helambu circuit trekking package price excludes:-

Lunch and Dinner during the staying in Kathmandu
Any kinds of battery charges, laundry service, phone calls, and hot showers during the hikes.
World heritage sites entrance fee {Pashupatinath, Boudhnath and Kathmandu durbar square].
Traveler personal trekking equipment .
Personal nature expenses, all beverage drink bills.
Travel Insurance which covers emergency Rescue and Evacuation.
Donation and monuments entrance fees.
Gratuities for guide and porters [Tip is a culture, so they expect highly].

Group join

We can organize private Helambu Trekking starting on any date that works for you. Please contact us for more information.

FAQ

Question: Do I need the experience to do Helambu Trekking?.

Answer: Miraculous Helambu Trekking is suitable for keen trekkers/walkers who are able to walk around 4 or 5 hours in a day, with a lightweight day pack. For this trekking, if you have a little experience would be better.

Question: Is pick up service available on my arrival day in Kathmandu?.

Answer: Yes sure. Provide us with your flight details and request us. Our representative will come to pick up you at Kathmandu international airport.

Question: Can I store my luggage/stuff in Kathmandu?

Answer: Yes, you can leave your luggage at your hotel or at our office. Store your stuff in the Gokyo Treks agency office is for free.

Question: Is the Helambu trekking Safe for the Solo Female Trekkers?

Answer: Absolutely. Nepal is a safe country to travel to for solo travelers; this trek is perfectly safe for solo female trekkers. We have been organizing the trek even for solo female travelers since its establishment.

Question: What kind of accommodation can I expect on Helambu Trekking?.

Answer: We provide you with tourist standard accommodation in Kathmandu and during the trekking routes. the rooms along the routes are clean with a cozy bed with nice mattresses and blankets. However we recommend you take your own sleeping bags if you have one with you otherwise, you may rent them while you are in Kathmandu.

Question: What kind of food can I expect in Helambu Trek?.

Answer: All trekker’s guest houses attach restaurants. They cook a delicious range of mostly vegetarian such as Pasta, tuna bakes, noodles, potatoes, eggs, curry rice, bread, soups, and fresh vegetables. Dinner and breakfast are provided in the same lodge you spend the night every day and Lunch will serve on the way to the next place where tourists go.

Question: What opportunities will I have for a shower on a Helambu tour?.

Answer: Visit Helambu is a guest house base trekking trail, so all guest houses along the routes have 24-hour running hot showers. Guest can take a shower paying an extra cost if applicable.

Question: How do I get drinking water on express Helambu Treks?.

Answer: Most of all places you can find tea shops and hotels to buy drinking water in plastic bottles. But, we advise against buying mineral water in plastic bottles, as currently there are no provisions for disposing of these plastics in the Himalayas. Instead, we advise you to buy Aqua tablets to purify the normal water. And normal water is available at the guesthouses and hiking trails.

Question: Can I charge my digital camera or other batteries on my trip?.

Answer: During the Helambu circuit lodge trek there will be more chances to charge the battery. We recommend you bring an extra pair in case. Remember to bring your own adapters.

Question: Are there any communication facilities for the Helambu Trekking group?.

Answer: You can get telephone services as well as internet services. So buy a local SIM card to call or a data pack.

Question: Can I use credit cards in Helambu Trekking?.

Answer: No! You need to have cash Nepali rupees because credit cards work only in the bigger city areas.

Question: When should I book my trip and what are the payment terms?.

Answer: Because our trips book up months in advance, we recommend booking early to avoid any kind of misunderstanding. We will, of course, make every effort to accommodate last-minute bookings. And regarding the deposit, we prefer a 20 % advance deposit of the total price of the trip in order to confirm your reservation before you arrive in Nepal. And the rest of the payment can be made after your arrival in Nepal.

Question: Who will carry my luggage on short Helambu trekking?.

Answer: We provide porters to transfer your luggage. As we are a responsible trekking tour operator agency, each of our porters carry 24 kilos of backpacks. It means 2 guests =1 porter basis like 12 kilos luggage of each guest. If you wish to have a private porter, you might also get it at extra cost.

Question: How about hiring a local trekking guide for Helambu circuit trekking?.

Answer: Yes of course. If you are travelling in a tight budget for Helambu circuit trekking and have no wish to book the complete full board package trek, you can hire our expert local guide to make your holiday tour safer. Email to us to get a cost quotation for a local guide hiring in details.

Question: What distance do I walk daily?

Answer: The distance you walk each day can vary due to slope, terrain, and altitude. Roughly, you can walk around 5 hours every day.

Question: Do I need walking poles?

Answer: Walking poles are recommended but not compulsory to take along with.

Question: How much additional money do I need per day?

Answer: You can allocate US$ 08 – 10 for a lunch/dinner in Kathmandu and it depends on your spending habits. US$ 7 to 10 US$ each day will be enough to buy bottles of water, chocolates, tea coffee, and some drinks while you are on your trek.

Helambu trek route highlights

Discover some of the tallest Mountains and snow-covered peaks from Thadepati top hill.
Walk with cultivated fields, colorful Rhododendron, conifers, and oak forest.
Ama Yangri is a view point that offers the best panorama of the mountains and the entire Helambu territory.
Best view of Himalayan scenery including Tarkeghyang Buddhist village.
At Melamchigaon, consider visiting a holy place the Guru Rinpoche meditation secret places.
Discover an old village of Tarkeghyang and Sarmanthang popularly known as Helambu Region Trekking.
Explore Gekye Gompa, an ancient and largest monastery in the region.
Trekking on an off-beaten and less crowded cultural trail for Milerapa Meditation territory.
Experience Sherpa Buddhism and their lifestyles.

When is the best time for Helambu Trekking?

The best time for Helambu Trekking in Nepal is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These seasons offer the most favorable weather and optimal trekking conditions in the Helambu region.

During spring, the temperatures are mild, and the rhododendron forests along the trail come alive with vibrant blooms, creating a picturesque landscape. Skies are generally clear, and you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks.

Autumn is another excellent time for Helambu Trekking. The weather is stable, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures during the day. The autumn months offer excellent visibility, allowing trekkers to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including Langtang Lirung and Jugal Himal.

Both spring and autumn are considered the high seasons for trekking in Nepal, including the Helambu territory. Usually, the trails are well-maintained, and there is a festive atmosphere in the local villages due to various cultural celebrations.

It’s worth noting that while these seasons are generally ideal, weather patterns can vary from year to year. It’s always a good idea to check the latest weather forecasts time to time that your holiday adventure to ensure the best possible experience.

How to reach Helambu?

Helambu territory is situated about 80 kilometers far from Kathmandu. So, to reach there, you can take a Kathmandu to Helambu Jeep/bus. Scenic and short Helambu trek 5 days, an ideal for people traveling with less time. Kathmandu to Talmarang – Timbu or return with Helambu express bus ride takes about 7 hours usually.

Helambu Trek notes

Hikes Helambu information stated above is just a sample guideline that we provide to our guests. Solo Trek on Helambu is also possible but as you travel privately, the total cost is basically higher.

However, the Helambu trek itinerary is possible to modify according to guest requests to accommodate their specific requirements. Local politics, landslides, cancellation of local flights, weather, transport, or a multitude of other factors that are beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary on the spot.

It is, however, very incredible that the itinerary would be extensively altered. If alterations are necessary the leader will decide the best alternative option, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. When 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.

What makes Helambu Trek special?

Helambu valley trek provides a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle, culture, and customs of the Helambu region, which is inhabited mainly by Sherpa, Tamang, and Hyolmo people. These communities have their own unique traditions, festivals, and religious practices that are distinct from other parts of Nepal.

However, we at Gokyo Treks and Expedition believe in quality service and your safety and satisfaction which is a prime concern. We are a team of professional, skilled guides, and licensed local guides who know the destination much better than others. Besides that, we give benefits to the local communities and help to conserve natural resources which reduced costs and consumption.

Helambu Trek Traveller’s Review

Best scenery, great guides and professional company

December 5, 2021

Together with my husband, we enjoyed trekking with Gokyo Treks and Expedition in the Helambu trek of the Langtang region. Found an agency on the internet and decided to trust them based on good recommendations. Everything was organised as agreed from trekking permits to accommodation in Kathmandu and airport taxi…etc.

The guide knows well all about trekking routes and all clean lodges. So, I can recommend to you highly about Goyko Treks and Expeditions. Trip of the lifetime !!Thank you very much, Ammar and our Sherpa guide for the amazing experience!