10 days
3510 m
Kathmandu/Kathmandu
Trip Overview
Helambu Trek is a brief and easy short trek just outside the Kathmandu valley. Despite being so close to Kathmandu, the Helambu region remains relatively un-spoilt. Helambu Trek can be a best option for those who would love to taste both natural and cultural combination of Nepal in an easy way in a short span of time. Located about 72 km from Kathmandu valley, the trek extends from north of Taramarang to the upper slope of Gosaikunda range to the downward slope of Jugal Himal. This beautiful tea house trek begins from Melamchi. This trek offers astonishing panoramic views of the mountains including the towering 8000 peaks of the Everest region to the east, green rhododendron and bamboo forests, majestic waterfalls, snowcapped Himalayas including Langtang, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Rolwaling, Gauri Shankar etc., terraces of fields and diverse wildlife. With the highest point of this trek being Tharepati Pass at 3,650m with its magnificent views of Dorje Lakpa, Gauri Shankar, Langsisa and other snow-capped mountains and with the warmer climate; grassy meadows; atmospheric forests; torrential rivers and friendly people, this is a stunning trek for those with less time or do not wish to trek at high altitudes. Last but not the least, this trek also gives a chance to observe one of a kind culture of the high mountains people probably because it has influence of Tibetan culture.
Helambu Trek is an opportunity to experience mountains, rivers, waterfalls, glaciers, forests, meadows all at once. This Helambu Circuit Trek will bring us through the Langtang National Park which inhabits a wealth of rare birds, wildlife and unique plants and flowers. You can experience the unique lifestyle of people living in mountains as well as the splendor of nature. What make the excursion even more fascinating are the graceful waterfalls, white snow-capped mountains and breathtaking sunrise over the Mount Everest far in the east. The most favorable season for the Helambu trek is autumn and spring although winter is not that bad either.
Trip Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport), transfer from airport by private bus to Kathmandu Hotel. Free evening, short pre-tour briefing before dinner.
Guided tour around Kathmandu, which includes visits to places listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites and some historic and religious significance, such as Pashupatinath, Boudhanath & Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Hindu temples, Old palaces (in and around Durbar Square Area) and inner-city market squares.
Drive to the road North-east of Kathmandu passing by fringe towns of Kathmandu- Banepa and Dhulikhel, as the mountain views slowly open up, given that the sky is clear today. As the ‘0 km’ marker sign-post appear, divert off the highway on to the off-road for 1.5 hr of bumpy ride to Melamchi Bazaar. Here, take lunch at one of the local restaurants to boost up energy for the demanding trek to follow later. Walking the first day of the trek you’ll soon realize the rigors of trekking in Nepal immediately after you cross a trail bridge over Melamchi River. The trek starts with a steep uphill climb for couple of hours. Following the muddy track through ‘Tamang’ villages, verdant farms and Sal tree forest (20 mins), you’ll end up at another ‘Tamang’ village, Dhubachaur, (2.5 hrs) where you can slow your heart beat with a much deserved cup of tea. Walk through the pine forest where the trail turns level-stretched going past sporadic settlements to finally reach Kakani (1.5 hr). Along the trek, you will pass through different villages to reach Kakani, where you can see many different ethnic groups such as Tamang, Sherpa, Chettri, Brahman and other ethnic group who live in Kakani village. There are only few houses in the vicinity in Kakani, but the solitude of the place is graced by magnificent views of the Himalayas, which includes the peaks of Jugal, Dorje Lakpa, Gauri Shanker, Shisapangma, and the view down below of the low-lying villages and twin rivers of Melamchi and Indrawati. Overnight in teahouse.
The fabulous sun rise view is a reward to watch at Kakani. The day starts on a trail north inclining gradually up heads to ‘Tamang’ settlements dotted with stone huts. The trail somewhat flattens out for about 15 mins to reach a small stupa at Nigale Bhanjyang, where you can stop for tea at either of the two small shops. The trail again rises entering a forest with couple of ‘chortens’ and a ‘mani’ wall all the way along. After about half an hour walk through the forest, you’ll find a broad, level-stretched trail towards the entry point to the Langtang National Park, where it is mandatory to show your permit and register your name. On the way, we will visit the Monastery and pass through Sermathang village which is a big Sherpa village. Continue on the shady, easy track through dense forest of oak, chestnut and rhododendron (chances of spotting deer, wild boar, monkeys) for 1.5 hr to another ‘Sherpa’ village of Ghang Yul (2770m). After lunch, walk through paddy fields (20 mins) and enter another forest stretching all the way up to the next village- Tarkeghyang (2 hrs). Tarkeghyang is a relatively prosperous village with about 60-70 Sherpa houses, and it is also home to the biggest monastery of the region. From there, we can see the Ganesh Himal Range and some peaks from the Tibet side. Overnight at lodge.
The day begins on a downhill trail through the pine and rhododendron forest (20 mins); then continue through small settlements and farms to the banks of Melamchi River (1.5 hr). Across the trail bridge, get on a steep trail that inclines all the way up until Melamchigaon (2.5 hrs). If you’re an avid bird-watcher, you’ll have a field day here. Get a feel of the ‘Sherpa’ culture roaming around the village mingling with the locals and also visiting a nearby school.
Today’s trek start heading north-west, taking a leveled trail to a bridge over a stream (20 mins). Across the bridge, a long and tough uphill trail awaits you making a way through dense forest of oak, chestnut and rhododendron trees. You will see many different types of birds. After that comes a flat stretch of trail taking you past a small pasture, an old ‘chorten’ and over a small stream before the relentless climb (2.5 hrs) resumes to take you straight to Tharepati, perched on the crest of the hill ahead. The highest point of the trek offers the best view on the trek where we can see the beautiful and magnificent view of Lantang, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and Gaurishankar Range, including the high pass to the holy lake of Gosainkunda.
A comfortable day’s walk starts on a trail that immediately arches to the right, briefly along the crest and then drops down the right-hand flank across the rhododendron strewn meadows and streams. We will enter the forest again and follow the ridges before descending to Mangengoth (3150m). After that the trail gently climbs to a small pass at Mere Danda before descending through rhododendron forest inhabited by only a few shepherds’ huts. The trail continues further down to Kutumsang, set upon a saddle in the ridge overlooking terraced fields on either side.
Today, the trek trail gently climbs and descends to Gul Bhanjyang (2142m), the delightful and classical hill village. Past the village, the trail climbs again and returns to the western flank through oak forest ultimately leading to Namche Danda (2453m). A long descent down a stone staircase to Chipling (2165m) follows. Resuming on a descending trail, zigzagging among terraces, you’ll soon reach Thana Bhanjyang (1780m). Further ahead, the trail branches out into three directions, take the middle one which leads to Pati Bhanjyang (1768m). Just beyond the village, the path again divides, take the right-hand option and make a steep 400m ascent to Chisopani. Morning views from Chisopani are splendid to say the least.
Today it’s better to wake up early morning for the sunrise view with magnificent views of Mt. Ganesh Himal, Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Gaurishanker, Mt.Dorje lakpa, Langtang Himalaya ranges and Annapurnas. First part of trek climbs up the last pass of the trek Borlang Bhanjyang (2438m) close to Shivapuri Hill through the forests teeming with verdant flora. From here we descend steeply through deeply eroded chasms towards the Tamang settlement of Mulkharka (1768m). Descending down through the village on concrete stair case, you reach at the water reservoir of Sundarijal to finally exit from the Shivapuri National Park. Enjoy the sights of thundering waterfalls and follow the pipeline to the end point of the trek at the bazaar where your ride lies in wait to accost you to the medieval town of Bhaktapur (45 mins).
Transfer to airport by chartered vehicle.
Important Information
Include:
- Arrival/Departure
- 1 day tour in Kathmandu
- All Private transport
- KTM- Melamchi & Sundarijal-KTM Private vehicle
- Guide for all tour/Trek
- Hotel in Kathmandu
- All meals in trekking
- Porters
- Tea house Accommodation, All permits
Exclude:
- Travel Insurance
- Meals at Kathmandu
- Tipping
- Personal equipment
- International flight
Cost:
USD 860 per person
Single supplementary: USD 200
Trekking season in Nepal: The usual trekking season starts from September to May. During the remainder of the year, Monsoon makes travelling difficult due to wet areas and offers little in the way of mountain views. Some treks that cross high passes are better attempted in months other than December and January because of the heavy snowfall in some parts of the country. The temperature rises considerably under altitudes of 3000 ft. in April and May in some parts of the country, therefore it is wise to plan accordingly.
Teahouses in mountain: Teahouses are in the mountains where you will be staying are simple yet hospitable with good enough food and stunning views. Compare to city area teahouses are very basic but after 5-6 hours walking in the mountain you will relish the comfort. Most of these lodges have 08-to 12 room can sleep 15 to 20 people, with good food and fairly high hygiene levels. The basics of conversation and ecology are now being practiced with some success.
Guide and Porters: All guides who work with Skylark Himalayan have considerable local experience. The guide concern is his group’s welfare, health, safety and he aims to ensure you are relaxed while providing the best possible food and accommodation. And he’ll also strive to earn your friendship and will be keen for you to come to know and love Nepal.
And all the guides who work with Skylark Himalayan have guiding license from Nepal government, basic first aid training from red cross Nepal, wilderness training from SOLO outdoor school (locally known Initiative Outdoor), Child protection training and others.
Most porter come from rural areas and a farmers for 6 to 7 months of the year. These porter work hard and with care and have aims to progress into guides. Typically they live hard and frugal lives and they are used to carrying heavy loads.
Meals-Food on mountain region of Nepal
A large variety of food is found in the mountain region during trek. Even our clients say there is better food in mountain than in hotels of city. The food variations are defendant on the culture and region background but the tea-house have a menu and they do have varieties of food. Some common day meal is follow:
Breakfast
Porridge, eggs any style-usually scrambled, boiled or fried eggs, toast local bread (Gurung bread), chapatti (Indian flat bread), honey or peanut butter, organic fresh tea, coffee and many more.
Lunch
In many regions, the chief will provide a simple common hot meal in lunch. That could be potatoes, noodles, curry, salad, rice and lentil, fresh meat, vegetables and fruits. Sometimes when walking through high passes, there will be a packed lunch which may consist of common packed able lunch like bread with jam and honey, sandwich, boiled eggs, fruits, chocolates, bottle of juice. While arriving to teahouses there will be tea, coffee.
Dinner
With basic equipment they manage to make excellent cake, apple tarts, pizzas, fried potatoes, chips, spaghetti, pasta. Chefs in tea-houses are well trained in producing a variety of food and almost always ready to serve the food of specific request.
While trekking in Nepal our chefs, and assistant guide are well trained to serve and take order of the food in hygienically way. Vegetarian and vegan meals are easily catered for.
Transportation: Skylark Himalayan using a best transport company for our clients. Before departing on a trip, we using vehicle, we always check insurance of vehicle, good condition of vehicle (seatbelt, seat, wheel, looking glass, all windows etc.), Driver (driver attitude, make sure drunk or not, smartness, driving speed etc.)
Airlines: In Nepal, we have more than 10 Airlines Company but at Skylark Himalayan we only use 3 airlines which we recognize at the most reliable, safest, good companies, 1 airline company (Tara Air) for rural area like short length runway. And another 2 airlines companies (Yeti airlines & Buddha Airlines) for urban area like Pokhara, Kathmandu, Chitwan etc.
Insurance: As strongly recommended by Skylark Himalayan Travel to the clients agree to effect what they consider to be adequate Travel Insurance to cover their person and their personal effects for duration of the tours, Trekking, Rafting or any of activities in Nepal
Health and Safety: Fundamentally we have experienced staffs that have been trained in how to look after clients safely, and what to do in the event of an emergency. Almost all the company’s staffs are experienced, all leaders have done advanced first-aid training from Initiative Outdoor school, Nepal (authorized by SOLO WILDERNESS MEDICINE SCHOOL), Child Protection training, and they are well aware of the high standards that we want in maintain. We also have strong relationships with local communities, health care facilities
Responsible Travel: Skylark Himalayan completely follow tall rules, regulation and code of Nepal responsible trek organizer of responsible tourism. Responsible tourism is an action based on a sustainable idea. We work under eco-friendly environment and we want you to follow and help to save the environment. Skylark Himalayan are keen to preserve and protect the historical places and mountain to show the value of those things to coming generation.
Skylark Himalayan Travel are always aware to operate tours, trekking and other activities in eco- touristic destination to preserve natural and cultural heritages. Skylark Himalayan always aim to make extensive use of the local available products to help local communities. Skylark Himalayan staffs and guides are also employed from local communities, which helps more authentic experience for travellers. We believe that all the staffs including guide, porter, Sherpa are the back bone of organization so its our responsibility to make them happy by providing protections insurance, good salary and outdoor gear. So that, they are happy to serve good service. Without them organization can't serve the costumer need.
Customizing a Trip: The itineraries of all the trips on our website have been organized and put together by us however it does not mean you have to follow the program. If you have your own itinerary or you want to add or decrease number of days or place, we are more than happy to design your own unique itinerary with your entire favorite elements. Choice is yours with the flexibility of our tailor made itineraries.
For the more advice, please contact us via e-mail or telephonically – contact details below.
Skylark Himalayan Travel & Treks
Lakeside-6-Pokhara, Nepal
Contact no: 061-464946
Mobile: +977-9856010460 / 9801050460
Whatapps: +9779801050460
Skype: tara.gautam2
E-mail: sales@skylarkhimalayantravel.com
skylarkhimalayan@gmail.com
Visa Information: Nepal Government makes things easy for foreign travellers. The easiest way to get a tourist visa in Nepal is by applying on arrival in Kathmandu at international airport (TIA) or at any of the land border crossing open to foreigners (each has immigration offices). But you can also apply in advance at one of Nepal's foreign consulates from abroad.
There are three options for the length of a tourist visa (for south Asian country, the first 30 days is free. The cost of visa is depending upon the days you stay. The multiple-entry visa valid for 15, 30 and 90 days costs $25, 40 and 100 USD. It is good idea to keep a number of passport photos with your passport. Indian passport holder doesn’t need a visa to enter Nepal.
Visa Extensions
You can extend your visa from immigration office in only Kathmandu and Pokhara up to 150 days per calendar year. It will cost $30 USD for 15 days and $2 USD per day after 15 days. Visa extension required your passport, the fees, one passport sized photo and an application form to complete the process.
And for more information about visa please click below link: https://www.welcomenepal.com/plan-your-trip/visa-nepal-information.html
Feedback Please: If you have any complains to report, comments or any question about the trip (food, tea-house, guide, porter, management of office or anything) you took with Skylark Himalayan, please send us your feedback because we would like to solve problems that arise uplift our company. If you don't have a specific question, we’re always eager to hear what visitors think of this company.
High Altitude Sickness:
1) What is altitude sickness?
- Altitude sickness is a negative health effect of high altitude on ones health, caused by acute exposure to low amounts of oxygen at high altitude.
- The exact cause of AMS is not exactly known. It is thought to be a response of the brain to the lower oxygen levels in the blood at higher altitudes. This produces some swelling of the brain.
2) Acute mountain sickness (AMS)
- AMS is also called altitude sickness.
Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is the effect on the body of being in a high altitude environment. Especially while people are trekking around the Himalayas they face problem related to moving in high altitude areas. AMS is common at high altitudes, that is above 8,000 feet (2,440 meters). Three-quarters of people have mild symptoms of AMS over 10,000 feet (3,048 meters). The occurrence of AMS depends on the altitude, the rate of ascent, and individual susceptibility and activeness.
3) Acute mountain sickness common symptoms?
Symptoms usually start 12-24 hours after arrival at altitude and include
- Headache (not relieved by medication)
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Decreased coordination (Normal activity is difficult.)
- Shortness of breath,
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Disturbed sleep
- General feeling of malaise.
- Inability to walk
- Decreasing mental status
- Fluid build-up in the lungs
- Vomiting
- Loss of energy
- Difficulty in urination
#These symptoms tend to be worse at night when respiratory drive is decreased.
4) Prevention of AMS?
- Take special care if you have previously had acute mountain sickness (AMS).
- If symptoms of AMS develop, delay further ascent.
- If symptoms become worse, move down (descend) as soon as possible.
5) Treatment of AMS?
- The most important treatment if you start to develop symptoms of mild AMS is to stop your ascent and to rest at the same altitude
- For most people, symptoms will improve within 24-48 hours with no specific treatment.
- Simple painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol will help the headache.
- Anti-sickness medication may also be used. (Acetazolamide)
- Treatment with oxygen and the medicine nifedipine may also help symptoms but does not replace the need for descent.
Note- all the trekking leaders and guide from skylark Himalayan are well trained about altitude sickness, AMS and other related sickness in mountain. You should mention, if you previously have any health problem.
TREKKING SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT
(Up to 5,500 m.)
- 1 Pair strong mountain / hiking boots (well worn-in and with ankle support)
- 1 Small daypack
- 1 Sleeping bag (comfortable to -10C)
- 1 Down jacket / all weather Anorak
- 1 Light water & windproof jacket
- 2 - 1-litre water bottles
- 1 Inner sleeping sheet (?)
- 1 Torch / flashlight & spare batteries
- 1 Medium sized travel towel (quick drying)
- 1 Washing kit: include Personal toiletries
- Talcum powder, Blister plasters, Toilet paper
- Bio degradable soap / shampoo
- Anti-bacterial gel for 'washing' hands
- First-Aid kit (please make sure it is trek and wilderness specific) and any personal medication
- 1 Pair sport shoes/sandals (for the time off the trek)
- 2 Pairs lightweight trousers
- 2 Pair shorts
- 1 Fleece / warm sweater
- 1 Sweatshirt / light sweater
- 2 T-Shirts
- 2 Long sleeve cotton (or polypropylene) shirts
- 3 Pairs heavy wool socks
- 2 Pairs light socks
- Walking poles
- Underwear (including thermals)
- Cotton Headscarf / bandanna
- Sunglasses (with side shields and UV protective lenses) and sunhat
- Sunscreen Lotion (30-50 SPF), Money belt (?)
- Warm hat and gloves (preferably waterproof)
- 3 to 4 Plastic bags (for wrapping clothes)
- Water purification tablets/ solutions (preferably iodine)
- Insect repellant
- Adapter plug (for charging camera batteries and other electronic devices)
Trip Gallery
