Helambu trekking begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal- a trek starting point. Then, our trek begins gently uphill, following a large water pipe coming down from the Sindarijal reservoir and entering Shivapuri National Park. Then, we head towards the Tamang villages of Mulkharka and Chisapani. Enjoying the magnificent views of Langtang ranges, our trial heads towards the beautiful villages of Pathi Bhanjyang Gul Bhanjyang and reaches Kutumsang.
Afterwards, our trial continues towards Tharepati which is the highest point on Helambu trekking. Then we pass towards the beautiful Rhododendron forest and the beautiful traditional village of Melamchi Gaun, Tarke Ghyang, Semarthang, and descend to Melamchi Pul Bazaarto to end our trek. Then we take a short drive approx. about 3-4 hours via Panchkhal to reach back Kathmandu.
Life Himalaya Trekking specially designed this off-the-beaten Langtang Helambu trekking along with the best quality service, which is convenient to you. We handle Helambu trekking in Nepal, providing experienced trekking guides to focus fully on your safety and security as well as lifetime memorable holidays. We will be flexible with our tailor-made itinerary and can adjust many more details as per your requirements, timeframes, and budgets.
Best Season
The best season for the Helambu trek is October to November in autumn and March to May in spring. These two seasons are the peak season of trekking in almost all regions of Nepal. Helambu of Langtang region is also not an exception.
The temperature in Helmabu during spring and autumn ranges between 10°C-20°C at day and below 5 °C at night. The days gradually become longer, clear, and sunny. The landscape transforms into rich green pastures with red, pink, and white rhododendron flowers. The forests are enriched with berries and enlivened with diverse wildlife.
The crystal clear views of the spectacular Himalayas and the dry, calm weather make the hike of 5 to 7 hours an easy experience. Trekking during spring and autumn will also give you an opportunity to meet new travelers along the trail.
June to August in summer/monsoon can be an ideal time for nature lovers and botanists who wish to enjoy and study the rich diversity of the region. However, the days can be hot, with temperatures ranging between 20°C-30°C. There can be frequent rainfall, foggy and cloudy days with slippery trails, and a higher chance for leech infestation.
December to February in the winter season can be quite cold when the temperature drops to 6°C-15°C in the day and -15°C at night. The trail can be snowy, and often, blizzards will interfere with your itinerary. But the days are clear and sunny. The trail is less crowded, with empty rooms in the local lodges and tea houses.
You can decide on the Helambu trek in any season you prefer. Please inform us about the time you wish to embark on the trek. We will make all the required preparations for your dream vacation in Helambu.
Helambu Trek Difficulty
The Helambu trek is an easy trek that you can indulge in Nepal trekking. This trek is suitable for new climbers and trekkers who wish to have a taste of trekking in the remote regions of Nepal.
Our short 7-day Helambu trek includes one rest day at Sermathang which is situated at an altitude of 2620 m. The highest altitude you will be gaining in this trek is the 3490 m of Tharepati. During the entire trek, you will be walking for 4 to 6 hours each day, traversing through the beautiful trail through forests and cultivated fields.
Some day, you will have to make some steep ascend and descend, especially when you are returning to Kathmandu. However, hiking the uphill and downhill trails during this trek is not as difficult as in the other regions of Nepal, such as Everest or Annapurna.
Still, you should be in good shape and mental fitness. You should be able to forego comfort and not mind staying in accommodations with basic facilities and sharing the same amenities with other fellow travelers. You should also be able to work in a team and be sure-footed and prepared for unpredictable weather conditions.
The prior moderate physical training by swimming, weight lifting, and walking will make you ready for this trek.
Altitude Sickness
There is a low chance of altitude sickness in our Helambu Trek since the highest elevation you will be gaining is just above 3000 m. still, experiencing altitude sickness differs individually. It can affect both the trekker in perfect physical condition and those who are used to hiking in high-altitude zones.
Generally, altitude sickness occurs when you climb to heights greater than 2400 m. The mildest symptoms generally appear above 3,000 meters of altitude, but there are people who, even below 3,000 meters, begin to present these symptoms.
Milder symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, tiredness, nosebleeds, irritability, and difficulty sleeping. In such a case, the best thing to do is stop climbing, or climbing more slowly (sleeping more nights at the same altitude), or descend if there is no improvement. You can take Diamox if the symptoms don’t subside.
To prevent this sickness, walking at a pace that doesn’t strain your body at a slower pace is the most important rule you have to follow. In addition, you should eat well so that your body can do the job of hiking to higher altitudes.
You should also drink plenty of water to keep going. Ideally, you should drink around 3 liters of water per day – or more – when hiking in high mountains. Eating plenty of soups and broths is also a great option to help increase your fluid consumption.
What to expect on this Helambu trip?
The surreal landscape, the visuals of the amazing Himalayas from Langtang, Manaslu, Annapurna, and Jugal, and the encounter with the Yolmo Sherpas are what you should expect in our short Helambu trek. This trek is, therefore, in no way inferior to EBC or any other trek of Nepal.
A short drive to Sundarijal will give you glimpses of rural Nepal, its infrastructure, and its culture. As your trek begins, you will traverse through the pine, alder, and rhododendron forests of Shivapuri National Park. This park is home to 318 species of birds, Langurs, wild boars, and leopards.
You will have the opportunity to explore the cultural village of Langtang- the Chisapani. The yellow raspberries, oaks, and pine forests with the local monastery will hail you at Kutumsang.
As you reach Tharepati, you will witness the grandeur of Dorje Lhakpa, Ganjela, and Langtang region. Next, you will walk on the same path once taken by Guru Rinpoche at the time of his meditation. You can also meditate in the same cave where Buddhist Priests did and can explore the local monastery. At Sermathang, you will enjoy the breathtaking views of Ganesh Himal and Gosaikunda Lake.
As for cultural exploration and experience, you will get the opportunity to get insights into the culture of Yolmo Sherpas. You will be the guest of the most hospitable people of Tamang and Sherpas. Be prepared for the warm welcome and delicious local cuisine of the locality. You will spend each night during this entire trek in their well-decorated interiors.
After completion of the trek, you can relax and end your trip culturally by visiting the magnificent temples and palaces in the old towns of Bhaktapur and Kathmandu.
Accommodation, Food, and Transportation
Our Helambu trek is a typical lodge or homestay trek in the Langtang region of Nepal. We will provide accommodation in the best possible lodges or homestays during the entire trek. The lodges are the best place where you can meet other travelers, eat a home-cooked meal, and rest at night.
Generally, the lodges come with a small room with two single beds with a covered foam mattress and pillows. We advise you to carry sleeping bags for comfort and cleanliness. You may have to share a bathroom and dining area with other trekkers. In the evening, hikers from all parts of the world meet to enjoy dinner in a cozy atmosphere and exchange ideas about their day’s experiences.
The lodges also have WIFI access and power plugs to charge your electrical device. But you may have to pay an additional fee for the services. You can also request hot showers again for an extra charge.
We will provide you with full onboard meals during the entire trek from breakfast to dinner. The lodges have their own menu based on the availability of items. You can order from the menu probably one hour before your meal. You will have breakfast and dinner at the lodge, and you rest overnight. Lunch will be provided at the lodge we come across along the trekking trail.
Usually, you can have the national dish of Nepal, Dal Vat and Tarkari, consisting of rice, vegetable, and lentil soup. You should definitely try Momos. These small dumplings with different fillings actually come from Tibet and taste very delicious. You should also try Thukpa, Tsampa, and Tibetan Tea. You can also buy Coca-Cola, Fanta, and beer in the lodge.
We will also take care of all modes of transportation during our Helambu Trek. We will take you on a private vehicle as you begin your journey from Kathmandu to Sundarijal. When you make your way back to the urban population of Kathmandu, our driver will wait for you at the Melamche Pul Bazar. He will receive you and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu.
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