The Helambu Trek offers a short yet delightful journey through the serene and captivating trekking trails of Langtang. This trek takes you through enchanting landscapes, including cascading waterfalls, picturesque rhododendron forests, and charming villages. As you walk along the trail, you will be greeted by lush greenery, terraced farmlands, and thriving wildlife, immersing you in the beauty of nature. Moreover, the trek provides a glimpse into the rich cultural diversity and traditional rural lifestyle of the locals, making it a truly blissful experience. Additionally, trekkers are treated to warm hospitality from the friendly locals and breathtaking views of majestic snow-capped peaks such as Langtang Lirung (7,234m), Dorje Lakpa (6,966m), Ganesh Himal Massif, and Rolwaling Range. Furthermore, Helambu is renowned for its ancient monasteries and the preservation of native culture and traditions. All of these elements combine to make Helambu an ideal choice for travel enthusiasts and backpackers seeking an unforgettable trekking adventure.
Highlights:
- Experience the cultural ambiance of the Himalayas while strolling along an easy trail.
- Immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Tamangs and Hyolmo people.
- Explore a trail that showcases breathtaking waterfalls, beautiful rhododendron forests, picturesque landscapes, and traditional settlements.
- Marvel at the majestic snow-covered peaks, including Langtang Lirung (7,234m) and Dorje Lakpa (6,966m).
- Delight in the untouched beauty of Shivapuri National Park, where you can encounter stunning waterfalls, diverse flora, and fauna in the lush woodland
- Take a leisurely walk through the undemanding path to fully appreciate the cultural charm of the Himalayas combined with their natural fragrance.
- Immerse yourself in the authentic culture of the Tamangs and Hyolmo people, offering a pristine experience.
- Traverse a trail that showcases enchanting waterfalls, impressive rhododendron forests, picturesque landscapes, and traditional settlements.
Embark on an unforgettable journey with our Helambu Trek, starting and ending in the vibrant city of Kathmandu. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of the Sherpa, Tamang, and Gurung communities as you explore the diverse landscapes. Witness breathtaking mountain vistas and experience the authentic local lifestyle, all conveniently located just a stone's throw away from Kathmandu. Join us for an adventure like no other!
The name ‘Helambu’ originates from the term Hyomlo. Located approximately 72km northeast of Kathmandu, Helambu is inhabited by Sherpa, Tamang, and Hyolmo communities situated on elevated terrain near the banks of the Melamchi River. The area extends from the north of Taramarang and borders Raswua District near Gosainkunda Lake. The Helambu Trek passes through Shivapuri National Park, a protected area rich in diverse flora and fauna as well as various bird species. Due to its fewer visitors, Helambu has been able to preserve the authenticity of its cultural and natural heritage. Following a day of exploring Kathmandu, we head to Sundarijal and enter Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. We then climb the stone steps to the Shivapuri ridges, passing a small dam and hydroelectric power station before embarking on our trek. As we continue our uphill journey, we traverse the National Park, encountering magnificent waterfalls, dense forests, and the charming village of Mulkharkha. Our trek leads us to Chisapani (2,160m), a resting spot for travelers and trekkers. After a brief break, we continue our trek, passing through Kutumsang, Thadepati, and Tarkeghyang. We then trek to Sermanthang village and finally make our way to Melamchi Pul Bazaar. From there, we drive back to Kathmandu, concluding our memorable adventure.
The Helambu Trek offers a gentle and manageable experience, making it perfect for a family adventure. No prior trekking experience is necessary, just a strong and healthy body capable of enduring long hours of walking. Prepare your belongings and embark on an unforgettable journey into nature with the Himalayan Trekking Path!
Helambu Trek Short Itinerary Outline:
- Day 01: From Kathmandu to Sundarijal Drive (20km, 1.5 hours ) and Trek to Chisapani (2300m): 13km, 5/6 hours
- Day 02: From Chisapani to Kutumsang (2446m/8024.934ft): 16km, 6/7 hours
- Day 03: From Kutumsang to Thadepati (3,650m/11975.07ft) 10km, 5 hours
- Day 04: From Thadepati to Tarkeghyang (2,560m/11679.79ft) 6 hours Trek
- Day 05: Trek to Sermathang (2,610m/8562.992ft) for 4/5 hours and drive to Kathmandu (2 hours)
Helambu Trek Best Season and Temperature
The Helambu Trek is best enjoyed during the pre-monsoon spring (March to May) and post-monsoon autumn (September to November). Spring offers mild weather and beautiful blooming rhododendrons along the trails, creating a vibrant landscape. Autumn provides clear skies, crisp air, and excellent visibility of the Himalayan peaks, making it perfect for trekking. Both seasons offer comfortable temperatures and low chances of rain, enhancing the overall trekking experience. It is advisable to avoid the monsoon season (June to August) due to heavy rains and potential landslides, as well as the winter months (December to February) when the trails can be icy and cold.
In the Helambu region, the temperatures vary significantly throughout the year:
- Spring (March to May): Daytime temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), while nights can drop to 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F).
- Summer/Monsoon (June to August): Daytime temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), but heavy rains make trekking less favorable. Nights can be cooler, around 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F).
- Autumn (September to November): Daytime temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), with nights cooling down to 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F).
- Winter (December to February): Daytime temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F), while nights can drop to -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F), often making conditions quite cold.
Helambu Trek requires Permits, Costs, and Documents
The Helambu Trek, situated within Langtang National Park, commences from Shivapuri National Park. As a result, visitors must pay fees for both National Parks and also obtain a mandatory TIMS Card. To secure the permit, a passport copy and three passport-sized photos are necessary. The permit costs are covered in the package provided by Himalayan Trekking Path.
- The cost of the Shivapuri National Park's Permit Fees is USD10/ rs 1000 per person
- The cost of the Langtang National Park's Permit Fees is USD 30/rs 3000 per person
- The cost of the TIMS Card Fees is USD20/rs 2000 P/P
Helambu Trek cost for 2024/2025
The Helambu Trek price ranges from USD300 to USD500 per person, inclusive of the itinerary and package. The Himalayan trekking Path Company provides affordable rates with excellent service quality. The total cost of the Helambu Trek varies based on the length of the trek, group size, and level of service. This trek is a popular choice near the Kathmandu valley. Below is the breakdown of the Helambu trek cost according to group size.
- The cost of the Helambu Trek is USD500 for solo traveler
- The cost of the Helambu Trek is USD 400 per person, for a group size of 2-6 persons
- The cost of the Helambu Trek is USD 300 per person for a group size of 7-10 persons