The week long Helambu trek starts just an hours drive from Kathmandu at the beautiful Shivapuri National Park. This is a relatively low altitude trek along a less busy trekking route through temperate forests, green valleys, rhododendron forests, Tamang and Sherpa villages and Buddhist monasteries. The views of the mountains are stunning and include Langtang, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Rolwaling, and Gauri Shankar. There are options as to whether to hike to Melamchi, adding another day’s trek and take a short drive back to Kathmandu or take a slightly different route at the end of the trip, with one less overnight, that involves a longer drive back to Kathmandu.
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.
| Days | Itinerary | Altitude | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Kathmandu to Sundarijal (Drive) to Chisapani | 2300 m | 4 hr |
| Day 2 | Chisapani to Kutumsang | 2446 m | 7 hr |
| Day 3 | Kutumsang to Thadepati | 3650 m | 6 hr |
| Day 4 | Thadepati to Tarke Ghyang | 2560 m | 6 hr |
| Day 5 | Tarke Ghyang to Sermathang | 2610 m | 3 - 4 hr |
| Day 6 | Sermathang to Melamchi Bazaar | 846 m | 3 - 4 hr |
| Day 7 | Melamchi to Kathmandu (Drive) | 1380 m | 3 hr |
Included
- Local transfers for your international flight x 2 (arrival/ departure)
- Kathmandu to Chisopani by private jeep
- Melamchi to Kathmandu by private jeep
- Guide for 7 days
- Porter for 7 days
- 3 nights accommodation in Kathmandu
- 6 nights accommodation in mountain teahouses
- 7 x breakfast, 7 x lunch and 6 x dinner while on trek
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
- Staff insurance and necessary ground transport for support staff
Excluded
- International flight ticket and Nepal Entry Visa
- Personal travel insurance (Which should include coverage for trekking)
- Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu, except the farewell dinner
- Personal gear for trekking (Including any you may wish to hire in Kathmandu), any personal expenses (i.e. soft and alcoholic drinks, snacks etc.)
FAQs
Be aware. Elevation on this trek will exceed 3,500m. The possibilities of getting altitude sickness generally start at this elevation. But in order to avoid this, as much as possible, we have designed the itinerary in such a way that it will give you enough time to acclimatize.
There is no knowing who will suffer from altitude sickness. It does not follow that the younger and fitter people will not get altitude sickness where the older and less fit will. It is not related to (general) fitness or age. Talk to your doctor at home. There are prescription medications which help avoid the onset of altitude sickness. But above all, go slowly, listen to your body, be aware of any changes, and listen to your guide if he feels you are showing symptoms (which you might not notice).
First aid. On every trek we will carry a first aid kit. We also recommend you carry your own. Here is a checklist recommended by Karen Anderson of things you should bring. Vaccinations are not compulsory in Nepal but to be on the safe side we recommend you comply, where possible, with this list provided by again by Karen Anderson (medical doctor in New Zealand and friend and client of Magical Nepal).
