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
- 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
- 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
No. You cannot drink the water from the tap or streams in Helambu Trek. Mineral water is not available on the trail. It is expensive to buy (perhaps 10 times more than in Kathmandu). You can use a water purifier or SteriPen.
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).
We will collect your travel insurance policies and details before the trek so that in case of an emergency we can coordinate with your insurance company and the helicopter providers for evacuation.
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).
Yes. Magical Nepal only provides insurance for our own staff. We recommend you buy insurance in your country. Note: Insurance should cover you for the altitudes you are trekking at (not all do). We recommend World Nomads.
Yes, bring your own or you can rent it or buy it in Kathmandu. Renting a sleeping bag in Kathmandu will cost you $1 or $2 per day. To buy a new sleeping bag in Kathmandu expect to pay around $150 to $200 for one of medium quality.
No. The trails are well marked. Unless you go in mid-winter you will not need crampons. Instead of crampons, carry micro spikes which are not technical, lightweight to carry, cheaper and fit any shoe size.
If you forget something it might be extremely hard to find here. Please check here for an exhaustive packing list for (general) trekking in Nepal. If you are not a frequent hiker, you can rent most of the trekking gear in Nepal when you arrive.
No. There are teahouses along the trek. We will not need tents or mattresses.
Anything you don’t want to take on the trek with you can be stored at your hotel or in our office. We suggest you ensure your bag is lockable.
Yes, bring your own or you can rent it or buy it in Kathmandu. Renting a sleeping bag in Kathmandu will cost you $1 or $2 per day. To buy a new sleeping bag in Kathmandu expect to pay around $150 to $200 for one of medium quality.
No. The trails are well marked. Unless you go in mid-winter you will not need crampons. Instead of crampons, carry micro spikes which are not technical, lightweight to carry, cheaper and fit any shoe size.
If you forget something it might be extremely hard to find here. Please check here for an exhaustive packing list for (general) trekking in Nepal. If you are not a frequent hiker, you can rent most of the trekking gear in Nepal when you arrive.
No. There are tea houses along the trek. We will not need tents or mattresses.
Anything you don’t want to take on the trek with you can be stored at your hotel or in our office. We suggest you ensure your bag is lockable.
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