Helambu Circuit Trek
Trip Overview
Overview
The Helambu Circuit Trek is a picturesque and accessible journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Helambu region in Nepal. Ideal for trekkers seeking a moderate yet rewarding experience, this trek also offers a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle and culture of the local Tamang and Sherpa communities, combined with stunning views of the Himalayan peaks. Beginning in Sundarijal, a short drive from Kathmandu, the trek takes approximately 6 to 7 days to complete. The trail winds through lush forests, terraced fields, and quaint villages, providing an opportunity to immerse in the natural beauty and charming simplicity of rural Nepal. Along the way, trekkers encounter friendly locals, visit ancient monasteries, and traverse suspension bridges over gushing rivers. The journey reaches its highest point at Tharepati (3,650 meters), where trekkers rewards with panoramic vistas of snow-capped mountains including Langtang Lirung and Dorje Lakpa. The Helambu Circuit Trek also less crowded compared to other popular treks in the region, allowing for a more serene and peaceful experience. The teahouse accommodations along the route are comfortable, providing warm hospitality and authentic Nepali meals. Trekkers can savor dal bhat (rice with lentil soup), momos (dumplings), and local herbal teas to fuel their adventures. The best time to embark on this trek is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is also pleasant, and the skies are clear, enhancing the overall trekking experience.Conclusion and Summary
In conclusion, the Helambu Circuit Trek offers a delightful fusion of natural splendor and cultural exploration, making it an excellent choice for trekkers of various skill levels. Whether you also seek a serene escape or a closer connection with Nepali culture and the Himalayas, this trek is sure to leave lasting memories and a sense of fulfillment.Trip Highlight
- Trek through Shivapuri National Park, which is Nepal’s least crowded trail.
- Scintillating and amusing views of mountains and landscape of Langtang region.
- Interaction with the historic tribes of Helambu and their culture known as Yolmo.
- Amazing views of the Annapurna Ranges, Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Jugal, Manaslu, and Mount Everest.
- Mystic and a mixed variety of natural beauty of Northeastern Nepal.
- Historic Buddhist pilgrimages and the ever-glorious painting of Thanka.
- The famous monasteries caves where Guru Rimpoche and Buddhist Saint Miraeppa meditated.
- Wide range of flora and fauna.
- Experience of the diverse population and natural resources.
- Natural scenery and lovely towns like Kutumsang, Tharepati, Tarke Gyang, and Sermanthang are present along the Helambu Circuit Trek route.
- Outstanding chance to see exotic species including snow leopards, white monkeys, red pandas, Himalayan Thar, and musk deer.
- Very few chances of altitude sickness, as the highest point is at 3500m
- Learn about the Tamang and Sherpa cultures and traditions by interacting with the people in the Langtang region.
- A short but pleasant hike through a serene and gorgeous oak and rhododendron woodland.
Itinerary
Our airport representative will be waiting for you outside the terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu with a sign that reads Friendship World Trek. A private vehicle will then transport you to your chosen accommodation. You can visit our office for a pre-trip meeting when you are ready to know more about the technicalities of the Helambu Circuit Trek Itinerary.
Your Helambu Circuit Trek will begin today. After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, you will travel by vehicle to Sundarijal. A lovely section of oak and rhododendron woodland may be seen at Sundarijal. Additionally, it contains beautiful waterfalls, making it a fantastic location for a picnic. The route leads you along a sharp slope as soon as you leave Sundarijal to begin your walk. You will arrive at Shivapuri National Park’s entrance after about an hour of hiking. The route then leads you up a series of narrow stairs to Mulkharka.
Chisapani may be reached by hiking through rural farm fields, cool woodlands, and the beautiful settlement of Borlang Bhanjyang. Chisapani is among the most well-liked short-hiking locations close to the Kathmandu Valley. Beautiful views of several mountains, including the Jugal Himal, Ganesh Himal, Himal Chuli, Gauri Shanker, Rolwaling, Dorje Lakpa, and numerous peaks of the Langtang Himalayas and Gauri Shanker Himalayas range, may be enjoyed from Chispani. The valleys below and the dawn can also be seen from here, which is another benefit.
On a clear day in the early morning, Chisapani offers a breathtaking panoramic vista of the Langtang Himal range. Today’s Helambu Circuit Trek route will decline as it approaches the little settlement of Pati Bhanjyang, passing through picturesque meadows and farmland. You will arrive at the Sherpa settlement of Thankune Bhanjyang as you stroll through farming communities with picturesque scenery. As you continue your trek, you will come across terraced farms and trails leading into the local woodlands.
Prior to arriving in the Tamang villages of Thotung and Golphu Bhanjyang, you will first pass via the Sherpa settlement of Chipling. After that, you will climb for another 1.5 hours to reach a ridge. From this ridge, it will take you another 45 minutes of downward hiking to reach Kutumsang. When you arrive at Kutumsang, a settlement with traditionally constructed dwellings and mist-covered slopes, your walk for the day comes to an end. Kutumsang offers breathtaking views of the pyramidal top of Dorje Lhakpa.
As you move toward Thadepati Bhanjyang today, you will ascend more than 1200 meters in elevation. The highest point on your Helambu Circuit Trek Itinerary is Thadepati. You will reach the ridgeline of the Yurin Danda during the first portion of the hike. As you continue on the hiking trail, you will start to see the Langtang range, Gosaikunda peak, and Jugal Himal for the first time. You will continue your ascent through some degraded trails to Mera Danda. After there, you will descend to Mangengoth, a tiny settlement.
You will eventually reach Tharepati after hiking beyond the Thare Danda ridge. The Langtang Ranges’ most breathtaking panoramic vistas may be seen from Tharepati. You will arrive at a ridge as you continue your hike just above the settlement. This peak is a great location to get spectacular views of the sun rising. Following that, you will turn eastward before making your way through an ancient pine forest on a steep descent. You will reach a ridge’s spine if you continue walking. After that, the route descends to Melamchi Gaon, a sizable Sherpa settlement.
Starting today, your trip will descend from Melamchi Gaon to Melamchi Khola. You will ultimately reach Tarkeghyang after walking via several Buddhist settlements including Nakote, Dozum, and Chiri. The monastery of the same name gives rise to the name of this settlement. This monastery is also the oldest in the Helambu area. These settlements have a large number of residences that are located very close to one another. They will give you a sense of the western Nepali villages.
The Helambu Circuit Trek Route will head southwest from Tarkeghyang. You will be moving over gently sloping routes through the forest. As you make your way into Setighyang, you will pass through a few little streams, fields, and charming little towns. You may reach Ghangyul by hiking further. After a 4 to 5-hour journey, you will eventually arrive at Sermathang, a picturesque village. There are three sizable gompas in Sermanthang. The Jugal Himal, Dorje Lakpa, and Gaurishankar are all visible to the east of Sermanthang, and all three offer stunning vistas.
You will start your hike by descending via rice fields and large, green meadows after taking your time for a leisurely breakfast in Shermathang. You will pass through charming communities like Kakani and Thimbu as you head out of the village of Sermanthang. As you hike through a subtropical area, the vegetation likewise changes. As you get closer to Melamchi Pul Bazaar, a Sherpa settlement, you’ll cross a few bridges and travel through a few little communities with chortens and mani walls. 5 to 6 hours of the journey will take you from Sermanthang to Melamchi Pul. There are plenty of guesthouses in this area that occasionally be utilized by hikers who are hiking the Helambu Circuit Trek reversed. From this point on, you will connect with your mode of transportation because Melamchi Pul Bazaar is also connected to the road.
You will travel for five hours to get to Kathmandu from Melamchi Pul Bazaar. Your final view of Nepal’s beautiful hills and terraced farmland will be on the way back to Kathmandu. Prior to reaching the Tibet-Nepal Arniko Highway, the first portion of the trip will be on a dirt road. Dhulikhel, a Newar settlement on the eastern rim of the Kathmandu Valley, is reached after one hour of the journey along the highway. On your approach to Kathmandu from Dhulikhel, you will pass through other towns including Banepa and Bhaktapur. When you return to Kathmandu, spend some time checking into your accommodation and getting a bit fresher. You will then venture outside to shop and explore Kathmandu. After completing your Helambu Circuit Trekking excursion, you might spend the evening enjoying Thamel’s lovely nightlife.
Your Helambu Circuit Trekking concludes today. When it’s time for your flight to leave, one of our staff members will help you travel to the airport. However, Friendship World Trek can make the necessary preparations if you wish to prolong your vacation. You might even go shopping to get some things for your loved ones if your flight is planned for a late evening. You can do other activities during your stay in Nepal or head towards other destinations. We hope you enjoyed your time with us and wish you success on your next trip to Nepal.
Departures & Availability
The set departure dates listed are specially quoted and specified for group joining option. Let us know if the set departure dates are not suitable for you- another dates which are suitable for you can certainly be added by us.
Check Available Dates
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All trip prices are per person based on double occupancy, are subject to change without notice and do not include airfare. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars.
Price include
- Airport transfer at arrival and departure
- 2-night 2-star hotel in Kathmandu on BB plan
- Three times meals (breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) and Tea or Coffee with Meals during the trek
- Snacks (cookies) and seasonal fresh fruits every day if Available.
- 5 night’s tea house accommodation during the trek
- Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card fee
- Souvenir – a company’s T-shirt & a cap
- English-speaking government Licensed trekking guide and his salary, food, equipment, and insurance
- Entry permits fees to Shivapuri Wildlife Reserved and Langtang National Park
- Kathmandu to Sundarijal and Melamchi Pul Bazaar to Kathmandu bus or Jeep service
- Sleeping bag and duffle bag (It’s refundable)
- Friendship World Trek T-shirt, Trekking map, and Water purifications tablet
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu before your departure
- Official expenses
- Friendship World Trek appreciation certificate after the successful trek
- Porters to help trekkers luggage. 1 porter for every 2 trekkers. The luggage weight limit per trekker is 9kg.
- All local and government taxes and VAT and Service Charges.
Price Excludes
- International flight tickets
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Travel and health Insurance which cover emergency Rescues and evacuations
- Excess luggage charges (limit is 9kg per person)
- Extra night accommodations in Kathmandu due to early arrival, late departure, and early return from trekking (for any reason)
- Personal clothing and gear
- Porter (Optional) If you need $130 one porter between 2 trekkers is recommended
- Private jeep (Optional)
- Personal expenses like snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, bottled water, WI-FI, battery charging, hot shower, etc.
- Food in Kathmandu and an extra day or upgrade hotel
- Expenses occurred due to unavoidable events i.e. road wrecks, flight delays, etc.
- Tips for treks guide (it is appreciated)
- Additional costs due to circumstances beyond our control like landslides, bad weather conditions, illness, change of government policy, political instability, etc
- All the costs and expenses not listed in “What is included?” will be counted as excludes
Gears And Equipment
Trip Information
Helambu Circuit Trek Difficulty
The fun-filled week-long trek to the Helambu circuit trek region is full of fun, recreation, enjoyment, knowledge, and the opportunity to interact with the unique tribes of Yolmo. The trek will begin from the northern edge of Kathmandu, Sundarijal. There will be many ascents and descends, and the road is bumpy, so make sure you will have proper shoes to wear for the trek.
Food or Meal Availability on Helambu Circuit Trek
Authentic regional, Asian, and western foods are offered during Helambu Circuit Trekking. We strongly advise consuming fresh veggies and drinking lots of liquids, such as hot lemon, ginger, and garlic soup, and green tea. Although there are many non-vegetarian foods available in the areas where you may complete the Helambu Circuit trek, we advise against eating them due to hygienic reasons. Keeping away from dairy products, alcoholic beverages, coffee, and hot chocolates is also a great approach.
- Breakfast: You can select your breakfast from the menu. Breakfast items include eggs, pancakes, muesli bread, cornflakes, French toast with jam, butter, and cheese, Tibetan bread, local tsampa porridge, fruits, and hot drinks.
- Lunch: You will be able to try a variety of mouthwatering foods, including Dhal, Bhat, Tarkari, Tibetan Bread, Sherpa Stew, Steaks, Sandwiches, Momo, Macaroni dishes, Tenduk Spaghetti Noodles, Potatoes, Vegetables, Salad Pizza, Snacks, and Desserts.
- Dinner: You can select from a menu with selections comparable to those you had at lunch. Dhal, Bhat, Tarkari, Tibetan Bread, Tenduk Spaghetti, Noodles, Thukpa, Pasta, Vegetable Curry, Various Soups, Steaks, Sandwiches, Momo, Macaroni, Potato items, Vegetable and Salad Pizza, Snacks, Korean Ramen, Desserts, Hard Drinks, Steaks, etc.
Altitude Sickness and Remedies during Helambu Circuit Trek
Altitude sickness is a problem for hikers and mountain climbers. The oxygen level starts to drop at a height of around 3000 meters above sea level. Altitude sickness, which is brought on by a rapid height increase, makes the Helambu Circuit Trek difficult for certain people. Altitude sickness may not be hazardous if treated properly. There are several symptoms that might manifest, including a cold, headache, dizziness, exhaustion, loss of appetite, and a slight rise in heart rate. You may handle these issues by bearing the following in mind:
- When symptoms are present, walk slowly first and foremost.
- Trekkers must bring medicinal supplies like ginger, garlic, and other herbs.
- Keep your body hydrated by drinking water.
- Resist smoking and consuming any type of alcohol.
- Consume a lot of calories and energy-giving meals.
- Ensure appropriate acclimatization and descend to a lower height for sleeping.
Visiting different monasteries
The trek will pass through many societies of different cultures and traditions. You will pass through many preserved Buddhist heritages, monasteries, Mani walls, chortens, and prayer flags that reflect the Tibetan Buddhist culture, followed by the Helambu and Yolmo people. You will have an opportunity to visit the monasteries run by the local people in the places like Sermathang, Ghangyul, Melamchigaon, and Tarkeghyang. You can explore these monasteries and gather valuable information about the insight of Buddhism.
Helambu Circuit Trek Permits
Helambu trek takes you to the Langtang region, where you will enter Langtang National Park. To enter Langtang National Park, you need a permit card available at Nepal Tourism Board and the entry point in Dhunche, Rasuwa. To enter Sundarijal, you need Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park Permit.
You don’t have to worry about the permits, our team will get them for your convenience.
Shivapuri National Park Permit for SAARC nationals: NPR 600
Shivapuri National Park Permit for other nationals: NPR 1000
TIMS Card cost for trekkers: NPR 1000
Langtang National Park Permit for SAARC nationals: NPR 1500
Langtang National Park Permit for other nationals: NPR 3000
Friendship World Trek can accommodate a group of travelers to the region if you want to travel in a group. The school, college, and research groups can get a special discount. For that, you can directly contact us via email at info@friendshiptrek.com
Best Time for the Helambu Circuit Trek
The Helambu Trek region is open to trek at any month of the year. The most suitable time for trekking to Helambu is September to December and March to May, and the average day temperature during this season will be 10-20 degrees celsius, which will be the most suitable temperature to trek on. During this season, the weather supports the best views of tall mountains and erotic landscapes.
Accommodation during Helambu Circuit Trek
Numerous hotels and lodges may be found along the trekking route to the Helambu area. A lot of tea houses will be there as well. There are often enough lodgings for a typical night’s stay, and you typically hike from one settlement to the next. With adjoining bathrooms, several hotels provide tidy, pleasant bedrooms. Despite the fact that some typical hotels have shared bathrooms, you may just reserve a separate room. The lodgings will grow less luxurious as you ascend in height. Twin-based rooms are very common. Two single beds with mattresses, pillows, and blankets will be provided in the room. There are solitary rooms available in the lowest parts of the Helambu valley. However, the chances of getting a solo room are minimal at higher altitudes because there are fewer teahouses there. Even if you are willing to spend more, you might not be able to find one.
Helambu Circuit Trek Travel Insurance
At a high altitude, the moderately challenging Helambu Circuit Trek travels through rural areas of Nepal. Getting sufficient travel insurance is suggested in case something goes wrong. Travel insurance is one of the most important documents when climbing in Nepal’s high mountains. While walking, you must overcome landslides, steep inclines and declines, and congested paths. Therefore, if visitors unluckily face any kind of impact when hiking in such a circumstance, insurance coverage would be excellent for you. You might be able to avoid making a sizable payment all at once. As a result, we urge all hikers and explorers to acquire the necessary insurance coverage, which will cover all costs associated with high-peak rescue and evacuation. Verify that your insurance policy covers medical expenses, emergency helicopter evacuation, and altitude to a minimum of 5000 meters.
Last-minute booking for Helambu Circuit Trek
Friendship World Trek provides last-minute booking as well as pre-booking in case you decide on Helambu Circuit Trek. You can book a last-minute trip to Helambu Circuit Trek up to 12 hours before the scheduled time to get your tour arranged according to your requirement. For the booking guarantee, we require you to pay 100% of the package cost.
Helambu Circuit Trek Route Map
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Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
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