Helambu Circuit Trek

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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 Highlights


  • 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


Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel

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.

  • 3 Star Hotel in Thamel

Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu (1400m) to Sundarijal (1460m) then trek to Chisapani (2165m) (4-5hrs trek)

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.

  • Tea House or Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • 4 to 5 Hours
  • 10.5 Kilometers

Day 03: Trek from Chisapani (2165m) to Kutumsang (2470m) (6-7hrs)

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.

  • Tea House or Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • 6 to 7 Hours
  • 13.3 Kilometers

Day 04: Trek from Kutumsang (2470m) to Melamchigaon (2530m) (7-8hrs)

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.

  • Tea House or Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • 7 to 8 Hours
  • 15.7 Kilometers

Day 05: Trek from Melamchi Gaon (2530m) to Sermathang (2590m) (5-6hrs) OR Day 05: Trek to Tarke Gyang via Melamchi Gaon (2600m, 7-8hrs)

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.

  • Tea House or Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • 5 to 6 Hours
  • 16.7 Kilometers

OR

Thadepati Bhanjyang is the highest point (3690m) you will reach in Helambu Circuit Trek. We descend to Tarke Gyang today. After breakfast, we will walk to Melamchigaon, the sherpa village. Melamchigaon has the largest monastery in the area, which you can explore. From Melamchigaon, we trek down to Tarke Gyang to stay overnight.

  • Guest House
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 2600m.|8529ft.

Day 06: Trek from Sermathang (2590m) to Melamchi Pul Bazaar (870m) (5-6hrs) OR Day 06: Trek to Sermathang (2590m, 4-5hrs)

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.

  • Tea House or Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • 5 to 6 Hours
  • 20 Kilometers

OR

We will visit the monastery in Tarke Gyang and then start our trekking. We will be at two roadways while descending from where we will trek towards Sermanthang, passing through several mani walls and villages. Sermanthang is famous for its apple and apricot-producing area.

  • Guest House
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 2590m.|8496ft.

Day 07: Drive from Melamchi Pul Bazaar (870m) to Kathmandu (1400m) (4-5hrs)

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.

  • Tea House or Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • 4 to 5 Hours
  • 43 Kilometers

Day 08: Final Departure from Kathmandu

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.

Price Includes


  • 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
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