# Helambu Trek

> The Helambu trek is a 7-day short trek that starts right from Kathmandu, with no flight and no long bus ride. Walk out of the valley at Sundarijal through Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park to Chisapani, follow forested ridges to Tharepati (3,640 m) with views of Langtang, Jugal Himal and Dorje Lakpa, and descend through the Hyolmo (Helambu Sherpa) villages of Melamchi Gaon and Tarkeghyang with their old monasteries and apple orchards.Graded easy to moderate, with a low maximum altitude, Helambu suits first-time trekkers, families and anyone with a week in Nepal. It is a rare year-round trek, especially good in winter when higher routes are cold. Guide, porters, permits, lodges and meals are included.

## Trip facts
- **Destination:** Nepal
- **Duration:** 7 days
- **Difficulty:** Easy to moderate
- **Activity:** Trekking
- **Max altitude:** 3,640 m / 11,942 ft (Tharepati)
- **Best season:** Year-round; best Oct–May
- **Group size:** 1–12 people
- **Accommodation:** Hotel in Kathmandu, teahouses and homestays
- **Meals:** Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trek
- **Price:** from US$520 per person
- **Web page:** https://www.himalayanhiking.com/helambu-trek
- **Book:** https://www.himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=helambu-trek

## Overview
**Quick answer:** the Helambu trek takes about 7 days, starts on foot from the edge of Kathmandu, reaches 3,640 m at Tharepati, costs from US$520 per person and can be done almost all year. It is one of the easiest and most accessible treks in Nepal, with Himalayan views, forest and Hyolmo Buddhist culture.

Helambu (Hyolmo) lies just north-east of Kathmandu, between the capital and the Langtang range. The Hyolmo people, related to the Sherpas, have their own language and traditions, and their villages are full of monasteries and prayer flags. Because the trek is close to Kathmandu, it is quiet but well supplied with lodges.

### Helambu trek at a glance

Trip factDetailsDuration7 days (5 days of trekking)Maximum altitudeTharepati, 3,640 mGradeEasy to moderateStart and finishSundarijal (30 minutes from Kathmandu); drive back from Tarkeghyang or MelamchiPermitsShivapuri Nagarjun National Park and Langtang National ParkBest timeOctober–May; possible year-roundCostFrom US$520 per person### Why choose the Helambu trek?

- **Starts from Kathmandu**: no flights, no long drives.
- **Short and easy**, a good first trek or family trek.
- **Hyolmo Buddhist villages** and monasteries.
- **Mountain views** of Langtang, Gauri Shankar and Jugal Himal.
- **Winter trek** option when high-altitude routes are cold.

### How difficult is the Helambu trek?

Walking days are 5–6 hours on forest trails and stone steps, with some steep climbs. The altitude stays below 3,700 m, so altitude sickness is unlikely. Reasonably fit walkers of most ages can do it.

### Helambu trek extensions

Helambu links naturally with the **Gosainkunda** lakes via the Laurebina Pass, and with the **Langtang Valley**. It can also be combined with the **Chisapani–Nagarkot hike** for a shorter trip.

## Highlights
- Trek from the edge of Kathmandu, no flights or long drives
- Shivapuri National Park forest and Chisapani viewpoint
- Tharepati (3,640 m) views of Langtang and Jugal Himal
- Hyolmo Sherpa villages and monasteries
- Easy, year-round short trek

## Day-by-day itinerary
### Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Someone from our office will be waiting at arrivals to take you to your hotel. Trek briefing.
_Altitude: 1,400 m · Overnight: Hotel_

### Day 2: Drive to Sundarijal, trek to Chisapani (2,215 m)
Short drive to Sundarijal and climb through Shivapuri National Park to Chisapani.
_Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 2,215 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 14 km_

### Day 3: Trek to Kutumsang (2,470 m)
Sunrise views at Chisapani, then walk along ridges through Gul Bhanjyang.
_Walking: 6 hours · Altitude: 2,470 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 16 km_

### Day 4: Trek to Tharepati (3,640 m)
Climb through rhododendron and fir forest to Tharepati for Himalayan views.
_Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 3,640 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 11 km_

### Day 5: Trek to Melamchi Gaon (2,530 m)
Descend into the Hyolmo heartland and visit the village monastery.
_Walking: 4–5 hours · Altitude: 2,530 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse or homestay · Distance: 8 km_

### Day 6: Trek to Tarkeghyang (2,600 m), drive to Kathmandu
Cross the Melamchi Khola and climb to Tarkeghyang, then drive back to Kathmandu.
_Walking: 4–5 hours · Altitude: 2,600 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch · Overnight: Hotel · Distance: 9 km_

### Day 7: Departure from Kathmandu
We drive you to the airport in time for your flight home.
_Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast_

## What is included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in private vehicles
- 2 nights in a hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Transfer to Sundarijal and jeep from Tarkeghyang to Kathmandu
- Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park and Langtang National Park permits
- Teahouse and homestay accommodation during the trek (4 nights)
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek
- Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide trained in first aid
- Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers) with their wages, food, lodging and insurance
- All government and local taxes

## Not included
- International flights to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fee
- Travel insurance covering trekking to 3,700 m and helicopter evacuation (compulsory)
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Drinks, snacks, hot showers, battery charging and Wi-Fi on the trek
- Extra nights caused by early return, flight delays, landslides or cancellations
- Helicopter evacuation or charter
- Personal equipment and expenses
- Tips for your guide and porters

## Useful information
### Fitness and preparation

You should be comfortable walking 5–6 hours a day on hilly trails. Some training with hill walks before the trip will make it more enjoyable.

### Weather and temperatures

Mild most of the year. Tharepati can be frosty and snowy from December to February; the monsoon (June–August) brings rain and leeches.

### Permits

The Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park and Langtang National Park permits are included.

### Money, charging and Wi-Fi

Take out cash in Kathmandu or Pokhara before you set off: there are very few ATMs on the trail, and the ones that exist often don't work. Lodges charge a little for hot showers, charging and Wi-Fi, so a power bank saves money.

### Drinking water

Bring a refillable bottle and either purification tablets or a filter. Lodges also sell boiled water, which is cheaper and better for the trail than bottled water.

### Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory. It must cover trekking to 3,700 m, medical treatment and emergency helicopter evacuation. Please send us your policy details before departure.

### Visa

Most visitors get a tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport, or apply online before they fly. Your passport needs six months' validity, and bring a few passport photos for trekking permits.

## Packing list
### Clothing

- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Fleece jacket or mid-layer
- Warm down jacket (can be borrowed from us)
- Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers
- Trekking trousers and shirts
- Warm hat, sun hat and buff
- Liner gloves and insulated gloves
- Trekking socks

### Footwear

- Broken-in waterproof trekking boots
- Camp shoes or sandals for the lodges

### Equipment

- Sleeping bag rated to about −5°C (can be borrowed from us)
- Daypack of 25–35 litres with rain cover
- Trekking poles
- Head torch with spare batteries
- Water bottles and purification tablets
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Power bank and charging cables
- Leech socks (monsoon)

### Personal items

- High-factor sunscreen and lip balm
- Personal first-aid kit and medication
- Toiletries, quick-dry towel and wet wipes
- Snacks such as energy bars and nuts
- Passport, insurance details and copies

## Frequently asked questions
### Where is Helambu?
Helambu (Hyolmo) lies north-east of Kathmandu, south of the Langtang range, in Sindhupalchok district.

### How long is the Helambu trek?
**7 days** including arrival and departure, with 5 days of trekking.

### How difficult is the Helambu trek?
**Easy to moderate**, with a maximum altitude of 3,640 m.

### How much does the Helambu trek cost?
From **US$520 per person**, including permits, guide, porters, lodges and meals.

### Can I trek Helambu in winter?
Yes. Helambu is one of the best winter treks in Nepal, though Tharepati can have snow.

### Do I need a flight for Helambu?
No. The trek starts at Sundarijal, 30 minutes from Kathmandu.

### What mountains can I see?
Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, Jugal Himal, Gauri Shankar and on clear days Ganesh Himal.

### Is the Helambu trek suitable for families?
Yes, for active families; the altitude is low and days are manageable.

### Who are the Hyolmo people?
A Buddhist community related to the Sherpas, with their own language and customs.

### What permits are needed?
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park and Langtang National Park permits, both included.

### Can I combine Helambu with Gosainkunda?
Yes, via the Laurebina Pass (4,610 m), adding 3–4 days.

### Is Helambu crowded?
No. It is quieter than the Everest and Annapurna trails.