Helambu Trek

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu – we will pick you up on your arrival date and time then transfer to Hotel. Hotel would be around the Thamel in Kathmandu.

Day 02 – Sightseeing in Kathmandu – we will explore the historical cultural sites of Kathmandu including UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pashupatinath (sacred Hindu temples), Baudhanath (Buddhist shrine) Swayambhunath (monkey temple) and Durbar squire.

Day 03 – Sundarijal – Chisopani 2215m.a.s.l – 15 km drive brings us to our starting point. Upon arrival in Sundarijal, we visit the Shivapuri – watershed and wildlife preserve. After Sundarijal the way goes along the pipeline that supplies the valley with water. We leave the pipeline near a dam and walk towards Mulkharka 1‘859 m (about 600 m above Sundarijal). We take a break and enjoy the view into the valley. Then we continue to Chisopani 2’215 m from where we have a breathtaking view of the mountains.

Day 04 – Chisopani – Kutumsang 2470m.a.s.l – From Chisopani the trail descend to the Pati Bhanjyang 1770 m, a charming little village then we will climb to the Gul Bhanjyang through the forest and beautiful view of terraced field and green landscapes. From Gul Bhanjyang the trail climbs further a rocky path up until Kutumsang.

Day 05 – Kutumsang – Tharepati 3510m.a.sl – we follow the ridge; the trail leads us through a sparse forest after Magen Goth, from where we have a magnificent view to the peaks of Langtang and Gosaikunda. Finally we reach Tharepati. This is one of the best ridge walks throughout Nepal.

Day 06 – Tharepati to Melamchi gaun -Walking down hill in a forest, vegetation changes to scrub bamboo as the route joins rocky cattle trail towards to stream and traverse to a Chhorten and a pasture, the first village since Tharepati. After crossing suspension bridge in Chhyadi Khola climb to reach the prosperous Sherpa village of Melamchigaon. It is a large village with extensive fields of barley, corn and potatoes.

Day o6 – Melamchi gaun to Tarkeghyang 2560m.a.s.l – The rail drops down to cross Melamchi Khola (Stream) than climb all the way to opposite ridge of Tarkhegang which is exactly same altitude. This village is slightly larger and more commercial and its inhabitants are famous for selling Thangkas.

Day 07 – Tarkeghyang to Kakani 2500m.a.s.l – Today, you will visit Shermathang village and descends the ridge with a view to Melamchi bazaar. The path continues from the Gangjwal and goes around the valley and small stream. When a large valley stretches ahead. Pass above the hamlet with a Gompa. The path becomes a gentle ascent and leads to the pass below the crematory painted Chhorten trek until to reach Chautara at the end of ridge. You are in Kakani than drive back to Kathmandu.

Autumn season is considered as best season to do trekking trip in Nepal due to see magnificent Himalayan views, clear sky without any clouds and Spring season is second best season to explore Himalayas of Nepal because will be dry weather and dusty; means poorer Himalayan views but the compensations are several; fewer crowds, warm weather and spectacular Rhododendrons, magnolias and Orchids blooms.

October to November – In general the first two months of the dry season offer the best weather for trekking and the main trails are heaving with trekkers at this time, for good reason.the air is crystal clear, the mountain scenery is superb and the weather is still comfortably warm.

December to February – These months are also good time for trekking trip to higher region but the cold can be bitter and dangerous at high altitudes. Getting up to the higher region and high passes can be a real endurance test and high passes are often blocked by snow.

March to April – These months are dry weather and dusty; means poorer Himalayan views but the compensations are several; fewer crowds, warm weather and spectacular Rhododendrons, magnolias and Orchids blooms.

June to September – These months are rainy season of Nepal so monsoon rains bring landslides, slippery trails and hordes of leeches. Raging rivers often wash away bridges and stretches of trekking path.

Itinerary plan – The given itinerary plan is flexible so it is possible to customize according to trekker’s desire, health condition, physical fitness and time frame becuae there are several trek start points and end points.

Permits required – The Helambu trek lies on Shivapuri national park and one of the Protected area of Nepal so for those trekkers who would like to trek into these region then have pay 3000 Nepali rupees for the trekking permit and 10$ for the TIMS cards.

Food – All tea houses have similar menus which feature local traditional Nepali items such ass local hand made breads, potatoes and Dal Baht which rice served with lentil soup with vegetable curry and typical pickles and selected western dishes like pasta, macaroni, pizza, noodles and burgers. Keep in mind most dishes are vegetarian.

Water – water bottle is available in all tea houses however, be mindful of the environmental impact your purchase/plastic bottle will have. Untreated water is available in all teahouses free of charge. Carry your own water treatment system. Boiled water is available for additional charge.

Accommodation -You will be sleeping in private rooms in teahouses. They usually have two single beds with mattress and blankets are available by request. Bathrooms (squat style) are mostly shared; you will need to carry your own toilet paper. Toilet paper is available for purchase throughout the trek. Cold showers are always available. Hot showers or hot bucket are available in some teahouses for additional charge.

High altitude sickness and prevention of it – Altitude sickness, mildest from being acute mountain sickness is the negative health effect of high altitude, caused by rapid exposure to low amounts of oxygen at high elevation. Acute mountain sickness can progress to high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) with associated shortness of breath or high altitude cerebral edema (HACE) with associated confusion. Chronic mountain sickness may occur after long-term exposure to high altitude.

Symptoms of high altitude sickness – Headache, Dizziness, Nausea, Vomiting, Fatigue and loss of energy, Shortness of breath, insomnia, loss of appetite, skin discoloration (change into the blue, gray or pale), confusion, coughing, coughing of bloody mucus, chest tightness, decreased consciousness, difficult to walk in a straight line and shortness of breath even at rest.

How to skip high altitude sickness? – Ascend slowly, Get good rest, Drink plenty of water, eat appropriately, avoid the alcoholic beverage, do well acclimatization and take advise from your doctor before to get high elevation.

One can get fairly excited about a trip to a previously unknown location. But while traveling you need to make sure that you have all materials that you would require to be ready for every possible situation. And here in Nepal, you will most definitely need to pack a few things for your stay to be as smooth and memorable as possible.

• Sleeping bag (- 5C rating)
• Hiking boots (preferably waterproof)
• Camp shoe
• Down jacket (heavy)
• Wind/waterproof shell
• Waterproof pants
• Fleece jacket
• Wool thermals
• Sun hat
• Beanie
• Gloves
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen and chopstick
• Water treatment system
• Medical kit
• Headlamp
• Trekking poles
• Personal toiletries

For a quote, please contact us at: gobinmuhong@hotmail.com

All quotes includes.

• Airports picks up and drop off.
• One day sightseeing around the Kathmandu valley.
• Accommodation in Kathmandu including breakfast.
• All required permits and TIMS cards.
• Transportation to/from trek start and end points from Kathmandu.
• Professional English speaking guide with a medical kit and porters (including their meals, drinks, accommodation and insurance).
• Accommodation and meals.
• 13% government tax and 10% service charge.

All quotes do NOT include:

• Client insurance
• Tips for guide and porters
• Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, extra beverages bill, battery charge, wifi charge, hot shower charge, mineral water, snacks)
• Extra porter