Helambu Trek

Overview

The Helambu Trek is a quiet, low-altitude trek close to Kathmandu through the Sherpa and Tamang villages of the Helambu (Yolmo) valley in Sindhupalchok and Nuwakot. With no high passes and a maximum altitude around 3,640m, it requires little acclimatisation and is excellent for shoulder seasons and winter. The trail winds through terraced farmland, pine and rhododendron forest, Buddhist gompas and the apple-growing villages of Tarkeghyang and Sermathang. Graded moderate, it is one of the best cultural treks for those with limited time, and is often started from Sundarijal on the edge of the Kathmandu Valley.

Highlights

• check_circleSherpa & Tamang villages
• check_circleGompa monasteries
• check_circleEasy access from Kathmandu
• check_circleFruit orchards
• check_circleRhododendron ridge walks

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Drive to Sundarijal, trek to Chisapani (2,215m)

   Climb through Shivapuri National Park to the ridge village of Chisapani.

   Stay: Teahouse, ChisapaniMax alt: 2,215 mWalking: ~5 hMeals: BLD
2. 2

   Chisapani to Kutumsang (2,470m)

   Ridge trail through Tamang villages.

   Stay: Teahouse, KutumsangMax alt: 2,470 mWalking: ~6 hMeals: BLD
3. 3

   Kutumsang to Tharepati (3,640m)

   Climb through forest to the high pass village of Tharepati.

   Stay: Teahouse, TharepatiMax alt: 3,640 mWalking: ~6 hMeals: BLD
4. 4

   Tharepati to Melamchigaon (2,530m)

   Descend into the Yolmo heartland of Melamchigaon.

   Stay: Teahouse, MelamchigaonMax alt: 2,530 mWalking: ~5 hMeals: BLD
5. 5

   Melamchigaon to Tarkeghyang (2,600m)

   Cross the Melamchi Khola to the largest Sherpa village.

   Stay: Teahouse, TarkeghyangMax alt: 2,600 mWalking: ~5 hMeals: BLD
6. 6

   Tarkeghyang to Sermathang, drive to Kathmandu

   Apple-orchard trail to Sermathang then drive back to Kathmandu.

   Stay: Hotel, KathmanduMax alt: 2,620 mWalking: ~4 hMeals: BLD

Teahouses & homestays

Lodging and food along the route. Book ahead in peak season; availability and prices vary.