Explore the best short and easy treks near Kathmandu, an area teeming with modern hills, monasteries, waterfalls, and forests.
Highlights
→ A short and easy walk
→ Explore an area untouched and modern.
→ Mountains, monasteries, waterfalls, and forests
→ Own experience in an uncrowded trekking area
Located 72 km northeast of Kathmandu, Helambu is the nearest trekking region from the capital city that stretches from north of Taramaang to Gosaikunda Lake and the lower incline of Jugal Mountain. Helambu is a short and easy trek that allows the unique experience of witnessing the ancient culture of Hyolmo tribes that is influenced by culture from the Himalayan region. The region is un-spoilt as Helambu lies in a less-frequented area.
The Helambu Trekking Route continues through the forest of rhododendron and bamboo that provides shelter to many rare species of wild birds and mammals like Red Pandas, Musk Deer, and Rhesus Monkeys. Trekking in Helambu valley is full of mountain views including Langtang Lirung Mountain, Ganesh Mountain, Yala Peak, Annapurna Mountain Range, and many other peaks and mountains. There are glaciated rivers, lush green meadows, and high passes.
Despite being near the capital, the Helambu Valley trek is the least crowded and progresses through remote villages of Sherpa and Tamang ethnics where locals still follow culture and traditions in their original form. Helambu is one of the very few regions that are untouched by modernity.
Trek to Helambu initiates from Sundarijal and progresses through routes at low altitude with maximum altitude at Thadepati (3650m). Autumn (September to December) and Spring (March to May) are the best seasons for Helambu trekking. Weather is clear during this period with spectacular mountain views.
Trip Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1350m)
Day 02: Sightseeing at Kathmandu heritage sites
Day 03: Drive to Sundarijal an hrs and trek to Chisapani (2,300m) 5 hrs
Day 04: Trek to Kutumsang (2,446m) 5/6 hrs
Day 05: Trek to Thadepati (3,650m) 5/6 hrs
Day 06: Trek to Tarkegyhang (2,560m) 5/6 hrs
Day 07: Trek to Sermathang (2,610m) 5/6 hrs
Day 08: Trek to Melamchi 2 hrs and drive to Kathmandu 3 hrs
Day 09: International departure
Join us on the Helambu Trek in 2022/2023
Customize your trek: This is a general itinerary, which can always be “tailormade” personally. The trek package can be redesigned or redeveloped according to your taste, for more information please email us at info@alpinetrav.com/
Get group discounts (save your budget and enjoy your trip.
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport and after completing the visa formalities and collecting your luggage at the airport, please exit the arrival hall. Your tour leader will wait for you outside the arrival hall and take you to your hotel. Please look for the AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions placard when exiting the arrivals hall. And upon arrival at the hotel, welcome drinks will be served and after you freshen up, your trek leader will brief you about your journey in the evening at your hotel lobby. And your free time. Get familiar with your surroundings by taking a walk down the street.
Today after breakfast we will start our tour of major historical sites of Kathmandu with our professional tour guide. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Historic Sites and as we visit the places, the more diverse cultural milieu of the valley welcomes us with warm hospitality. Such as the Palace Square, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambunath), and the Buddhist Temple (Buddha Nath) which is one of the largest stupas in the world. . After returning from the tour there will be a pre-trip discussion with our trek leader and other team members. The trek guide will give you a brief orientation about your trek. And the rest of the time you can visit Thamel and shop for necessary equipment and other essentials.
Sundarijal is located on the northern edge of Kathmandu. We will travel for about an hour from central Kathmandu to Sundarijal. Following the stone steps up from Sundarijal, we reach the picturesque Tamang village of Mulkhark. We will enter Shivpuri National Park by walking across the dam that supplies water to Kathmandu. We will follow the trail descending to (Cold Water) (2300m).
After breakfast today we will go to Kutumsang through the forest area. It will be a seven-hour-long trek. We will follow the descent route through grasslands and plains while enjoying the panoramic view of Langtang Mountain. We go through Pati Bhanjyang to Gul Bhanjyang and then another pass. Descending the pass we reach Kutumsang where we stay for the night.
After breakfast, we will follow the climbing trail from Kutumsang on a steep path filled with fir and rhododendron forest. We cannot find any permanent settlement on this trail. Walking through the forest, we will reach Urin Danda which allows panoramic views of the many surrounding mountains. Moving on we reach Thadepati where we will stay for the night.
Today a trek of about 6 hours takes us from Thadepati to Tarkeghang. Leaving Thadepati we go east. Descending the Melamchi River we will pass through some Sherpa settlements. We will visit the ancient local monastery. The area is named Helambu after the Hyolmo inhabitants. We will stay overnight at Tarkegyang.
From Tarkeghyang we drive through a wide valley to the Sherpa village of Ganul (2520m). Drukpa Kagyu Buddhism is the dominant religion in the region. We will follow the descent trail before climbing the forested cliffs. Before climbing up to the village of Sermathang we will stop at the large gompa in Chumnik where we will stay for the night.
Today the last day of our trek includes the descent trail to Malemchi Pul Bazar. We reach Kakani through the small villages of Nigale, Gyalsa and Raithani Gang through a scenic trek lined with chortens. This is the last Sherpa village on the Helambu trek. Descending from Kakani, we reach Dubhachour at 1610 meters. We arrive at a large suspension bridge and crossing the Indravati river over bridge, our trek ends at Malemchi Bridge Bazar, from where we will return to Kathmandu.
Thank you for joining us on this trek and it has been our pleasure getting to know you during this time. We hope this venture has enriched your experience with happy memories. So stay tuned. Today is the last day of the journey, saying goodbye to the trekking and the Nepal tour is ending today! No plans except to trade emails and organize photos with travel buddies. If you have more time you can go shopping in the tourist center of Thamel where you can buy souvenirs for your family. Your AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions representative will transfer you to the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight, (SAFE TRAVEL!! We hope to see you again)
Cost Inclusion
- All meals (B, L, D) whilst on the trek with tea & coffee
- 3 nights standard hotels and 5 nights teahouse/lodges
- All entrance fees for sightseeing in Kathmandu
- Trekking permit, and national park +local fees
- Local trek leader with 1:4 assistant guide to client ratio
- 1 porter for every 2 trekkers throughout the trek
- Arrival and departure transfers in Kathmandu
- All transportation as mentioned in the itinerary
- Duffel bag, sleeping bag, and down jacket 'if required' (return after completing the trek)
- Employee equipment, insurance, and allowances
- High altitude medicine and first aid kit
- Helicopter rescue arrangement (If necessary)
- Group farewell dinner at a typical Nepali restaurant
Cost Exclusion
- International airfare & Nepal Visa
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Single accommodation (available on request, Kathmandu only)
- Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
- Horse renting & additional porters due to natural calamities on the trek
- Personal expenses - Drinks & Souvenirs
- Personal trekking gears
- Gratuities for staff
Helambu Trek is considered moderately. The duration of this stretches up to two weeks. You can expect to be walking for about 5–7 hours. The perfect setting of introduction to moderate & challenging trekking in Nepal. Activity level/physical rating is slightly harder than leisure and involves occasional difficult days. Expect ups and downs as well for there will be hills to climb as well and the well-known ‘Nepali flat’ – a little bit up and a little bit down.
No previous experience is not a must to participate in this trip. All travelers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. All our trip itinerary has been devised keeping every aspect.
It’s mandatory and highly recommended to get travel insurance before embarking on any adventurous trips in Nepal. We advise all our clients to get travel insurance that covers emergency helicopter evacuation that may be needed in case of the occurrence of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) or any other reasons in high altitudes where there are no other means of transportation available. It is advisable to review carefully the insurance and its coverages before making the final decision. Carry proof of your insurance with you on the holiday and leave a copy next to your kin. You must ensure that your insurance provides an adequate level of protection and covers you for the activities involved.
At, AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions; Our emphasis is always on maintaining small groups so that it will be easy to coordinate and cooperate with each other. We only take up to 12 pax in one group. If you are to join our’, you are likely to be joining people from different countries of any age group except minors. The size of the group varies, the minimum no of persons required to operate the trip is 1 and the maximum is 12 people.
If you want to travel something that is not included in our travel list, we are ready to tailor a trip to your exact needs. In short, we will do our best to get you on the journey you want, when you want it.
You will only carry your day pack carrying the essential items (Water, Cameras, Extra Fleece, Rain jacket, Sunscreen, Snacks, Valuable Items, etc.) that you may need during the walk. The rest of your stuff will be carried by the porter. We provide 1 porter for every 2 participants and we also provide a duffel bag to put your trekking gears.
Kathmandu:
In Kathmandu, we stay at the Manang Hotel in Kathmandu, in the heart of Thamel, where you can relax and have fun. Breakfast will be served at the hotel and your accommodation will be based on a twinning partnership.
Whether you’re returning from the mountains or touching the base from the airport, come and relax at the hotel, and order some good Italian espresso or a cold beer enjoy.
On track:
(Manaslu area) does not require large logistics accommodation for hiking as there are many clean and friendly lodges along the trail. Rooms are basic, usually a bed with pillows and blankets, but there is a wonderful view from your window. All teahouses / lodges have ample warm dining room lounges. The rooms are very basic. Blankets are usually provided by the teahouse but we will provide warm sleeping bags for everyone.
The Bathrooms are often shared and in many places, toilets are squat type. Please note that some of these are very basic and require a sense of adventure.
Single supplement:
Those who want to build their own room in Kathmandu will have to pay only one supplementary fee. Especially when traveling in groups, we always pair up to share a room with people of the same sex and age. If in the case of single by default, customers do not have to pay for a single supplement. Please note that trekking, due to limited rooms in teahouses / lodges, is sometimes not possible for singles.
Includes food
All meals are included in the trek and we will provide three meals a day (B, L, D) during the trek. Tea houses range from traditional Nepali dal bhat, and momo (dumplings) to Indian food to pizza and apple pie. During the trek, breakfast and dinner will be served at the tea house / lodge where you are staying and lunch will be on the way.
In Kathmandu, breakfast will be provided only to give maximum flexibility in deciding where and with whom to have lunch and dinner.
Daily wake-up calls will be between 6.00 am to 7.00 am while on the trek. The wake-up time and breakfast time will be decided the night before during the briefing time. The timetable for each day will entirely depend on your walking duration for that particular day.
Tea will be served in your room as a wake-up call. After a hearty breakfast, we set off on the day’s walk. Before breakfast, you are required to pack your duffel bag as it will be loaded by the porter while you are having your breakfast. During the trek, Breakfast and Dinner will be served at the Lodge where you stay and Lunch will be along the way. We will arrive at our destination by tea-time and the evening will be free. After dinner, the evening will often be spent playing cards and reliving the day’s adventures, before heading off to bed for a well-earned sleep.
We encourage you to get all equipment listed below for the trip and kindly ensure you check and try every piece of equipment. You can also buy or hire the same in Kathmandu.
Clothing and Footwear:
-Long-sleeved shirts
-T-Shirts
-Trousers
-Warm Jackets
-Sweater
-Pullover
-Waterproof jackets
-Thermal
-Inner-wears
-Undergarments
-Warm socks
-Warm Hat
-Gloves
-Bandana
-Scarf
-Trekking shoes
-Slippers/Flip flops to wear at camp
-Daypack 30-35 liters (To carry your sunblock, water, camera, waterproof jackets, and others
Documents:
-Passport with visa and validity of 6 months after your trip completion
-4 copies of passport size photos for permits and official formalities
Flight tickets:
-Credit cards in case of emergencies
-Driving ID or any other ID in case of loss of your passport.
Others:
-Headlamps with extra batteries
-Sunglasses with UV protection
-Camera with charger or spare batteries
-A pair of trekking poles
-Water bottle one (1) liter
-Laundry bag to keep the dirty clothes
-Large plastic bags to keep the clothes dry
-Padlock
-Binoculars
-Reading materials, notebooks, and pens
Toiletries and hygiene:
-Quick-drying towel
-Small face towel
-Toothbrush & Toothpaste
-Deodorants, Soap, and Shampoo (Smaller bottle)
-Face and body moisturizer
-Sunscreen and lip balm
-Hand sanitizer
-Antiseptic wipes
-Hygiene products
-Basic first aid kit
Other information such as (Insurance, Arrival Instructions, Visa and Passport, etc) required for the trip will be provided after your trip confirmation. Please feel free to get in touch with us if you require more information about the trip.
We have a deep passion for alpine adventure and the outdoors, and with the small business group on board we have worked on the most isolated trails we are proud to be successful in every region of Nepal and this is all due to our diversity and qualified team of guides. So your journey will be led by a qualified guide with 1 porter for every 2 participants and 1 assistant guide for every 4 participants.
Trekking is an all inclusive journey which means you only need cash for your personal expenses and food in Kathmandu. At AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions, our goal is to provide a wonderful vacation in our part of the world and ensure that our customers enjoy the vacation with as little risk and worry-free travel as possible, whether monetary, physical or emotional. .All the logistical arrangements required for the trip will be provided to you hassle free before your arrival. On the walk, you will be led by an experienced and medically trained guide/leader with a high staff ratio. On the trek, we offer you an open/select menu option which means you can choose your food directly from the menu.
Our itinerary is designed keeping in mind every aspect like customization, good campsites, real life experiences, etc. (Down jacket, sleeping bag, and waterproof duffel bag), all the necessary permits for the trek, guide, and support staff, transfers, and transportation Kathmandu, etc. are included. The cost is mentioned in the inclusion
Useful Info
- Respect the privacy of local people and ask permission before photographing them or their children
- Appreciate and respect local culture and customs
- Always stay on the upper side of the road when crossing donkeys for your own personal safety.
- In landslides, fields quickly cross them or climb around them if possible.
- Smoking and drinking alcohol are not recommended at altitudes above 3000 meters
- Drink at least three liters of water a day
- Be aware of symptoms associated with altitude sickness and be honest with yourself and your guide about any symptoms.
- Although not mandatory, it is always beneficial to use the invaluable services of a guide on a hike.
- However it is always beneficial to consult with an easy or difficult guide as needed.
Important Note: Your safety is of imperative concern while traveling with AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions. Please take care to note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to your safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails traveling in remote mountainous regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather, the health condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. Therefore, the trek leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.
