Overview
The short and popular Helambu Trek in the Langtang region is nothing short of incredible. The trek offers breathtaking sceneries of the Himalayas after ascending through the photogenic terraced fields and Tamang and Sherpa villages. The path goes through the Shivapuri National Park in the beginning and connects to Langtang National Park. The trail is home to beautiful flora and fauna that inhabits the Langtang region, including the Red Panda.
The Helambu Circuit Trek begins from Sundarijal, after a short drive west of Kathmandu. Even the drive gives us sneak peek views of the mountains, giving us a rush of excitement. Although the drop-off point is only roughly an hour from Kathmandu, we already feel worlds away from the business of the city. Time slows down and we are at peace with ourselves in nature. Passing misty waterfalls and lush greenery, we feel refreshed and renewed by the time we arrive at Chisapani, where we can watch the sunset behind the Himalayas. Up and onwards, the trail passes rhododendron, pine, and oak forests. The rhododendron is Nepal’s national flower and to see them blooming during the Spring is a treat. Along the trail, we will also stay at and pass through typical rural Tamang and Sherpa villages. Much of their heritage comes from their Tibetan neighbors to the north. The trail is decorated with elegant Buddhist monasteries, prayer flags, mani stones, and other religious monuments.
Even from the low altitude (the highest point being 3600m at Thadepatti), we are able to see excellent panorama mountains views, including Langtang Himal, Dorje Lakpa (6966m), Gauri Shankar (7134m), Ganesh Himal (7422m), Manaslu (8156m) and even Everest (8848m) on a clear day. Though not as widely known as the main Langtang region treks, the Helambu Circuit trek offers equally stunning mountain views that span beyond the Langtang region.
The journey is short and sweet, only requiring about five full days of walking. The maximum altitude reached is about 3600m (11,811 ft.). This trek is ideal for those who are worried about fitness, acclimatization or have a time constraint. Also, there are fewer trekkers on the Helambu Circuit Trek, so the trail is a bit more peaceful and serene. Keep in mind that this trek can be easily coupled with the Langtang Valley Trek or the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek to get a combination of the off-the-beaten-path lowland scenery as well as the high-altitude alpine scenery.
Trekking is possible throughout the year, but Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) provide the best weather. During the Spring, there is a bit more color and the rhododendrons are blooming, and in the Autumn months, the skies are generally clearer. The Helambu Circuit Trek requires moderate fitness and little acclimatization to avoid acute mountain sickness. Breeze Adventure arranges the trek with complete management. Please, feel free to contact us for more detailed information.
Trip Highlights
· Wondrous Himalayan views, including Langtang Himal, Dorje Lakpa, Ganesh Himal and plenty more
· Beyond-charming Tamang and Sherpa ethnic villages
· Short, convenient, not too strenuous – perfect for trekkers of all ages
· Waterfalls, caves, rivers, bright green forests, and other natural wonders
· Lesser known trek that can be combined with other Langtang treks for a lengthy, adventurous trek
Outline Itinerary
- Day 01: Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel.
- Day 02: Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Day 03: Day 03: Drive to Sundarijal and trek to Chisapani (2194m), 1-hour drive, 5-hour trek.
- Day 04: Day 04: Trek from Chisapani to Kutumsang (2446m), 7 hours.
- Day 05: Day 05: Trek from Kutumsang to Tharepati (3597m), 6-7 hours.
- Day 06: Day 06: Trek from Tharepati to Tarkeghyang (2600m), 5-6 hours.
- Day 07: Day 07: Trek from Tarkeghayang to Sarmathang (2621m), 7 hours.
- Day 08: Day 08: Trek from Sarmathang to Melamchi Pul Bazaar (846m), 7 hours.
- Day 09: Day 09: Drive back to Kathmandu by bus, 5-hour drive.
- Day 10: Day 10: Transfer to airport for your final departure from Nepal.
Trip note
Accommodation
our packages include accommodation the cost for Helambu Trek. This accommodation is included during the set itinerary. While in Kathmandu, we provide a 2-3 Star hotel for you. During the trek, our guides will pick the best lodge for you to stay based on their experience as well as room availability. All the accommodations will be twin-shared basis. In the mountain, Bathroom and toilet will be on Sharing basis. During high trekking season, you may have to share a room with a same-sex trekker from another group.
Food
Nepal has a wide variety of food and it is easy to cater to your needs. If you are a vegetarian/vegan, gluten or lactose free, we are able to work around that if you let us know ahead of time. During your time in the hotel in Kathmandu, your breakfast is included. Lunch and dinner must be covered on your own. On the trek, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided. For teahouse treks, we can order typical Nepali food, continental ,Italian , Tibetan and Indian at teahouses. While camping, we will prepare the meals for you. After our trek, we will have a celebration/pre-departure traditional Nepali meal in Thamel.
Guide & Porters
A government-licensed guide will lead the trek. All our guides have tremendous experience on the trails and are passionate about the trekking industry. Our guides and porters are dedicated to making your experience of trekking in Nepal a memorable one. If there is any worry during your trek, our guides will address it. Your safety is our number one priority. For groups of more than six people, there will be two guides. For teahouse treks, there will be one porter for every two trekkers. For camping treks, we will need more porters in order to carry the food, kitchen equipment, tents, etc.
Acclimatization/Fitness/Experience
As many of our treks lead us high into the Himalayas, it is necessary to let our bodies sufficiently get used to the altitude. Our treks have acclimatization days built into the itinerary. It is best to take it slow to prevent altitude sickness. The level of fitness necessary for our treks varies depending on the trek. On average, expect to walk an average of 5-6 hours per day while on the trial. Generally, the treks can be done with an average level of fitness. More important than fitness or experience is one’s personal determination and positive attitude toward finishing and enjoying the trek.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend having travel insurance before going on a trek. We do our best to take care of you, but something can happen that is out of our control. In case of medical emergency, leading to a helicopter evacuation, it is best to have insurance. You are unable to obtain medical insurance in Nepal and must do so in your home country. Be sure that your insurance covers accidents abroad and high in the mountains.
Best Time to Travel
The peak seasons for traveling in Nepal are during the Spring (March to May) and the Autumn (September to November). These times provide the best scenery and clearest skies, but of course they are a little more crowded than the off-season. It is possible to trek during the Winter (December to February), but you will face cold temperatures. It is also possible to trek during the monsoon season (June to August), though the views will likely be covered by clouds and there is a high chance of rainfall.
