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 inhabit 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 is 3600m at Thadepatti), we are able to see excellent panorama mountain 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.