Helambu lies to the north of Kathmandu where dominantly Sherpa and Tamang races have their homes. The trekkers come in contact with temperate forests, snowy peaks which makes you feel as if you are in paradise.
With a diverse range of brilliant green valleys, misty rhododendron forests and distant horizons of snowy peaks, Helambu is the ideal short trek. There are simple tea houses along this route, yet the area remains relatively unspoiled by tourism. You will experience the Yolmo culture of high mountain villages and watch enthralled as the farmers toil in the fields using hand made tools and teams of water- buffalo.
The Sherpa village of Tarke Ghyang that forms the focus of Helambu is a charming enclave of farmers and yak herders. The trip starts with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal. Helambu provides an instant Himalayan trek for those with limited time. This trek is an easy and enjoyable trip conducted at the average altitude of 3500m. The trek takes you through Tharepati to Tarke Gyang, where a choice of trails opens up. However you go along the south ridge through Sermathang, down to the river at Melamchi, the site of a mega project to bring drinking water to Kathmandu via a series of tunnels. The trek concludes with a drive down to Kathmandu via Panchkhal, after a night's camp at Melamchi Bridge.
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Detail Itinerary:
Day 01 :
Kathmandu - Sundarijal (1400m.) then trek to Chisopani (2200m).
4 -5 hours, 1064m Ascend, 220m Descend.
The unpaved road from Kathmandu turns into a trail near a small hydroelectric plant. The trail will enter through the Shivpuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve. The first settlement you will come across is Mulkharka with Tamang inhabitants. The route heads down the ridge through a forest of oaks and rhododendron to Chisopani (2200m.) Chisopani is a beautiful place. It has magnificent views from Annapurna to Everest.
Day 02 :
Chisopani(2200m) - Kutumsang (2400m.)
6 -7 hours, 500m Descend, 1040 Ascend
The trail continues to drop from Chisopani on a good, sometimes level, trail that crosses meadow and fields. You will then descend through Pati Bhanjyang (1750m) then the trail climbs the ridge to Chipling Danda (2600m) then your trails descends to Gul Bhanjyang immediately your trials gradually ascends to Kutumsang. The meadow makes a good camping spot, its downhill to Kutumsang at 2400m, in a saddle atop the ridge.
Day 03 :
Kutumsang (2400m.) - Tharepati Danda (3600m)
6 -7 hours, 1200 Ascend, 100m Descend
The trek continues north up the Jongin Danda (2550m) ridge and affords views of the peaks. The trail climbs above Kutumsang on a steep, eroded trail mostly through fir and rhododendron forest where there are no permanent settlements. The trail then descends to Magen Goth. Next, you have to climb, steeply at first then more gradually, the trail makes some ups and downs passing through the forest, across flower strewn meadows and crossing streams and finally you reach in Tharepati. Tharepati has four lodges, the first right one is the Himalayan Yak Lodge. From here, there are views east down into Helambu where the tin roofs of capital of Helambu – Tarke Ghyang may be seen in the distance. To the west you can see the Laurebina (Gosainkunda Pass). From the top of this famous ridge. From the top to the ridge, we can see panoramic view of Gangchenpo (6387m), Langshisha Ri (6440m), Dorje Lakpa (6993m), Shisa Pangma (8012m, the 14th tallest mountain in the world.), Cho Oyu (8201m), Gauri Shanker (7145m) and many more…
Day 04 :
Tharepati Danda (3600m) – Melamchi Gaon (2550m)
3 -4 hours, 1050m Descend, 100 Ascend
From Tharepati the trail steeply descends through the pine and rhododendron forest with great views down into the Helambu valley and across to Jugal Himal and Numbur in the Solu Khumbu. Melamchi Gaon is surrounded by beautiful forests, which is mainly inhabited by Sherpa people with their distinctive culture. There are some Buddhist monasteries as well as caves situated which can be visited.
Day 05:
Melamchi Gaon (2550m)- Tarkeghyang (2740m)
3 - 4 hours, 650m Descend, 840 Ascend
The early part of the trek is steeply descends until you cross the stream named as Melamchi. Now you trek gently up to Tarkeghyang passing through Sherpa settlements. Tarkeghyang is a beautiful Sherpa village with one of the oldest and biggest monasteries. Tarkeghyang, also known as Helambu is named after the Helmu caste. The Sherpa people living here originally belong to Helmu caste.
Day 06:
Tarkeghyang (2740m) – Shermathang (2600m)
2 - 3 hours, 100 Ascend, 100m Descend
You trek along leveled path and somewhere you cross gentle ascent and descent path through the forest with oak and some rhododendron trees. Middle way is situated a small village, Ghangjawal with its distinct culture. There is a beautiful monastery and people are mainly involved in agriculture. From Shermathang, you can enjoy panoramic views of Mt. Rolwaling, Mt. Dochelapcha, Langtang, Shisa Pangma, and also many other snow caped peaks in north-east whereas you can see terraces stretching in south. Moreover, you can visit monastery and chorten to discern into original Sherpa people’s culture.
Day 07:
Shermathang (2740m) – Melamchi Pul Bazaar (860m)
4 - 5 hours, 1760m Descend , 100 Ascend
Leaving Shermathang, you trek downhill passing small forest in the early part of trek and later you pass through open terraces. While trekking, you can the scenic beauty of hill surrounded around you. You stay overnight at Kakani. People coming from surrounded villages have made new settlement there. You will be mesmerized by the views of Rolwaling, Mt. Dochelapcha, Gaurishankar, Sesapangma and many unnamed mountains. On a clear day, Kakani is an excellent view point for sunrise and sunset.
The trail gradually descends all the way to Melamchi Pul Bazaar through meadows ad cultivated fields. On the way, you come across several old villages with their own particular tradition passing through Dubachour, a dense populated Bramin and Tamang villages. Walking this day is quite pleasant with mountain views and interaction with local.
Day 08:
Melamchi Pul Bazaar (860m) – Kathmandu (1350m)
Drive from Melamchi Pul Bazaar to Kathmandu which takes about five hours.
You travel through gravel and bumpy path up to Lamidanda and then you follow the pitched road up to Kathmandu.
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Facts of the Trek: