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9 days
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Langtang
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Moderate
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3,771 m
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From 1 person
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Trekking
Highlights
- The Hyolmo villages and monasteries of Tarkeghyang and Sermathang
- Sunrise view from the sacred Ama Yangri viewpoint (3,771 m)
- Rhododendron and oak forests of Shivapuri and Helambu
- Views of the Langtang, Jugal and Ganesh Himal ranges
- No flights: the trek starts on the edge of Kathmandu
Overview
The Helambu Trek is a short trek that starts on the edge of the Kathmandu valley. From Sundarijal you walk up through the forest of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park to Chisapani and follow ridges and quiet villages north to Tharepati, the highest point of the trek.
You then descend into Helambu, home of the Hyolmo people, with their stone villages, monasteries and apple orchards, and climb the sacred Ama Yangri viewpoint for a wide view of the Himalaya. Because there are no flights and the altitude is moderate, the trek is a good choice for a short holiday or outside the main seasons.
Know before you go
Best time to go
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons, with stable weather and clear mountain views. In spring the rhododendron forests are in bloom.
Because the trek stays at moderate altitude, it is also possible in winter (December to February), with clear days and cold nights. The monsoon (June to August) brings rain and leeches, so we do not recommend it.
Difficulty and fitness
This is a moderate trek with four to seven hours of walking a day on village and forest trails, with some steep climbs and descents. The highest point is 3,771 m at Ama Yangri, so altitude is rarely a problem.
Some regular walking and hill hikes before the trip will make the trek more comfortable.
Permits
You need a Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park permit, a Langtang National Park permit and a TIMS card.
We arrange all permits for you before the trip. See Includes/Excludes for what is covered in the price.
Itinerary
Welcome to Nepal. On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Later in the day your guide gives a trek briefing, checks your equipment and answers any questions. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
A drive of about an hour takes you to Sundarijal on the edge of the Kathmandu valley. From here you climb through the forest of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park to the ridge village of Chisapani, with views of the Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges. The walk takes four to five hours. Overnight in a teahouse in Chisapani (2,215 m).
The trail follows the ridge through terraced fields and small Tamang and Brahmin villages, crossing several low passes with mountain views on the way. The walk takes six to seven hours. Overnight in a teahouse in Kutumsang (2,470 m).
A steady climb through rhododendron and oak forest brings you to Tharepati, the highest point of the trek, with views of the Langtang range and Dorje Lakpa. The walk takes five to six hours. Overnight in a teahouse in Tharepati (3,650 m).
You descend steeply to the Melamchi valley and climb to Tarkeghyang, the largest Hyolmo village in Helambu, with stone houses and an old monastery. The walk takes about six hours. Overnight in a teahouse in Tarkeghyang (2,600 m).
An early climb through forest leads to the Ama Yangri viewpoint (3,771 m), a sacred hilltop with prayer flags and a sweeping view from Langtang to the Jugal Himal. You return to Tarkeghyang for the night. The hike takes four to five hours. Overnight in a teahouse in Tarkeghyang (2,600 m).
An easy walk along the hillside through forest and apple orchards brings you to the Hyolmo village of Sermathang, with its monastery and views over the Melamchi valley. The walk takes about four hours. Overnight in a teahouse in Sermathang (2,590 m).
A walk of three to four hours descends through villages and terraced fields to Melamchi Pul Bazaar, where a vehicle takes you back to Kathmandu, a drive of three to four hours. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
Your trip ends today. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few free hours for last-minute shopping or a final stroll, before a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.
