Langtang Helambu Trek

Where to start

Start: Helambu is a rather circuit trek that begins and ends in Kathmandu. Initially, the trailhead commences from Sundarijal 28 km away from Kathmandu, only 1 hr of ride. You can easily find a local bus or private chip from Kathmandu to Helambu. Even if you book a taxi, the price in the region is quite affordable. 

End: To complete the circuit to Kathmandu, we will walk down to Melamchi, the small settlement that lies before in the hills, right next to the highway. Bus from Melamchi to Kathmandu can be found each hour or you can also take a jeep.

Do you want something more challenging? Check Yala peak climbing. 

How much does the Helambu Circuit trek cost?

Helambu Circuit trek keys in fact among the cheapest rake in Nepal. The reasons for this trek to be affordable are listed below. 

• This trekking route lies in close distance from Kathmandu, so it can be completed in a short time. 
• You do not need any domestic flight or expensive traveling for the trek
• Since the route is less popular there were only a few options for accommodation and all of them had a reasonable price
• The price of food and drinks in Lelambu is way cheaper than other famous trekking routes in Nepal
• Since only a few tourists prefer this particular trekking route, the agencies are offering great discounts and deals throughout the year
• Helambu is not one of those trekking regions where you need a special kind of permit or compulsory book a traveling package. This means, you can trek to Lelambu independently with a guide, and thus comes out to be cheaper.

The price of the Helambu trek ranges from $400 to 500 for six days. Obviously, if you complete the trek Helambu Circuit Trek in a shorter time, the cost is reduced to about $300. The largest sum goes for travelling to and from Kathmandu but the cost of accommodation and food on this route is quite less. You might have to pay about $30 for the homestay for food and accommodation and the guide costs about $20 per day during the Helambu Circuit trek. 

Langtang Helambu Trekking Itinerary 3 days 

To be honest, we don’t recommend you to complete the Langtang Helambu Trek in just 3 days. With the long distance, you need to cover each day, it’s almost impossible to complete this Helambu trek 3 days. 

However, the Helambu Valley trek can be easily done in 4 days. The 4 days Helambu trekking Itinerary can be:

Day 1: Drive to Sundarijal and trek to Chisapani

Day 2: Trek from Chisapani to Kutumsang

Day 3: Trek from Kutumsang to Melamchi Gaun

Day 4: Trek from Melamchi Gaun and drive to Kathmandu 

But if you must complete the Helambu trek in 3 days, you can walk down from Kutumsand to Maleamchi Bazaar in just one day and get an evening ride from Melamchi to Kathmandu. 

Langtang Helambu Trekking Itinerary 5 days 

Also, this trek can be completed in 5 days if you trek to Tharepati Pass. This Langtang trek 5 days is equally comfortable as the 6-day trek, but gives doesn’t allow you to spend one additional day in Sermathang. Also, it’s easier to extend your trek to Gosaikunda with this Helambu Trek for 5 days. 

Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal and trek to Chisopani

Day 02: Trek to Kutumsang 

Day 03: Trek to Tharepati Pass (3650 m)

Day 04: Trek to Tarkeghyang (2743m) 

Day 05: Trek to Timbu 3 hours walk and ride to Kathmandu

Altitude sickness during Helambu trekking 

The maximum altitude during this trek is Thadepati at 3650 m. As long as you are hydrated and railways state there is no chance that you can catch the altitude. Since you will have an expert guide with Himalayan Masters they will be helpful during the emergency condition.

Our Everest view trek is also an easy trek with short Itinerary.

Best season for the Helambu trek 

Helambu trek is in fact possible during any time of the year. Since this is a high-altitude trekking route, you can attempt a Langtang trek throughout the month. If you are traveling to Nepal in summer and winter, when other popular trekking routes are closed, this might be the best option for you. The trekking agencies in Nepal mark Helambu as the best trekking destination for monsoon/summer in Nepal. Also in winter, the snowfall is the only in the area above 3000 m and you can easily complete the trek. 

Even then, Spring and Autumn is the best season for all trekking in Nepal. In autumn, the weather is clear and the Himalayas are very distinctively visible. And, during spring the blooming of wildflowers makes it all beautiful. 

Permits from the Helambu trek

It’s necessary to get three different kinds of permits for the Helambu trek. If you are booking any trek package in Nepal, the agency will be responsible for arranging all your permits and documents. So, do talk to your agency about this. However, if you are traveling as an independent traveler, then make sure you issue these permits in Kathmandu or during the trek. TIMS card must be issued while you are in Kathmandu by the Tourism Board Nepal. Other permits can be issued at the entry point of the national park itself. Both Langtang National Park and Shivapuri National Park tickets can be collected from Kathmandu during Langtang Trek 5 days. 

To get the permits, you need a valid visa to Nepal, a few two copies of a photo, copies of your passport, and any booking details. Then you can fill out the form and get the permits. The cost for permits to Helambu re Langtang National Park is NPR 3000 per person, Shivapuri National Park NRP 1000 per person, and TIMS Card – NRP 100 per person.