With a short and exciting trekking Itinerary, the Helambu region is a hidden gem of the Langtang region of Nepal. Langtang Helambu trek route in Nepal offers great exposure to the Nepalese community’s unique village landscape and culture in the lower mountain region.
Particularly close to Kathmandu, it’s your chance to indulge with local communities and enjoy the best mountain panorama without having to trek more.
Helambu lies in the northeast of Kathmandu, around 43 km from Nepal’s capital. It is protected by Langtang National Park and Conservation Area. The Helambu trekking is relatively easy for newbies and inexperienced trekkers, and it reaches an altitude of 3,640 meters.
The Langtang Helambu is located in the Langtang region of Nepal. North of Kathmandu, Helambu Valley is located within the Langtang National Park.
The Helambu trek takes you to the Helambu Valley and other parts of the Langtang region, situated near the Tibetan border. The villages located in between the Langtang Himalayas and Jugal Himal offer stunning views of landscapes and mountain peaks.
The journey begins in Kathmandu, followed by trekking in Sundarijal.
Helambu, the land of sweet, juicy laptops and Himalayan delegates, is an important development for peaceful tourism. During the trek, you can visit Sundarijal (a small dam along the river) and trek past marvellous Buddhist monasteries.
Helambu trek is not about difficult walks and long, tiring days. Rather, this is an opportunity to find peace and calmness in the simplicity of village life. It’s your chance to indulge in Buddhist culture and tradition, looking for change and peace within yourself.
The Langtang Helambu trek region is never crowded, and you can witness nature in its best form without any disturbance. It is one of the best treks in the Langtang region.
Nevertheless, you can capture beautiful pictures of snow-topped mountains such as Gang Chhenpo, Jugal, Nayagang, Dorje Lakpa, Ganesh, and Langtang Lirung.
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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 hour 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.
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.
The Langtang Helambu trekking offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including several prominent mountain ranges. Some of the mountain peaks seen during the trek are:
People
Tamang, Sherpa, and Yolmo communities are the major people living in the Langtang region. The total population of the Helambu rural municipality, where the trek route passes, is 17,497, according to the census 2021 of Nepal.
The Sherpas are more concentrated in the Helambu region and are known for their strong cultural ties to mountaineering. The Yolmo people (also known as Hyolmo) are significant in Helambu, with deep roots in Tibetan Buddhism. The population in the trekking areas is scattered among small, remote villages.
Culture
The cultural aspects in the Langtang Helambu region are influenced by Tibetan Buddhist culture. The majority of the people living here follow Buddhism, which can be seen through their lifestyle, festivals, customs, and religious practices.
Trekkers can see Buddhist monasteries, chortens (Buddhist stupas), mani walls (walls made of stones that are engraved in prayers), and prayer flags on the way. All these aspects are different experiences for all visiting the Helambu region.
Wildlife
As the Helambu trek passes through Langtang National Park, trekkers can see a wide variety of wildlife. Trekkers might be able to see endangered red pandas, Himalayan black bears, musk deer, and even snow leopards.
Additionally, they can see Himalayan tahr and langur monkeys along with over 250 species of birds. Colourful Himalayan monal is a major bird attraction here, with blood pheasants, golden eagles, and lammergeier (bearded species of vulture).
Another Short Trek You May Like: Chisapani Nagarkot Trek
Himalayan Masters Adventure and Travel Company is known for being one of the best trekking agencies in Nepal at the most affordable price. We ensure that you are going to have an exceptional trekking experience.
We have a dedicated and experienced team of guides and porters, prioritizing your safety and comfort and making the journey unforgettable.
Apart from the trek, we are committed to assisting our clients even before and after the trek. At Himalayan Masters, you’re not just a client but a part of our family.
In addition, we offer a complimentary Himalayan Masters brand cap, t-shirt, water bottle, duffle bag, water purification tablets, and a down jacket for the trek. We also provide a trek map and a safety-first aid box.
| Day | Itinerary | Distance/Time | Sleep Altitude |
| 01 | Drive to Sundarijal and Trek to Chisapani | 35.5 Km/5-6 hr | 2215 m |
| 02 | Trek from Chisapani to Kutumsang | 15 Km/7 hr | 2470 m |
| 03 | Trek from Kutumsang to Thadepati | 12 Km/6 hr | 3690 m |
| 04 | Trek from Thadepati to Tarke Ghyang | 14 Km/6 hr | 2600 m |
| 05 | Trek from Tarke Ghyang to Sermathang | 11 Km/4 hr | 2590 m |
| 06 | Trek to Melamchi Bazar & Drive to Kathmandu | 53 Km/7-8 hr | 1400 m |
Drive Route: Kathmandu → Sundarijal
Trek Route: Sundarijal → Mulkharka → Chisapani
Beginning Point: Kathmandu (1400 m)
Ending Point: Chisapani (2215 m)
Lunch: Mulkharka
Kathmandu to Sundarijal Drive Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles)
Sundarijal to Chisapani Trek Distance: 18 km (11 miles)
Total Ascent: 815 meters (2674 ft) from Kathmandu to Chisapani
Overnight: Chisapani
On the first day of the trek, we will receive you at your hotel and then drive towards Sundarijal. This small town in the hilly foothills of Kathmandu is where we begin the walk.
After a short drive (about 1 hour) to Sundarijal, we will enter Shivapuri National Park and begin our journey to Chisapani. The path until Mulkharka and Borlang Bhanjyang follows a steep uphill route.
We will be hiking on a small path of National Park until Mulkharka for about 2.5 hours, covering about 4-5 km. We will be spending a couple of hours here for lunch.
Then, the path continues through the dense oaks and rhododendron forest. It takes about 2 hours to reach Borlang Bhanjyang (2430 m/7972 ft). After that, the route follows a sloppy downhill path for an additional half an hour until we reach the hilltop of Chisapani.
About Mulkharka
Mulkharka, situated at an elevation of 1855 meters (6086 ft), is a beautiful local village on the route of Helambu Trek. The village is located in the midst of the jungle, offering an excellent view of the jungle and occasional sitings of various wild birds and animals.
About Chisapani
Chisapani is a popular village during the trek. The village, situated at an elevation of 2215 meters (7267 ft), offers an excellent view of mountains, such as the Gaurishankar Himalaya range, Annapurna range, Langtang Himal, and Ganesh Himal range.
Additionally, you might be able to see a variety of wild animals like wild boar, puma, jackal, and birds like dove, sarau, crow, eagle, vulture, etc. Besides, you can visit a few local temples around the village.
Teahouses in Chisapani
: Lunch and Dinner
: Homestay
: Around 1 hour driving and 3-4 hours walking
The weather on the Langtang Helambu Trek varies depending on the season.
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the best times for trekking. The skies are clear, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) during the day at lower altitudes. Meanwhile, the temperature can drop to -5°C at night at higher altitudes.
Winter (December-February) in the Helambu region brings colder weather conditions, with temperatures falling as low as -10°C at higher altitudes.
During the monsoon/summer season (June-August), the reason faces heavy rain, making the trail muddy and slippery. Moreover, daytime temperature ranges between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F).
The Langtang Helambu Trek is considered moderate, ideal for both experienced and novice trekkers. The trek path is a mix of sloppy and steep ascents, descents, and narrow trails, sometimes rocky, uneven and slippery landscapes during monsoon.
While the altitude is lower than other high-altitude treks such as Annapurna Circuit Trek, Tilicho Lake Trek or Everest Three Passes Trek, the changing elevations still pose several risks, like mild altitude sickness.
Similarly, the weather also plays a significant role in affecting the difficulty of the trek. The nights in this region are cold, especially at the higher altitudes, with occasional snowfall during winter.
Besides, the monsoon makes it difficult to navigate due to the hazy surroundings. Monsoons also pose the dangers of leeches and other insect bites.
For all these reasons, the trekkers should be extra attentive and take essential precautions to avoid all these difficulties. They need to be prepared with first aid services, should hydrate regularly, and know the early signs of altitude sickness. One of the best ways to encounter these dangers is by hiring an experienced guide.
The maximum altitude during this trek is Thadepati at 3650 meters. As long as you are hydrated and railways state, there is no chance that you can catch altitude sickness. Since you will have an expert guide with Himalayan Masters, they will be helpful during the emergency condition.
Helambu trek is, in fact, possible throughout the year. Since it is a moderate high-altitude trek, the weather conditions in all months are favourable for trekking.
If you are travelling 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 snow falls only in the area above 3000 m, and you can easily complete the trek.
Even then, Spring and Autumn are the best seasons for all trekking in Nepal, including the Helambu Valley Trek.
In autumn, the weather is clear, and the Himalayas are very distinctively visible. And, during spring, the blooming of wildflowers makes it all beautiful.
The Langtang Helambu Trek begins from Kathmandu and follows a beautiful route through the Langtang region to Helambu Valley. The trek starts from Sundarijal and can also be started from Syabrubesi.
From Sundarijal, the trail passes through the Shivapuri National Park and continues towards the villages of Chisapani and Kutumsang. While trekking, you can see beautiful views of the surrounding hills and mountains.
If you are trekking from Syabrubesi, the route leads to Bamboo, Lama Hotel, Langtang Village, and Kyanjin Gompa.
The Langtang Helambu Trek is often considered a circuit trek. So, while returning, you will be passing through local traditional villages like Thadepati, Tarke Ghyang, and Sermathang to Melamchi Bazaar. From there, you will be driving back to Kathmandu.
It’s necessary to get three different kinds of permits for trekking in the Langtang region. 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 travelling as an independent traveller, then make sure you issue these permits in Kathmandu or during the trek. The Tourism Board of Nepal can issue a TIMS card while you are in Kathmandu.
Other permits can be issued at the entry point of the national park itself. Both the Langtang National Park Permit and Shivapuri National Park Permit can be collected from Kathmandu during the Langtang Trek for 6 days.
To get the permits, you need a valid visa to Nepal, two copies of passport-sized photos, 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 Langtang National Park is NPR 3000 per person, Shivapuri National Park NPR 1000 per person, and TIMS Card costs NPR 1000 per person.
The Helambu Circuit trek is one of the cheapest treks in Nepal. You do not need to take a flight due to close proximity from Kathmandu, which significantly reduces trek costs. It is a short trek in a less popular and less populated area, so the accommodation and food can be found at a reasonable price.
The food and drinks on this trek are way cheaper than those on other famous treks, such as the Everest Base Camp Trek or Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Since not all tourists prefer this trek, agencies offer special discounts for this trek. Additionally, you do not need any special permits to travel in this region; this also reduces your trek cost.
Overall, the price of trekking to Helambu ranges from $500 to $800 for 6 days. However, if you travel independently, the cost can be reduced by around $400.
If you are travelling with Himalayan Masters, you can complete the Langtang Helambu Trek for $750. A huge chunk of money goes to transport, but the accommodation and food costs compensate for it.
Moreover, you might have to pay about $30 for food and accommodation in teahouses. Also, the guide costs about $25 per day during this trek.
Normally, all your travel costs, including 3 meals, accommodation, permits, etc., are included in the trip package. However, you might need to pay an additional charge for a hot shower and water, Wi-Fi, battery charging, etc. This might add up to extra expenses to your standard trip cost.
Additionally, opting for a private shared jeep ride will cost you extra money. In addition to that, snacks, drinks, and other additional expenses add up to the trekking budget. Tips for the guide and porter are not included in the trip package.
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 trek in 3 days.
However, the Helambu Valley trek can be easily done in 4 days. The 4 days Itinerary can be:
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.
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 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 an additional 5 days.
Packing appropriately is a crucial factor in determining the success of your trekking journey. Overpacking or packing less can greatly affect your trekking experience. When packing, trekkers should be careful enough to pack basic essential items and avoid any useless items.
Trekkers should wear and pack appropriate, warm, water and windproof clothes according to the weather. Additionally, remember to pack hiking boots, a sleeping bag, a trekking bag and daypack, a trekking pole, sunblock, sunglasses, a headlight, a camera, extra batteries, a first aid kit, medications, toiletries, etc.
In contrast, trekkers should avoid packing heavy items, such as too many clothes or shoes, valuables like jewellery, unnecessary toiletries, non-essential and heavy gadgets, etc.
Trekkers can find all sorts of accommodations on the Langtang Helambu Valley Trek. You can choose to stay in hotels or guesthouses in lower altitude regions such as Kathmandu, Sundarijal, Syabrubesi or Melamchi Bazaar. While you will be staying in teahouses during the trek, or request to stay in a camp or tent where available.
Hotel/Guest House
The hotels offer private and shared rooms with attached bathrooms. Also, hot showers and internet facilities are available but at an additional charge. However, you can get charging ports in your room and a warm and comfortable bed to sleep in.
Teahouses
In contrast, teahouses are local houses used for accommodation. Hence, the services in the teahouses are normally basic, but they give you an internal experience of the Nepali lifestyle.
The teahouses typically have shared rooms with twin beds; some may have single rooms, too. Likewise, bathrooms are usually shared outside the room. Services like hot showers, hot drinking water, Wi-Fi, and charging ports are available in most of the teahouses but at an extra charge.
Note: Normally, the accommodation during the trek is neat and warm, but it is always better to carry your own sleeping bag for your own personal use.
Camp/Tent
Camping while trekking to Langtang Helambu could be an adventurous experience. It could be an experience of a lifetime to sleep under billions of stars in the Himalayas. However, it might not be possible at all times and places, and also due to cold, especially at higher altitudes.
Since you won’t have a hot shower, no charging ports, internet, warm and comfortable beds, and attached bathrooms, it might really be challenging. Therefore, it is best to carry a sleeping bag that can withstand negative temperatures.
The food in Langtang Helambu Valley Trek is a blend of local Tibetan and Nepali cuisine. Trekkers can enjoy these delicacies in the teahouses along the way.
The foods provided in the teahouse give enough energy to last for the day. You need to be well nourished so as to have a successful trekking journey and avoid any other risks, such as altitude sickness.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
The main source of water during the trek is the natural spring water. But it is important that you ask your guide if it is drinkable or not before drinking. In addition, it is equally important to purify the water with a water purification tablet.
Besides this, you can also get bottled water in the teahouses, though the prices increase with altitude. You can also get boiled at the teahouses for an additional dollar.
Speaking about the mode of communication, in almost all parts of the trek, you can find Wi-Fi and mobile network services. The Wi-Fi could be a little slow and might cost you extra money.
Likewise, mobile network coverage is comparatively good at lower altitudes. But as you go higher, it might not be good enough. You can get the mobile network from Nepali SIM cards, NTC and NCELL, which can be bought in Kathmandu or Sundarijal.
Additionally, some trekking groups carry satellite phones for emergencies, as communication in remote areas can be challenging sometimes.
Though hiring a guide for Langtang Helambu Trek is not compulsory, we recommend that you hire one. A guide can help you navigate, know the local culture and tradition, and safely arrange all the transport, food, and accommodation.
Especially in unfamiliar and restricted areas, as in Upper Mustang Trek or Upper Dolpo Trek, it is better to have a licensed and experienced guide. They will also be responsible for giving information on weather and terrain.
Hiring a porter is optional.
Hiring a porter can significantly reduce the weight of your luggage, giving you more freedom to walk and enjoy the trek. It is less tiring if you can walk freely without worrying about the burden of heavy bags.
Moreover, a porter can only carry up to 26 kg. But if you have less weight, you can carry it yourself or share a porter with another fellow trekker.
Langtang Helambu Trekking Nepal can be booked with Himalayan Masters by following a few easy steps, as mentioned below.
Langtang Helambu Valley Trek can be booked at the last minute by directly contacting us on WhatsApp, email, phone calls, or directly visiting the Himalayan Masters office at Saat Ghumti Marg 3, Thamel. However, you need to inform us 1 day before going on the trek and make the full payment for the trip.
Once you have completed the booking process and paid the money for the trek with Himalayan Masters, the amount is non-refundable. However, your deposit is for the lifetime. You can visit Nepal anytime and go trekking, or you can refer anyone for the trek on your behalf.
Do not forget to leave feedback and review once you have completed the trek. Your feedback and reviews are most appreciated and allow us to improve even more.
