5 Days Helambu Trek

  • Jun 8, 2023
  • Rajesh Thapaliya

Trip facts

  • Duration: 5 days
  • Grade: Easy
  • Max Altitude: 3650 m
  • Mode of Travel: Walking

Have you been planning treks but don’t have enough time? Then don’t worry cause Frolic Adventures has made the Helambu Trek Five Days package just for you. It only takes a few days off your busy schedule. For the next five days, you will get lost in mother nature's beauty.

Helambu Valley is a part of Langtang National Park. Many trekkers that trek the Langtang region also trek the routes of Helambu. Helambu trek is easy and short, so it is famous among trekkers.

Helambu is a beautiful village located in the Sindhupalchowk district. It is situated on the north side of Kathmandu, about 80 km away. It is the nearest trekking destination to the capital.

Hyolmo people are the locals of the Helambu; they have been living there for centuries. They have a culture similar to Sherpas and Tamangs and have their Language, Yolmo.

You can also find Tamang and Sherpa settlements along the paths. People living in this region primarily traditionally practice Buddhism and dress. You can see women dressed in beautiful colors of Bakhu and Lungis.


Helambu trekking trail

Table of Contents

The routes are still not as crowded as other Trekking Routes in this region, such as the Langtang Valley Trek, Gosaikunda Lake Trek, etc. Some attractions on the way are waterfalls, forests with various species of flora and fauna, bamboo trees, terrace farming, etc.

You also get a spectacular view of Different mountain ranges such as Lantang, Ganesh Himal, and many more. Along the way, you will visit some stupas, monasteries, Hindu temples, mani walls, etc.

This Trek has numerous starting points, i.e., Nagarkot, Kakani, and Sankhu. However, the most common point is Sundarijal, which is far from Kathmandu.

You will begin your journey from Sundarijal and reach Thadepati, the highest point of this Trek. Then head towards Timbu and drive back to Kathmandu. You will be walking at a lower altitude on this Trek.

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Highlights of 5 Days Trek to Heambu

  • No chances of Altitude sickness
  • View mountains such as Ganesh Himal, Langtang Range, and many more
  • Visit Monasteries, stupas
  • Buddhist culture and tradition
  • Lifestyle in the Himalayan
  • Sunrise
  • Enter Shivapuri National Park

Best time for the Trek

Different seasons have their benefits and disadvantages. It’s up to you to decide which time is favorable for you. Usually, many trekkers consider Autumn and Spring the best time to trek in Helambu.

But some trekkers prefer Winter and Monsoon as it is less crowded. Winter and Monsoon seasons are thrilling, so you should be prepared while trekking this time of the year.

Autumn ( September - November)

Autumn falls between September to November. The monsoon rain has just washed away the pollution that covers the beauty of nature. Many tourists find the weather conditions favorable.

The temperature is just right to go on a Trek. It is warm and sunny, between 18 - and 22 degrees. You get to see a clear view of the mountain ranges. However, the nights can be cold as the temperature drops to 10 degrees.

During these months, one of the famous festivals, Dashain and Tihar, also falls. So you get to experience it as well.

But as this is the peak season for trekking, finding suitable hotels can be challenging. Also, the routes are crowded, and you can find yourself, as a companion, all along the way.

Spring ( March-May)

Spring falls between March to May. Spring is when nature comes back to life. Spring brings the lost greeny of the hills with it.

It brings new chapters of life with it. Walking in the lush forests, you can see the flowers blooming, birds chirping, etc. If you are lucky, you might also get to see wild animals.

The weather is excellent, with clear skies during the day and starry skies at night. The temperature ranges between 15- 20 degrees during the day and drops up to 5 degrees during the night.

Winter ( December - February)

Winter falls between December to February. These are the coldest months of the year. The houses are covered in blankets of snow.

The warm temperature makes the day walkable, but during the nighttime, it drops up to -6 degrees. There are also chances of snowfall which can be an obstacle on the routes.

However, the Mountain peaks covered in snow are a mesmerizing sight worth all the trouble.

Monsoon ( June - August)

The monsoon falls between June to August. Trekking this time of year is quite thrilling compared to other seasons. The routes are slippery and muddy, which can make your walk challenging.

But the rain-washed environment gives you a fresh feel. During this season, many species of flora and fauna are also found.

The temperature ranges between 10 - and 15 degrees during these months. It can get chilly during heavy rainfall.

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Short Helambu Trek Detail Itinerary

Written below is a detailed description of the Helambu trek for five days:

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal, then trek to Chisapani

On your first day, you drive towards Sundarijal and then trek to Chisapani. The distance between Kathmandu and Sundarijal is about 15 km. The drive will be about 1-2 hours.

Sundarijal is located on the outskirts of Kathmandu. As you drive through the busy roads, you leave the city, entering unpaved roads. You can see small settlements of villages and large fields from out your window.

As you continue your drive through these paths, you reach Sundarijal. Sundarijal is at an elevation of 1463 m.

From here onwards, your journey begins. You head towards Chisapani. The distance between Chisapani and Sundarijal is about 6.3 km. You will be walking for 4-5 hours to get there.

You start your trek by climbing the trails and entering the Shivapuri National Park. Along the paths, you will see waterfalls and small streams.

As you keep walking upwards, you will reach the first settlement of this trek Mulkharka. The Tamang community inhabits this village.

From this village, you walk through forests of oaks and rhododendron till you reach Chisapani.

Chisapani is at an elevation of 2300 m. The weather can be chilly here, but the mountain range's view is magnificent from up here.

You stay in one of the lodges.

Day 2: Trek from Chisapani to Kutumsang

You will wake up early on your second day to view the sunrise. One of the attractions of Chisapani is the view of sunrise and sunset.

After spending some time taking snaps in the hills, you head down until you reach Pati Bhanjang, then Gul Bhanjang. From here, you start ascending till you reach an elevation of 2620 m. Then you drop down the trails till you arrive at Kutumsang.

Kutumsang is at an elevation of 2446 m. You will have walked 5-6 hours today.

So after a long day, you will stay your night in one of the lodges.

Day 3: Trek from Kutumsang to Tharepati

On your third day, you will be trekking from Kutumsang to Tharepati. The walking duration between Kutumsang and Tharepati is about 5-6 hours.

Today you will start your trek by heading up toward the north till you reach Danda Ridge. The splendid view of Mount Langtang, Ganesh Himal, etc., astounds you.

From there, you ascend the steep trails through the lush green forest. The forest is filled with colorful shades of rhododendron, oak trees, bamboo trees, etc.

Then you walk downhill till you arrive at Magen Goth. This place has few lodges to offer and sheds for keeping domestic animals. Then you again start ascending through the enchanting forest, viewing the different species of flora and fauna.

At the end of this trail, you reach Tharepati, the highest point of your trek. It is at an elevation of 3650 m. You get a magnificent view of mountain peaks such as Dorje Lakpa, Gaurishankar, Jugal, etc.

You will be staying overnight in one of the lodges.

Day 4: Trek from Tharepati to Tarkeghyang

On your fourth day, you will be descending to Tarkeghyan. The walking duration between Tharepati to Tarkeghyang is about 4-5 hours.

Today you will begin your trek by making a steep walk downhill till you reach the Melamchi Khola. On your way here, you will walk past Melamchi Gaon, a beautiful village.

Then you will cross a wooden bridge above the Melamchi Khola and climb these trails. The trails are steep to Tarkeghyang. On this day, you will have passed many small settlements of people.

Tarkeghyang is at an elevation of 2560 m. Tarkeghyang is also known as Helambu. The village is home to the Hyolmo community. They have been living here for centuries. You can visit the monasteries and stupas and see the prayer flags, mani walls, etc.

You will be spending your night here in one of the tea houses.

Day 5: Trek from Tarkeghyang to Timbu, then drive back to Kathmandu

The fifth day is the last day of your trek; you will walk downhill the trails to Timbu and drive back from there. The walking duration between TarkeGhyang to Timbu is about 4-5 hours.

You will walk through forests of magnolia, rhododendron, and pine trees, viewing the mesmerizing landscapes below. Then you reach Timbu at an elevation of 1580 m.

Viewing the beautiful hills and mountains, you drive back to Kathmandu from here. It is about a 4-5 hour drive from Timbu.

I hope this short trek was enjoyable for you.

Acclimatization

This Trek is easy and done at lower altitudes, so Acclimatization is unnecessary. It is done when you trek in higher altitudes to help your body adjust according to the climatic condition of that place. Done mainly to prevent altitude sickness.

Altitude sickness is common for trekkers while traveling at higher elevations. It can be dangerous if not treated at the right time. So while climbing, do not forget to keep your body hydrated and take rests between the Trek.

However, you should not be worried about altitude sickness during the Trek. The highest point to reach in this trek is 3650 m. But some can suffer from it, so if you see symptoms such as headache, nausea, or shortness of breath, inform your guide immediately.

Physical Condition and Experience

Helambu Trek five days is graded as one of the easy treks. There are low risks of Altitude sickness, making the trek uncomplicated. However, the journey up in the hills can’t be predicted. Anything can happen at any moment, so it is better if you have created travel insurance.

Beginners usually do these treks to be able to stay at higher altitudes. These routes might be more accessible for the professional, but noobs consider this trek moderate.

So you can prepare yourself in advance by doing physical exercises such as swimming, cycling, etc. You don’t need to do these exercises for long, as two weeks before the trek should be enough.

If your body and mind are fit, you can enjoy more from this trek more.

Network on trek

You can find internet services at the lodges you will be staying at. But some extra charge might be applicable. While staying in the lodge, you can contact your friends and family from there. However, as you travel at a higher altitude, you will use a phone for communication.

Also, we will contact your group leader once daily to know if you are safe. If you are having difficulties, you can consult your leader.

If you are also carrying sim cards, depending on their network, you might get signals in some places.

Electricity on this trek

You don’t have to worry about not being able to recharge your gadgets. You will have an electricity facility in every lodge you stay with extra charges applicable.

As you climb at the high elevation, you will find most lodges using solar panels and hydroelectricity.

Water on 5 Days Helambu Trip

Water is important essential while going on a Trek. You have to keep your body hydrated to prevent Altitude sickness.

You can buy water bottles from local shops or lodges. If you carry a water bottle, you can refill it with hot water. But they might charge you for the refill.

If you have doubts about whether the water is drinkable, then you should not worry about it because they will provide you with water purification pills to make it drinkable.

Checklist for equipment

Helambu trek
Main bag for trekking gear

It is always said to pack light while traveling; you should carry little clothes and accessories. Here are some basic things that you can bring along on this trek.

  • Bandana
  • Cap or hats
  • Scarfs
  • Uv protected sunscreen
  • Body lotion
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Headlight
  • Torch
  • Undergarments
  • Shorts
  • Trousers
  • Hiking shoes
  • Socks
  • Gloves
  • T-shirt (lightweight wool)
  • Down jacket
  • Fleece jacket
  • Windcheater
  • Raincoat
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Mirror (small)
  • Towel
  • Tissues
  • Toilet roll
  • Water bottle
  • Bandages
  • Bandaid
  • aspirins
  • Deodorants
  • Camera
  • Sleeping bag
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Nail cutter
  • Camera
  • Hand watch

Frolic Adventure is a leading trekking, tours, and adventure holiday operator company. Specialists in trekking, tours, and adventure activities in the Himalayas. Please feel free to contact us if you need any travel information.

    Rajesh Thapaliya

    Rajesh Thapaliya

    Namaste! I am Rajesh, a Nepal travel blogger who provides Nepal travel tips to travellers who are planning to visit Nepal and know about Nepal.

    I am a tourism service provider in Nepal So far, I have been to the Nepalese Himalayan base camps as a tour leader and collected lots of information about the Nepalese Himalayas. You can find my experiences in my travel blogs, so it may make it a lot easier for you to travel to Nepal.

    You may find beautiful photos on Instagram,  Facebook and Twitter. I have worked very hard to be in this stage after high school and dedicated my experiences to the people who would like to know about Nepal and Nepal travel.