Transportation

Bus, Airlines
Accomodation

3 Stars Hotels
Maximum Altitude

5,416 metres
Departure from

Kathmandu
Best season

Feb, Mar, Apr & May
Tour type

Eco-Tour, Hiking
Meals

All meals during the trek
Language

English, Spanish, French, Chinese
Fitness level

Easy to Moderate
Group Size

2-15
Minimum Age

12
Maximum Age

65

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Trip Overview

The Helambu Trek is a delightful and easily accessible trek in the Langtang region, located just north of Kathmandu. This 5-7 day journey offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and breathtaking mountain views. It is ideal for trekkers looking for a short yet rewarding Himalayan experience without venturing too far from the capital.

Starting with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal, the trek leads through lush rhododendron forests and traditional Sherpa and Tamang villages, including Chisapani, Kutumsang, Tharepati, and Tarke Gyang. Along the way, you’ll witness panoramic views of Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, and Jugal Himal.

Cultural & Natural Beauty of Helambu

This trek is not just about stunning landscapes—it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in Nepal’s diverse cultures. The Sherpa, Tamang, and Hyalmo communities call this region home, offering a unique cultural experience. Along the way, you’ll encounter:

✔ Traditional monasteries, chortens, and prayer flags
✔ Warm and welcoming locals known for their hospitality
✔ Ancient Buddhist heritage, including the revered Ama Yangri Monastery

Helambu is less crowded than other trekking regions, making it a peaceful retreat for those seeking tranquility amidst nature.

Trek Highlights

🏔 Breathtaking views of Langtang, Ganesh, and Jugal Himal ranges
🏡 Stay in traditional villages enriched with Buddhist culture
🌲 Walkthrough forests filled with rhododendron and pine trees
🌅 Experience sunrise and sunset over the Himalayan peaks
🛤 Scenic, off-the-beaten-path trails with fewer trekkers
🚶 Moderate trekking difficulty, suitable for all levels of hikers

Short & Easy Trekking Route

The Helambu Circuit Trek connects with other popular treks like Langtang Valley and Gosaikunda Lake, making it a great standalone or combined adventure.

Starting Point: Sundarijal (after a short drive from Kathmandu)
Route Highlights: Chisapani → Kutumsang → Thadepati → Tarke Gyang → Sermathang
Ending Point: Drive back to Kathmandu from Melamchi

The highest point of the trek is Thadepati (3,597m / 12,982 ft), offering spectacular mountain views.

Best Time for Helambu Trek

🌸 Spring (March to May): Ideal for rhododendron blooms and clear skies.
🍁 Autumn (September to November): Offers crisp air and stunning mountain visibility.

Both seasons provide perfect trekking conditions, with stable weather and breathtaking scenery.

Accommodation & Trekking Experience

🏡 Teahouse Lodges: Basic yet comfortable, run by friendly locals
🥘 Meals: Enjoy traditional Dal Bhat, Tibetan, and Nepali cuisine
🚶 Trekking Grade: Moderate with a mix of ascents and descents

Why Choose the Helambu Trek?

✔ Perfect for short trips – Just 6 nights and 7 days
✔ Less crowded than other trekking regions
✔ A mix of adventure, culture, and natural beauty
✔ Close to Kathmandu, eliminating the need for long travel

This trek is ideal for beginner trekkers, cultural explorers, and those looking for a peaceful Himalayan experience.

Embark on the Helambu Trek and discover the hidden beauty of Nepal’s countryside, rich traditions, and spectacular mountain landscapes!

Highlights

Trek to the world-famous Everest Base Camp
Enjoy the amazing view of the Himalayas from Kala Patthar
Travel through the Sherpa villages of Namche, Khumjung, Khunde, and Dingboche
Visit Tengboche the biggest and oldest monastery n the region.

Day 1 :

Drive to Sundarijal and trek to Chisapani 2,194 m- 04 hrs.

A short drive of an hour brings you to the outskirt of Kathmandu city at the northeast valley rim in Sundarijal farm town. From here steep up for short while to enter Langtang National Park and Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve.

A beautiful area within a cool shade of forest with fresh running streams and waterfalls. The walk continues heading up to Burlung village, and then into dense woods, as the day ends on reaching at Chisapani. It a scenic spot, located on the high ridge above Kathmandu valley with several nice lodges facing excellent views of the Central Himalayas. At Chisapani check into a nice local lodge and enjoy the sunset views that reflect on Himalayan peaks.

Day 2 :

Trek to Gul Bhanjyang 2,140 m – 05 hrs.

Rise early to catch the stunning sunrise views over the range of peaks of the Central and western Himalayas. Having breakfast descend to Pati Bhanjyang and then climb on a series of steep switchbacks to Chipling at 2,170 m. At Chipling for a possible lunch stop, after an exciting morning walk. After lunch walk follows the steep climb to the top of Jhogin Danda / Hill.

On walks enjoy grand views with the descent to a forest then come across a large Chorten (a Buddhist religious monument). As a walk, the day walks completely on reaching Gul Bhanjyang a nice Tamang village, situated within the Helambu area. Check into a nice local lodge and enjoy the rest of the afternoon visiting the village and witnessing the local cultur

Day 3 :

Trek to Thadepati 3, 597 m via Kutumsang – 05 hrs.

After a pleasant stop at Gul Bhanjyang village, start the morning walk with a climb entering a lovely rhododendron forest. As continues to reach a high ridge at 2,580 meters high, the top is called Yurin Danda.

Enjoy marvelous views from the top facing Langtang and Jugal Himal, as walk head down at Magen Goth. Located on a wide green field with few small tea shops. From this peaceful isolated place, the climb leads into the forest within wild-flower-strewn meadows. The trail follows to cross a stream and then last short steep climb to Thadepati for an overnight halt. Which is the highest spot of the adventure at 3,597 meters.

Check into a nice local lodge, rest of the day marvel at the beautiful views of Langtang and Jugal Himal range. As far as Dorje Lakpa and

Day 4 :

Trek to Tarke-Gyang 2,550 m via Melamche-Gaon 2,530 m -06 hrs.

Enjoy the morning views of snow-capped peaks from Thadepati, morning starts with a long descent within a dense forest of rhododendron and pine tree lines. As the walk continues downhill reaching at Melamchi-Gaon, for a lunch stop, from here within the Helambu area.

Afternoon walks to the main village at Tarke-Gyang, following downhill into a forest, and then over a bridge above Malemche Khola (Stream). As climb starts for an hour or more to reach the most charming village at Tarke Gyang. The major and largest village around the Helambu area, and home to Nepal’s smallest group of hill tribes the Hyalmo people. Check into a nice cozy lodge of warm traditional hospitality, the rooms are speck and span with a large dining room.

Day 5 :

At Tarke-Gyang rest day to explore the village.

A day in Tarke Gyang, after continuing walks for five days, enjoy the rest day exploring this lovely village. Visiting an old and largest monastery in the Helambu area of Ama Yangri, enriched with colorful Buddhist arts and painting.

An interesting place to observe the local impressive culture and customs within the happy cheerful people of Helambu. The Hyalmo tribe follows similar culture and traditions to Sherpa and Tamang of Buddhism religion.

Day 6 :

Trek to Sermathang 2,693 m – 04 hrs.

Walk today will be pleasant as the route leads to slow gain in altitude, as the trail leads through dense forests, streams, and waterfalls overlooking wonderful sights. As the trek continues reaching many small villages between Parachin and the Sherpa village of Ganguly.

After Gangyul then reaching at Sermathang for the last overnight halt around the Helambu region. Sermathang is a lovely village with few Buddhist monasteries. After checking into a nice simple lodge, with time to explore around the village and learn about Buddhism culture. From Sermathang enjoy the views of distant snow-capped mountains.

Day 7 :

Trek and drive to Kathmandu via Melamchi Bazaar 846 m -05 hrs.

Today the last day of this wonderful trek, morning leads to short distance walks and then taking local transportation. The exciting drive leads downhill on a dirt road with long winding tracks reaching low warm farm areas and then to Melamchi Bazaar, a nice large settlement close to Melamchi River.

From Melamchi Bazaar drive continues joining on the main road towards Dhulikhel, a slow climb to Dhulikhel. An old Newar town offers grand views of Himalayan peaks, after a short refreshing stop, an hour’s drive reaches Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu transfer to your hotel, after a marvelous short adventure on Helambu Trekking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Expand all

How fit do I need to be to do this trek?

Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.

How long do we walk every day when doing Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.

What is the highest altitude reached in this trek?

The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?

Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.

Are there ATMs on the way to Annapurna Base Camp?

No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.

What about internet access?

Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.

Is it necessary to hire Guides/trekking agency for Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.

It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.

How much do guides and porters cost?

For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.

Helambu Circuit Trek

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map