Helambu Circuit Trek

Trip Details

Start/End: Kathmandu to Kathmandu

Duration: 11 days

Difficulty: Easy to Medium

Maximum Elevation: 3,690 m (Thadepati)

Best Time: October - November & March - April

Accommodation: Lodges/Tea houses

Helambu Circuit Trek is a short and beautiful off-the-beaten trail trek. This trek consists of a combination of beautiful natural sceneries and culture, people, and traditions. The trail has views of breathtaking mountains from the middle of lush forests and green valleys. There are ascending and descending trekking trails. There are traditional villages where you can observe the local life that takes you back in time. At a point in the Helambu Circuit Trek, you will reach to vill where you can experience the Yolmo culture.
The trek starts after a short drive from Sundarijal of Kathmandu. Then it enters Shivapuri National Park and continues the trek ascent up to the Chisopani, Kutumsang, Thadepati, and Sermathang. The trek ends in the Helambu region at the Melamchi Pul. This trek provides magnificent mountain views such as Langtang Lirung (7245m), Ganesh Himal (7405m), Dorje Lhakpa (6990m), and much more small peaks of the Langtang Himalayan range. As we follow the trail through beautiful Tamang and Sherpa villages, they provide an amazing Himalayan view and several splendid Buddhist monasteries on the way. Besides the Himalayas and traditional culture, the trek offers diverse floras and fauna.

The area offers you a chance to learn about a variety of cultures. The major ethnic groups living in the area are the Tamangs, Bhotias, and Yolmus (also known as Sherpas). None of their languages and their clan structure resemble that of the Solukhumbu Sherpas of Everest. They are considered more similar to Langtang Bhotias and may also have originated from the Kyirong area of Tibet, just over the border. Their religion shows their rich Buddhist culture. Other mid-hill tribes and castes reside at lower elevations like Brahmins, Chhetries, Newars, and Gurungs.

Trip Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, pick up at the airport and transfer to hotel

Day 02: City Sightseeing around Kathmandu

Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Sundarijal and trek to Chisapani (1,350 m / 4,428 ft)

Day 04: Trek Chisapani to Gul Bhanjyang (2,200 m / 7,215 ft)

Day 05: Trek Gul Bhanjyang to Magingoth (3,300 m / 10,825 ft)

Day 06: Trek Magingoth to Melamchigaoun (2,560 m / 8,399 ft)

Day 07: Trek Melamchigaoun to Tarke Gyang (2,580 m / 8,465 ft)

Day 08: Trek Tarke Gyang to Kakani (2,400 m / 7,872 ft)

Day 09: Drive Kakani to Kathmandu

Day 10: Leisure in Kathmandu

Day 11: Final Departure, drop at the international airport

Trip Info

Best Time for Helambu Circuit Trek

Spring (Feb-May) and Autumn (Oct-Dec) seasons are the ideal seasons for trekking. Although Helambu Circuit Trekking can be arranged anytime throughout the year. Springtime is fairly perfect for trekking in the Helambu region as it offers a crystal clear view of the mountains and sceneries every day.

Accommodation

Accommodations on the mountain are in tea hoses or trekking lodges. The rooms come generally in double occupancy with a wooden bed, blankets, and attached bathrooms (not everywhere). You can get spectacular views from the rooms of mountain tea houses. Single rooms are also available and they are mainly provided for solo female travellers.

Permits

You will need two permits for Helambu Circuit Trek. The Langtang National Park Entry Permit costs $30 and the Local Area Permit costs $20. Also, you will need to pay $5 as the entrance fee to Shivapuri Nagarjuna National Park. Both these permits and the entrance fee are compulsory. You will have to show your permits at different points of the trail. You can get the permit at Kathmandu or at the trail but it will add fines or you can allow us to take care of the essential permits for your trek.

Helambu Circuit Trek Highlights

Scenic drive to Sundarijal
Breathtaking Himalaya view of Langtang, Helambu, Ganesh Himal, and much more
Diverse flora and fauna, beautiful monasteries, stupas, and Maniwal (Prayers wall).
Visit local villages along the way
Explore the local culture and traditions of the Tamang and Sherpa people and their lifestyle

Helambu Circuit Trek is preferred for trekkers who have limited vacation time and want to explore natural beauty along with diverse cultures and traditions. This trek is an easy and delightful trip conducted at an average altitude of 3500m. There are simple teahouses along the Helambu circuit route. Yet the area remains relatively unspoiled by tourism. You will experience the Yolmo culture of high mountain villages, awe at amusing vistas of lonely high mountains, and watch the farmers toil in the fields using handmade tools and teams of water buffalo.