Helambu trek

Upon your arrival the Tribhuvan International airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by a representative from Nepal Wanders who will take you to our hotel. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner in a traditional Nepali cuisine restaurant where you will be able to enjoy authentic Nepali meal with a brief cultural program. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu

This is a day to explore Kathmandu where we organise guided sightseeing to the Buddhist and Hindu sights in Kathmandu, to Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, Swayambunath – the Buddhist monkey temple and Pashupatinath – a sacred Hindu temple complex on the banks of the Bagmati River. Three major towns are located in the valley, Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, each having a great artistic and architectural tradition. Kathmandu is the capital and the largest city in the country. Patan, the second largest is separated from Kathmandu by a river. Bhaktapur, the third largest, is towards the eastern end of the valley and its relative isolation is reflected in its slower pace and more distinctly mediaeval atmosphere. In the Kathmandu Valley the landscape is dramatically sculpted by the contours of the paddy fields. The towns and villages are alive with the colours of farm produce, ranging from pyramids of golden grain to the vivid reds of chilli peppers laid out on mats to dry in the sun. In the streets and towns there is a constant bustle of activity, especially in the bazaars and markets where the farmers sell their vegetables and fruit. You should get back to the hotel after your sightseeing tour around midafternoon and the rest of the day is free for you to explore the city further and pack bags ready for the start of the trek the following morning. You can leave a bag at the hotel with items you will not need on the trek. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu

Today is the first day of the trek and our destination is Chisopani. Starting early, an hour drive towards the north east of the Kathmandu valley will take us to Sundarijal, which is the starting point of this trek. Initially, following the Sundarijal water treatment plant, we hike up on a narrow lane accompanied by small tea shops and houses. Then we follow stone steps and after a short hike through the forest, the trail enters the Shivapuri National Park. After a short national park formality at the army barrack, we continue towards Mulkharka crossing the dam of Sundarijal. Crossing Mulkharka, we reach the top of the ridge through Rhododendron and Oak forest, where we can enjoy the magnificent mountain views. The trail then drops down to Chaisapani. On reaching Chisapani, we rest for some time and then walk around the village in the evening to observe the lifestyle of people. Overnight at a lodge in Chisapani.

Today is the second day of the trek and our destination is Kutumsang. From Chisapani, the trail first descends to Pati Bhanjyang. A few ups and downs from here, crossing the fields and meadows on a stony path will then take us to Gul Bhanyag. The trail then leads us to another pass, from where we trek downhill to finally reach Kutumsang. Overnight at a lodge in Kutumsang.

Today is the third day of the trek and our destination is Thadepati. Today’s walk is mostly uphill through Pine, Fir and Rhododendron forest. First, we hike up to Kyuola Bhanjyang enjoying a 25m long waterfall en route. From here, we further hike up to Thadepati crossing Mangengoth and few other small settlements. Thadepati Pass is the highest altitude achieved during this trek, which is also a junction of two important trails to Gosainkunda, via Helambu and Melamchi. Overnight at a lodge in Thadepati.

Today is the fourth day of the trek and our destination is Melamchi Gaon. Leaving Gosainkunda trail and Helambu trail we take Melamchi trail and head towards Melamchi Gaon. The walk continues through pine and rhododendron forest. We cross two suspension bridges and finally reach Melamchi village, which is a Sherpa Village surrounded by beautiful forest. The remaining day will be spent exploring the monasteries and the village of Melamchi. Overnight at a lodge in Melamchi Village.

Today is the fifth day of the trek and our destination is Sermathang. From Melamchi Gaon the trail descends till Melamchi River. On crossing the river, the trail is quite easier compared to other day’s trail as we walk on a flat land, accompanied by beautiful forest. We cross several streams and we walk up to Tarkeghyang, a beautiful Sherpa village. Then, we further descend following the same trail until we reach Setighyang, where the trail to Kangja La, Naya Kanga Trek meets the secondary road. Following this road up and down hill we first ascend to Ghangyul and then descend toward Sermathang. This is another pretty Sherpa village that offers a lot to tourists, who are interested in Sherpa culture. The remaining day will be spent exploring the village. Overnight at a lodge in Sermathang.

Today is the last day of the trek and our destination is Melamchi Pul (Melamchi Bridge). The trail gradually descends through meadows and cultivated fields, passing a number of Gompas, temples, Mani walls, Mane, Chorten and other small and unique settlement of people until we reach the bridge across the Indrawati River. On crossing the bridge, we walk further to cross another bridge a little away from the junction of the Indrawati River and Melamchi River, before we finally reach Melamchi Bazaar. Overnight at a lodge in Melamchi Bazaar.

Today early in the morning after having breakfast we take bus to Kathmandu. It will take about 4-5 hour to reach Kathmandu. On reaching Kathmandu, you will be escorted to your hotel. You can spend the remaining day either relaxing at the hotel or you can also opt for some sightseeing tour. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Our representative will pick you up at the hotel and transfer you to international airport for onward journey.