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Helambu trekking - 08 Days
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Helambu lies to the north of Kathmandu where
dominantly Sherpa and Tamang races have their
homes. The trekkers come in contact with
temperate forests, snowy peaks which makes you
feel as if you are in paradise.
With a diverse range of brilliant green valleys,
misty rhododendron forests and distant horizons
of snowy peaks, Helambu is the ideal short trek.
There are simple tea houses along this route,
yet the area remains relatively unspoiled by
tourism. You will experience the Yolmo culture
of high mountain villages and watch enthralled
as the farmers toil in the fields using hand
made tools and teams of water- buffalo.
The Sherpa village of Tarke Ghyang that forms
the focus of Helambu is a charming enclave of
farmers and yak herders. The trip starts with a
scenic drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal.
Helambu provides an instant Himalayan trek for
those with limited time. This trek is an easy
and enjoyable trip conducted at the average
altitude of 3500m. The trek takes you through
Tharepati to Tarke Gyang, where a choice of
trails opens up. However you go along the south
ridge through Sermathang, down to the river at
Melamchi, the site of a mega project to bring
drinking water to Kathmandu via a series of
tunnels. The trek concludes with a drive down to
Kathmandu via Panchkhal, after a night's camp at
Melamchi Bridge.
Facts of the Trek
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Duration: 08 Days
Trek type: Camping/Tea
House
Max Altitude: 3650 m.
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Minimum Pax: 1 +
Mode of travel: land
Grade: Moderate
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Itinerary in Detail
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Day 01 : |
Drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal (1350m.) and
it takes about one hour. Trek from Sundarijal to
Chisopani (2300m.) which takes about four hours.
The unpaved road from Kathmandu turns into a
trail near a small hydroelectric plant. The
trail will enter through the Shivpuri Watershed
and Wildlife Reserve. The first settlement we
will come across is Mulkharka with Tamang
habitants. The route heads down the ridge
through a forest of oaks and rhododendron to
Chisopani (2300m.) |
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Day 02 : |
Trek from Chisopani to Kutumsang (2446m.) which
takes about seven hours. The trail continues to
drop from Chisopani on a good, sometimes level,
trail that crosses meadow and fields. You will
then descend through Pathi Bhanjyang till Gul
Bhanjyang. The trail climbs the ridge from Gul
Bhanjyang to another pass at 2620m. The meadow
makes a good camping spot, its downhill to
Kutumsang at 2470m, in a saddle atop the ridge. |
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Day 03 : |
Trek from Kutumsang to Magen Goth (3514m.) which
takes about three hours. The trek continues
north up the Yurin Danda ridge and affords views
of the peaks. The trail climbs above Kutumsang
on a steep, eroded trail mostly through fir and
rhododendron forest where there are no permanent
settlements. The trail then descends to Magen
Goth. There are few lodges and Goths (Domestic
Animal Shed). |
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Day 04 : |
Trek from Magen Goth to Melamchi Gaon (2640m.)
via Tharepati Pass (3650m.) which takes about
six hours. The trail gradually ascends through
the enchanting forest enriched with beautiful
rhododendron, oak and other trees. Tharepati in
fact is a great view point from where you can
take a glimpse of the breathtaking snow caped
mountains views such as Dorje Lakpa,
Gaurishankar, Langshisa, Jugal, Numbur and many
others. From Tharepati the trail gradually
descends through the pine and rhododendron
forest with great views down into the Helambu
valley and across to Jugal Himal and Numbur in
the Solu Khumbu. Melamchi Gaon is surrounded by
beautiful forests, which is mainly inhabited by
Sherpa people with their distinctive culture.
There are some Buddhist monasteries situated
which can be visited. |
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Day 05 : |
Trek from Melamchi Gaon to Tarkeghyang (2743m.)
and it takes about six hours. The early part of
the trek descends until you cross the stream
named as Melamchi. Now you trek gently up to
Tarkeghyang passing through Sherpa settlements.
Tarkeghyang is a beautiful Sherpa village with
one of the oldest and biggest monasteries.
Tarkeghyang, also known as Helambu is named
after the Helmu caste. The Sherpa people living
here originally belong to Helmu caste. |
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Day 06 : |
Trek from Tarkeghyang to Shermathang (2621m.)
which takes about four hours. This day the trail
is quite easier through flat land with beautiful
forests on the way. You trek on crossing some
small streams on the way. There is situated a
beautiful village on the half way to Shermathang.
To add your joy, Shermathang is another pretty
Sherpa village where you can visit many ancient
monasteries. There you can see Jugal Himal range
at the north face of Shermathang village.
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Day 07 : |
Trek from Shermathang to Melamchi Pul Bazaar
(846m.) and it takes approximately five hours.
The trail gradually descends all the way to
Melamchi Pul Bazaar through meadows ad
cultivated fields. On the way, you come across
several old villages with their own particular
tradition. Walking this day is quite pleasant
with mountain views and interaction with local. |
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Day 08 : |
Drive from Melamchi Pul Bazaar to Kathmandu
which takes about six hours.
You travel through gravel and bumpy path up to
Lamidanda and then you follow the pitched road
up to Kathmandu.
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Services
Included
National Park entry permit, Trekking permit,
Land transportation to and fro, Accommodation in
lodges during the trek, Food: three meals a day,
A guide & required number of porter(s),
Essential equipment.
Services
Excluded
Personal expenses, Insurance, Tips, Emergency
evacuation by Helicopter, Alternative
transportation in case of heavy rain, landslide,
strike, road blockade etc.
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