Helambu Circuit Trek- Exploring Unique Culture, Costumes And Traditions

This trek ventures the circuit of the Helambu region and explores the cultural heritages of Langtang region. The starting point for this trek is Sundarijal which lies 13 kilometres away from Kathmandu. The Helambu region is less frequently visited by trekkers than Everest or Annapurna regions. Therefore it is highly recommended for people who would like to do solidity trek. This trek provides insight to the cultures, traditions and lifestyle of people living in the hilly slopes and rural areas. Thus is the best suitable trekking for exploring the cultural heritages and civilization of Nepalese people.

Helambu is located in the foothills of the Himalayas situated directly northeast of Kathmandu in the central Himalayan region. It is just a few days away from the Kathmandu Valley rim. This trek takes you through the Langtang region and joins at Helambu. The Langtang area was declared a National Park in 1976 and it is the second largest national park in Nepal, with 1710 sq km.

Three main ethnic people lives in this area; the Tamangs, Bhotias and, Yolmos. Majority of the population are Tamangs. The Yolmo people, often referred to as “Sherpas” does not resemble to the Sherpas from Everest regions either in their languages and customs or their clan structure. They are more similar to Langtang Bhotias, and believed to be originated from the Kyirong area of Tibet. However, all these tribes are devotee of Buddhist religion and hence the region is full of stupas, pagodas and monasteries. At lower elevations other tribes including Brahmins, Chhetries, Newars and some Gurungs resides but with very low population.

Trek Profile:	Helambu Circuit Trek
Trek duration:	11 days
Trek difficulty:	Moderate
Accommodation type:	Tea house
Maximum Elevation:	3510 meters

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival, pick up by our staff and transfer to Hotel

Day 02: Drive to Sundarijal (01 hour) and trek to Chisapani (2165 meters)

Day 03: Trek to Kutumsang (2470 meters): 05 hours

Day 04: Trek to Tharepati (3510 meters): 05 hours

Day 05: Trek to Melamchigaon (2530 meters): 04 hours

Day 06: Trek to Tarkegyang (2600meters): 04 hours

Day 07: Rest day in Tarkegyang

Day 08: Trek to Sermathang (2590 meters): 05 hours

Day 09: Trek to Melamchipul (2530 meters): 06 hours

Day 10: Drive back to Kathmandu (03 hours)

Day 11: Departure, you will be dropped to the airport for your departure

COST PER PERSON

0-2 Pax	2- 4 Pax	4- 8 Pax
US $ 555	US $ 495	US $ 487

COST INCLUDES AND EXCLUDES

COST INCLUDES

All pick up and drop from Airport
Complementary Home stay dinner as a welcome dinner
02 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu as per required
All Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner during the trek
Accommodations on tea house based lodge during the trek
One professional English speaking license holder guide (as per 4 members) for the trek
One helper guide (for 4 members) for the trek
Porters for the trek (One porter for 2 members)
All sort of transportation fares used during the trek
Private vehicles used during the trek
TIMS card and Permits

COST EXCLUDES

Any sort of personal expenses
Lunch and Dinner during hotel stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Extra expenses occurred due to unforeseen conditions
TIPS to the guide and other staff
Alcohol, beverages and bottled drinks
Anything that is not included in cost include section

Trip Fact

Trek Profile:	Helambu Circuit Trek
Trek duration:	11 days
Trek difficulty:	Moderate
Accommodation type:	Tea house
Maximum Elevation:	3510 meters

Itinerary

DETAILED ITINERARY:

Day 01: Arrival

You will be picked up from the Airport by the staff of Plan Nepal and driven to the hotel. After the check-in procedure of the hotel, you will be briefed about your trekking plans

Day 02: Drive to Sundarijal and trek to Chisapani (2165 meters)

The drive to Sundarijal is 13 km for the duration of one hour from Kathmandu. The elevation of Sundarijal is 1460 meters. The trail from Sundarijal ascends continuously upward through the tropical forest to reach the altitude of 1500 meters. Continuous climb to the top of the Shivapuri ridge leads to Mulkharka village where the most inhabitants are Tamangs. Beyond Mulkharka, the trail continues to ascend steadily and enters the Shivapuri National Park. Shivapuri National Park is enriched with bio diverse flora and fauna. The final descent down the Shivapuri ridge through a forest of oak and Rhododendron (Rhododendron is the national flower of Nepal) leads to the first check point destination, Chisapani located at an elevation of 2165 meters. The duration of the trek is 04 hours.

Day 03: Trek to Kutumsang (2470 meters)

The trekking trail from Chisapani continues to drop to Pati-Bhanjyang located at an altitude of 1770 meters. This is a village with tribes of Brahmin & Chhetri inhabitants. The trek continues to the North of the Pati-Bhanjyang and leads to the Tamang village of Gul Bhanjyang. The trail ascends the ridge from Gul Bhanjyang to reach of pass at elevation of 2620 meters and then descends to Kutumasang at an elevation of 2470 meters. The duration of the trek is 05 hours.

Day 04: Trek to Tharepati (3510 meters)

The trek continues to ascend Kutumasang on a steep, eroded. Then, the trail descends to Magen Goth (3150m) and it finally reaches Tharepati for the overnight stop. Tharepati is located at an altitude of 3510 meters which is the maximum elevation point of this trail. This place offer panoramic views of Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and Manaslu in the far west and Jugal mountain range to the north east. The duration of walk is 05 hours.

Day 05: Trek to Melamchigaon (2530 meters)

This trial ascends downhill from Tharepati towards Melamchigaon for 04 hours. The route penetrates through beautiful forest of oaks and rhododendron. Melamchigaon is at an elevation of 2530 meters and the main inhabitants of this place are mainly Sherpas. The total duration for this trial is 04 hours.

Day 06: Trek to Tarkegyang (2600meters)

The route is almost steady all the way except for a climb of one hour just before reaching Tarkegyang. Tarkegyang, one of the important village of Helambu regions is located at 2600 meters high altitude. The taste of green apples and the wood carving architecture has earned its fame not only in Nepal but in the whole world. The duration of walk for this trial is 04 hours.

Day 07: Rest day in Tarkegyang

The rest day will provide you enough time to stretch your muscles and relax your whole body for the rest of the trek. You can explore around for Buddhist style pagoda, stupa and monasteries. If you want to have the view of mountain range then you can climb up to the top of nearby hill.

Day 08: Trek to Sermathang (2590 meters)

The trial to Sermathang is a nice gradual winding path which provides steady walk and offers an opportunity to explore the hills and hillocks landscapes. Sermathang is at the elevation of 2590 meters. The total time taken to walk this trial is 05 hours.

Day 09: Trek to Melamchipul (2530 meters)

The last trek trial descends downhill all the way to Melamchipul Bazaar, which is located at 2530 meters altitude. Melamchipul is a busy trade market for nearby villages. Reaching this place marks the end of the Helambu circuit trek. The total duration of time to walk this trial is 06 hours.

Day 10: Drive back to Kathmandu

The drive back to Kathmandu starts on rough road until we reach Araniko Highway (a trade route between Nepal and Tibet). The total duration of drive to reach Kathmandu is 03 hours.

Day 11: Departure

Flight back to your country

Note: If you have more leisure time in Nepal then we can organise adventure extension trips like White water Rafting, Jungle Safari activities, Paragliding, Mountain flight & Bungee Jumping.

Useful Information

LIST OF TREKKING EQUIPMENTS

Clothing list: