11 Days Nepal Helambu Cultural Trek

Region: Langtang
Trek Type: Lodge
Trek Grade: Moderate
Trek Days: 8
Max Altitude: 2600m
Best Season: Oct–Dec & Mar–May

Helambu Valley Trek has been considered as one of the nearest trek from Kathmandu. The trek offers considerable spectacular views of mountains, meadows, forests, different wild animals, birds, glaciers and many more. Cheese factories, monasteries, and other monuments are other specialties of this trek. Helambu, about 72 kilometers north-east of Kathmandu, is noted for its scenic grandeur and pleasant climate. The additional attractions of the trek are the spectacular views of the Langtang (7245m), Ganesh Himal (7405m), Dorje Lhakpa (6990m) and other small mountains of Langtang Himalayan range. The warm and friendly people of Helambu are mostly Buddhists. We also find many Buddhist Monasteries, unique and enchanting landscape, dense rhododendron forest and age-old traditional culture.

Upon arrival, meet and transfer to hotel. Check in & trek briefing. Late afternoon leisure walk in Thamel, a popular tourist district in Kathmandu Valley and a bustling bazaar which offers a glimpse of Nepal’s vibrant ethnic culture.

After breakfast drive to Melamchi Bazaar (4 hrs) and trek to Kakani.

The trail ascends through the beautiful villages, chorten, teashops and chir pine forest experiencing a lowland Tamang and Sherpa culture.

Today we head for Tarkeghyang. During early part of the trek, the trail descends until we cross the Melamchi Khola. Then we trek up to Tarkeghyang passing through Sherpa settlements. Enjoy the Himalayan peaks ofter appear before you glistening in the sunshine. Discover the village and its monastery which is one of the oldest and biggest monasteries in the region. The village is more popularly known as Helambu, since most of the inhabitants belong to the Helmu caste.

Today the trek trail follow the northern end of the village the trail turns east and drops steeply into a ravine. Here the vegetation changes to large firs, then oaks and rhododendrons, as we rapidly loose altitude. After crossing the Chhyadi Khola on a suspension bridge, the trail makes a short final ascent to the prosperous Sherpa village of Melamchigaon. We will arrive here early and the rest of today’s time can be spent strolling around the village. Melamchigaon is a large prosperous Sherpa village with extensive fields of barley, corn and potatoes. The gompa (Tibetan Buddhist temple) here has a line of prayer flags at the front, brightly painted walls and statues of Guru Rimpoche and his consorts.

We trek to Kyangjin Gompa. After lunch visit monastery and cheese factory.

Today we have short excursion to Yangri to view the Langtang mountain range.

Since, we do not gain altitude that much today, it’s going to be comparatively easy walk today. We forests, streams, and waterfalls. The trail makes a sweep around the wide valley end between Parachin and the Sherpa village of Gangyul. From Gangyul, we arrive at Sermathang. Discover the village. There is also a Buddhist monastery at the highest point of the village.

On our final day of the trek, we walk down to Melamchi Bazaar. The village is mostly inhabited by the Sherpa, but there are also people of other ethnicities.

After breakfast drive to Kathmandu (5 hrs) and check in hotel. Afternoon explore Asan Tol the colourful local market area and shopping in Thamel.

After breakfast check out of hotel. Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the famous Kumari, the world’s only living Goddess. Transfer to airport for departure.