Overview of the trek
Helambu Valley Trek is short and easy trekking in Nepal Himalayas which is rich in culture and nature. It is in the northeast of the Kathmandu Valley, and is surrounded by a wall of peaks of 5,000 meters to the north, where we propose an interesting 8 days trek.
Tamangs and Sherpas people live in the Helambu area. The trek offers excellent views of Jugal Himal range. The trek starts from Sundarijal, a reservoir fed by the Himalayan River, and climbs to the Shivapuri Ridge, which offers gorgeous views of Gauri Shankar (7,134 m), Langtang Lirung (7,246 m), and Ganesh Himal (7,405 m).
Following a ridgeline, the trail passes through Kutumsang (2,450m), the first permanently inhabited village, and climbs through cool rhododendron forests (crawling with leeches during monsoon) to Tharepati (3,690m), the highest point of this trek. The trail from Tharepati plunges 1,000m to a tributary of the Melamchi Khola and above it the aging village of Melamchi-gaon.
After Melamchi Village (2530 m) descends eastwards to Melamchi Khola and continues on its east (left) bank towards Tarke Ghyang (2590 m). Tarke Ghyang is a beautiful village. The gompa on Tarke Ghyang offers excellent views of Dorje Lakpa (6,996 m) and Ganja La to the north. It is possible to go on a day hike from Tarke Ghyang to Ama Yanri Peak (3771 m) to see stunning views over the Himalayas but it is not included in our itinerary.
After Tarke Ghyang you have a choice of two roads, one is the footpath via Sermathang or the bus route via Kiul Takpa Kharka. The two routes eventually meet at Melamchi pul where you can take a bus back to Kathmandu. But you will trek to Melamchi Pul via Sermathang. The trek from Tarke Ghyang to Sarmathang is easy but going downhill from Sarmathang to Melamchi Pul Bazaar is a bit difficult. From Melamchi Pul Bazaar, Kathmandu is a few hours' drive via Panchkhal and Dhulikhel.
Highlights of the Helambu Valley Trek
- Panoramic vistas of Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, and other Himalayan peaks.
- Experience the traditions of the Tamang and Sherpa communities.
- Walk through lush forests inhabited by diverse flora and fauna.
- Visit ancient Buddhist monasteries and stupas.
- Savor traditional Nepali and Tibetan dishes along the route.
