Helambu Trek

Day 1: Drive to Sundarijal and trek to Chisopani

As soon as we finish breakfast, we will embark on an hour-long drive to Sundarijal at the foothills of Kathmandu Valley, to start our trek there and then continue towards Chisapani – approximately four to five hours away. Subsequently, we will head towards Shivapuri National Park by hiking uphill towards Mulkhara – a scenic Tamang village situated 600 meters higher. Mulkhara provides us with a welcome opportunity for snacks and tea before continuing along a ridge through dense forests of rhododendrons and oak trees that bloom beautifully during springtime. This path through the woodland will ultimately take us to Chisapani.

Day 2 Trek to Khutumsang from Chisopani

Start the day right by arriving early at Chisapani viewpoint to witness an unforgettable sunrise, as morning light dances across the Himalayan range. Following breakfast, we’ll embark on a 5–6-hour journey towards Kutumsang through picturesque meadows and farmlands that offer breathtaking vistas of the Langtang Mountains. Ascending to Pathi Bhanjyang village for lunch, from there ascend to a hill pass for another steep ascent before making way downhill towards Gul Bhanjyang before finally landing in Kutumsang for an overnight stay.

Day 3 Trek to Tharepati from Kutumsang

After breakfast, we will head northwards in search of stunning snow-capped peaks visible in the distance. Our journey will lead us up a challenging path winding through dense forests of fir and rhododendron; Nepal’s national flower flourishing abundantly here – eventually arriving at Yurin Danda where stunning Himalayan views await; further on we reach Magen Goth a cluster of lodges located by a meadow offering panoramic mountain vistas; finally making our way towards Tharepati.

Day 4 Trek to Tarke Ghangyul from Kutumsang

This excursion promises to be an enlightening experience, providing us with insight into diverse cultures and lifestyles. Beginning from a ridgeline descent in the east, our trek will then proceed south towards Melamchi village – one of our journey’s highlights!

Day 5 Trek to Sermanthang from Tarke Ghangyul and back to Kathmandu

Guru Rinpoche led us on an exploration of various Buddhist stupas, shrines, and monasteries in this village of Sherpas, similar to Solu Khumbu further east. Later, we passed through multiple Sherpa communities while enjoying panoramic mountain views before hiking up towards Tarke Ghyang for one of its largest and oldest monasteries – Tarke Ghyang is commonly known by its local name of Helambu, although actually this term encompasses Tamang as well as Sherpa communities located here. Assure yourself of an enjoyable journey without high-altitude climbs along this route from Tarke Ghyang to Sermanthang. From there you will pass stunning landscapes such as dense forests, rivers and cascades; trekking between Parachin and Gangyul Sherpa settlement will bring you through many small villages; then from Gangyul you’ll arrive in Sermanthang–famous for its Buddhist monasteries–before taking a bus ride back through Melamchi Bazar along Melamchi River offering breathtaking vistas along the way back into Kathmandu.