Helambu Walk (13 Days)
Helambu Walk (13 Days)
A moderate, low altitude walk, suitable for beginners, which includes the Shivapuri watershed and wildlife reserve, together with wonderful mountain views.
Fitness grading: Walking1
Climate: See Climate for likely weather conditions
Duration: 13 Days
Price 1-7 people: £1400
Price 8 or more : £1300
Deposit: £300
Dates: Please contact us for dates
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Additional Information
This holiday starts on arrival in Kathmandu where time is allowed to relax following your journey, to explore the abundance of places to see and visit of cultural interest or simply to wander around, shop and take in the atmosphere. The local people are friendly and Kathmandu has a lively fun atmosphere that is enjoyable to be a part of.
The trek in the Helambu region is a short drive north from Kathmandu. Sundarijal the starting point of the trek is a trail that takes you to Helambu and steadily climbs on to the Shivapuri ridge from where there are sweeping views of the central Himalayas. Following a ridge-line the trek heads north to Thare Pati before turning east to Melamchigaon and Tarkeghyang the principle villages of this area. From here you will visit Sermathang before descending to the Melamchi river to end the trek with a drive from Melamchi Bazaar back to Kathmandu.
This is a great area for trekking in the spring and autumn seasons. The terrain will take you through the fir and rhododendron forests, through flower meadows and alongside streams The walk is suitable for moderate walkers as it does not reach heights to warrant concern over the altitude for most participants. This area has many tea houses along the route so camping is not necessary. Once back in Kathmandu there is time to relax and explore the temples, shops and restaurants before your return flight home.
What’s included:
Airport Transfers
Kathmandu hotel and breakfast
Accommodation and food on walk
Return bus journey to Sundarijal
Sherpa Guides, Porters and local helpers
Sherpa insurance
National Park fee
What’s not included:
Internal flights - see Useful Info
Additional Visits
Visa fees/airport tax - see Useful Info
Insurance
Other meals in Kathmandu
Any alcoholic drinks throughout the trip
Optional Sherpa and Porter bonuses
Click to see Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Depart home country
Day 2: Arrive Kathmandu
You will be met at the airport then drive for about 30 minutes to the hotel, where you can relax and have a meal and look around the local area.
Day 3: Kathmandu-rest and shopping
We will check everyone has the necessary kit for the trek ahead. There is time to hire/buy anything needed from the numerous equipment shops within 5 minutes walk of the hotel. The day can then be spent relaxing and seeing the sights of Kathmandu. A guide will be available to show you around.
Day 4: Drive Kathmandu to Mahankal (1360m)
Leaving Kathmandu you will travel by road to the village of Mahankal, about 6 hours away. The journey is an opportunity to see some of the farming areas of Nepal and there will be time to stop along the way for breaks and to have lunch.
Day 5: Trek to Tarkeghyang (2600m)
Today the trail takes you through some forest and around the wide valley and Sherpa villages. In the thick dense forests wild boar may be seen rooting for food in the undergrowth along the trail. There is a local monastery here that you can visit.
Day 6: Tarkeghyang – visit monastery trek to Gyang Yul
Today is a short days trek to Gyang Yul, trekking through beautiful farmland and local villages
Day 7: Trek to Semathang (2590m)
Leaving Tarkeghyang you will trek through beautiful landscape of rhododendron forest; also passing Mani walls and chortens to reach the Sherpa village of Semathang. There are ancient monasteries here to visit if you wish.
Day 8: Trek to Kakani (2070m) There are wonderful views from Kakani of the Himalayan skyline – Annapurna to Everest, Ganesh Himal Dhaulagiri ranges and more. It is a quieter area and rhododendrons growing wild only add to its charm.
Day 9: Trek to Melamchi (870m)
Leaving Kakani the trail decends to the town of Melamchi.
Day 10: Drive to Kathmandu
Today you will be driven to Kathmandu. Arriving back into the midst of a bustling city may feel a little strange after the peace and slower pace of the rural mountains of Nepal. Once at the hotel there is time to relax, sight see, shop and whatever else you wish to do.
Day 11: Kathmandu
Early morning Everest flight. Return to hotel for breakfast. Spend the rest of the day visiting Boudhanath.
Day 12: Depart Kathmandu