Overview

Trip introduction

Helambu Cultural Trek is a short, comfortable, and safe trekking journey organized at moderate altitudes nearby Kathmandu Valley. During Helambu Cultural Trekking, you will feel blessed with the vistas of the Himalayas. It provides you with an opportunity to pass through wonderful dense forests, spectacular landscapes, culturally rich villages. And of course, the great views of the Himalayas. Walking through these amazing trails will enchant you in every aspect and will take you to complete another wonderland; an amazingly divine experience.

Overview of Helambu Cultural Trek

Helambu Cultural Trek begins as we go for a short drive through the bustling city Kathmandu to naturally blessed Sundarijal. Then we follow the trails from Chisapani. Afterward,  Kutumsang, Thadepati, Melamchi Gaun, Tarkeghyang, and finally Timbu before heading back towards central Kathmandu. Helambu cultural trekking is an enjoyable walk that gives us insights into both Hindu and Buddhist cultures. Along with magnificent views of landscapes, lush green valleys, forests, and waterfalls, the cultural aspects are also diversified. Majorly inhabited by Tibetan Sherpas and Tamang people, this cultural trek is absolutely great chance to witness the true culture, lifestyle, and traditions of local inhabitants. This Cultural Trek also offers you to explore the foods and uniforms, languages, and festival celebrations along the trails.

When to join Helambu Cultural Trek and how?

Regarding the best seasons, Autumn months from September, October, and November or Spring months from March, April, and May are highly recommended. Whereas, during the Winter months of December, January, and February temperatures fall drastically at the night. Join Helambu Cultural Trekking with Nepal Mountain Trekkers for the best arrangements in a safe and hospitable way and make it once in a lifetime memory.  Simply fill the Booking form and let us know about your interest in Helambu Cultural Trek. Or you can contact us directly by sending us an email in order to join this amazing trek in Langtang Region.

Overview

Detail Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu – (1,365m/4,264 ft)::

On your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport meet our representative for the courtesy transfer to the hotel for your stay in a private vehicle. S/he shall help you with settling in the room allotted to you in the hotel. After getting refreshed, you may stroll around the buzzing Thamel area full of restaurants, hotels, tea shops, and a rush of tourists. Enjoy authentic cuisines later in the evening. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 2 : Kathmandu Sightseeing and Preparation for the Trek::

Today we shall be meeting with the tour guide and trekking leader who shall brief you with the details and necessary information on the short yet enriching adventure you are about to embark on in the Helambu region. Get yourself clarified about the issues which you have doubts about. We shall also spend the day exploring the heritages of Kathmandu featuring them in the world heritage site list. The grandeur and holiness of the Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, stupas of Swayambhunath, and Boudhanath radiating peace and Buddhist teachings for the visitors and Kathmandu Durbar Square displaying the architectural excellences reflected in the royal palace, temples, resting places, museum, and other monuments are the attractions for today. After exploring these heritages, get prepared for the adventure beginning tomorrow. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 3 : Drive to Sundarijal and trek to Chisapani (2,300m/7,544 ft): Drive 1.5 hour, Trek 5 hours::

After breakfast, we shall head on to the trailhead of Sundarijal for our cultural trek. In a drive of around an hour and a half, we shall reach the quaint settlement surrounded by a waterfall, cool environment, and soaring river. Starting with the climb on a stone staircase into the natural sanctuary of Shivapuri National Park, we shall trek ahead through the dense forest rich in oak, rhododendron, and pine trees, watershed, and serene environment to reach the settlement of Mulkharka. Enjoy the chips of birds and explore the diversity of flora and fauna to descent to Chisapani past scattered farm fields and settlements. Stay overnight in Chisapani.

Day 4 : Chisapani to Kutumsang (2,446m/8,022ft): 7 hours::

We begin our trek with the marvelous sight of sunrise over the Himalayan panorama from Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal to Langtang and Jugal Himal range, including other peaks. Walking on the hillside and through lush forest areas, we descent to Pati Bhanjyang village, a settlement inhabited by the Brahmin and Chhetri communities. Traverse through the winding trail with the uphill and downhill trek through the settlements of Gulbhanjyang and Chhiplin and patch of forests as well as other smaller settlements. Trek ahead through farm villages and lush landscapes, rolling hills, and green landscapes and interact with ever-smiling locals to reach the destination for today, the Kutumsang village dominated by Sherpa and Tamang community. Stay overnight in Kutumsang.

Day 5 : Kutumsang to Thadepati (3,650m/11,972ft): 6 hours::

Today we shall begin a bit longer hike up for the village of Thadepati. The trek begins after we shall get our Langtang National Park permits issued and move ahead towards a big hill. Meandering through the forest dominated by Sal, oak, pine, and rhododendron trees, we climb to the summit of a big hill known as Yurin Danda ridge and to a beautiful pass before trekking down again to the forested area. The march continues through the cool shades of forest which open up to an open area with an army check post and some teahouses. Further ahead in the trail we reach the settlement of Thadepati after a short climb to conclude our walk for today. Little ahead we shall have a trail diverting to the famous Gosaikunda Lake. Stay overnight in Thadepati.

Day 6 : Thadepati to Tarkeghyang (2,560m/8397ft) via Melamchi Gaun(2,550m/8,366ft): 7-8 hours::

In final full-day trekking before we wrap up our adventure, today we have a long walk on the hills. In a pleasant downhill trek after a short climb to the ridge top, we shall begin our trek. From overnight stay at Thadepati, we shall navigate through the rhododendron, hemlock, pine, and fir forest, past temporary settlements and Sheppard’s huts before crossing the famous Melamchi River to reach Melamchi Gaun, after a gentle climb. Ahead from this settlement of Tamang and Yolmo community following Buddhism, we have a steep descent again to the Melamchi River. Crossing the river over the suspension bridge, our trek continues to Tarkeghyang after an uphill climb over the hill above the river via Nakote village. Tarkeghyang is famous for wooden products with intricate Tibetan carvings, green apple orchards, and old Buddhist monasteries. Stay overnight in Tarkeghyang.

Day 7 : Tarkeghyang to Timbu (1,637m/ 5,370 ft) trek 2-3 hours and drive to Kathmandu 4-5 hours by private vehicle::

Today is the final trekking day in this beautiful valley which shall begin with the descent from the settlement of Tarkeghyang. Walking along the ridge overlooking beautiful and green surroundings, we trek ahead and branch off from the main trail heading to the Sermanthang in the classical Helambu Circuit trail. Traversing through the dense and lush forest with rhododendron, past series of Mani walls, a monastery, and cross over a small stream before reaching a famous village of Kakani which is the dwelling place of the Sherpa community. Further ahead of Kakani, we shall pass through another series of Mani walls and Chortens before trekking down to the destination of Timbu. From here we shall take on a drive to Kathmandu along the Arniko Highway. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 8 : Departure Day::

Your pursuit to explore the rich cultural heritages of Helambu valley and enjoy the serenity of the region comes to an end today. Unless you desire to extend your stay in Nepal and explore other beautiful destinations, our representative shall assist you with your departure to your onward destination. You shall be escorted to the airport as per your flight schedule. We hope to have helped you create memories for a lifetime and wish to serve you in other adventures in Nepal, the nation of the Himalayas. Thank you.

Price Includes

• Airport Pick-up and drop service
• 3-night Hotel in Kathmandu (Hotel Green Horizon or similar standard)
• All accommodation during the trek in the best hotels/tea-houses in the area (differing according to the price you wish to spend)
  • Sanitation: The accommodation we provide will be neat and clean with warm-hospitality and quality services.
  • Single/Twin-sharing Accommodation (as per budget): Your group won’t have to share your accommodation with anyone else so your privacy is protected.
• All foods during the trek: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner; any items on the menu as much as you wish to consume.
  • We provide hygienic and safe meals to re-energize you.
  • We request you not to waste your meals for it is difficult to transport food in the rural area.
  • You are not allowed to share your meals with anyone else from another group.
• Transportation costs: Kathmandu-Sundarijal and Timbu-Kathmandu.
• Professional and Highly experienced English-speaking Trekking Guide licensed by the Government. Including their lodging and food.
  • Local Staffs: Our guides are locals of the region which ensures that you will surely get to explore a bit more during the trek than with any other guides.
  • Experienced: With the experience of more than a decade of working in this field, our trekking guides possess excellent knowledge on briefing during the trek as well as they are experts in handling all kinds of critical situations that might occur during the trek.
  • Insurance: Nepal Mountain Trekkers have an insurance policy for all our trekking staff.
• Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers with a max load of 25 KG). Including their lodging and food.
  • Local Staffs: The porters we hire belong to the same region where we trek in order to provide employment opportunities to the locals as well as to make you explore every prospect of the region.
• Trekking permits: TIMS card, Langtang National Park, and Shivapuri National Park fees
• First aid medical box
• T-shirt, Duffel Bag, and Trekking Map with Company Logo
• Rescue Arrangement Service
• All required trekking gear like Sleeping bags and Down jackets made available on rent
• 13% VAT and 10% company service charge
• Farewell Dinner

Price Excludes

• Visa fee to enter Nepal (Visa Information)
• International flight tickets and extra baggage charges
• Extra night accommodation and meal costs in Kathmandu due to any change in the scheduled itinerary
• Travel insurance/ Rescue operation costs
• All personal expenses
• Tips for guide and porters

Trip Gallery

Trip Map:

Equipments