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Helambu Circuit
Start of the Trip: Kathmandu
End of the Trip: Kathmandu
Duration: 8 Days
Difficulty: Easy – Medium
Hotels: Very Good
Seasons: October – April
Maximum Elevation: 3640m,
Helambu
Helambu is located 75km north of Kathmandu circling the Melamchi Khola. You can catch a good view of mountain landscapes along this region. The area is blissfully quiet and sees few trekkers. Loop around from Sundarijal to Thimbu or Kiul, passing alpine meadows and Buddhists villages. Or alternatively you may also choose to trek from Helambu onto the end of Langtang or Gosaikund trek, crossing into Helambu via high altitude passes at Laurebina La (4610m) or Ganja La (5106m). The region is good to trek from October – May. Common gateways to this trek include Sundarijal and Kiul & Thimbu.
About the trek
This is the closest trek route from Kathmandu. Most trekkers also consider this as a sample for Nepal’s trekking experience. Trek through the Alpine meadows, past Buddhist villages and enjoy the soaring views of majestic Himalayas. Commence the trek from Sundarijal, and visit Shivapuri National Park on the very first Day. Most of the inhabitants of this region are Sherpas. Learn about the culture and lifestyle of Sherpas of Helambu, who often call themselves Yolmo. They are different from Sherpas of Khumbu region and have unique culture. Visit the sacred site of Melamchi Ghyang and Tharepati, where the great Guru Rinpoche was believed to have meditated long ago. There also exquisite gompa enshrining statues of Guru Rinpoche, Sakyamuni, and Chenresig (Avalokitesvara) to visit in this region. There are sites around Helambu that are associated with the great Padmasambhava, (Buddhist deity), and 11th century Tibetan poet Milarepa. Between the months of March or April, Yolmo (Local Sherpas) conduct special rituals praying to the sacred mountains there.
Attractions
Shivapuri National Park, Melamchi Ghyang, Tharepati, Nakote Village Gompa, Gekye Gompa, Melamchi Gompa.
Map
Photos of Helambu Circuit
Tour Itinerary
Day | Section & Atitude | Hours |
1 | Arrival at Kathmandu & Transfer to Hotel | |
2 | Sundarijal to Borlang Bhanjyang Borlang Bhanjyang to Chisopani (2140m) – 41/2 hours, 1150m ascent, 150m descent |
1.30 3.00 0.30 |
3 | Chisopani to Pati Bhanjyang (1770m) Pati Bhanjyang to Thotong Thotong to Golphu Bhanjyang (2140m) 890m ascent, 970m descent |
2.00 3.00 1.30 |
4 | Golphu Bhanjyang to Khutumsang (2450m) Khutumsang to Magin Goth (3285m) Magin Goth to Tharepati (3640m) 1650m ascent, 210m descent |
2.00 |
5 | Tharepati to Trail Junction Trail Junction to Melamchi Ghyang (2530m) 1160m descent, 100m ascent |
2.00 2.00 |
6 | Melamchi Ghyang to Nakote (1980m) Nakote to Dozum (2320m) 1.45 Dozum to Tarke Ghyang (2590m) 0.45, 610m descent, 670 ascent |
2.30 1.45 0.45 |
7 | Tarke Ghyang to Kakani Kakani to Thimbu Thimbu to Kiul 1310m descent |
2.15 0.45 1.00 |
8 |
Kiul to Kathmandu Kathmandu Departure |
|
**** From either Kiul or Thimbu you can catch a bus back to Kathmandu.
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