Helambu and Shivapuri, Nepal / Trek

Helambu

Walk from the Kathmandu Valley rim through Chisapani, Tharepati and the villages of Helambu.

The village of Melamchigaon in Helambu
The village of Melamchigaon in Helambu.
Duration
11 daysOutline programme
Journey
TrekHelambu and Shivapuri
Season
Spring and autumnAsk for current dates
Experience
Moderate hill trekTrek

A closer look at the journey.

Helambu offers a walking route within reach of Kathmandu, beginning at Sundarijal and climbing onto the valley rim at Chisapani. Beyond the ridge, the trail passes Kutumsang and Tharepati before reaching the settlements of Tarkeghyang and Sermathang. Forests, terraced slopes and village paths give the trek much of its character.

The route returns by way of Melamchi Pul, with Kathmandu time on either side of the walking section. It avoids a domestic mountain flight and can suit travellers who prefer hill walking to a long approach into the highest valleys. The paths still involve substantial climbing and descent, so it should not be confused with a gentle city excursion.

  • The ridge above Sundarijal and Chisapani
  • Forests and high ground around Tharepati
  • Tarkeghyang and Sermathang villages

The route, day by day.

This is an outline programme. The team will confirm the route and arrangements with you, allowing for weather, access and local conditions.

Day 1Arrive in Kathmandu

Begin the programme with your arrival connection and time to settle in. Meet the local team to review the journey ahead.

Day 2Kathmandu Valley sightseeing

Spend the day on the planned local visits, with walking and travel arranged around access and your interests.

Day 3Drive to Sundarijal and walk to Chisapani

Continue the agreed road or onward travel stage, with stops and the overnight location coordinated locally.

Day 4Chisapani to Kutumsang

Follow the walking route from Chisapani to Kutumsang. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 5Kutumsang to Tharepati

Follow the walking route from Kutumsang to Tharepati. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 6Tharepati to Tarkeghyang

Follow the walking route from Tharepati to Tarkeghyang. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 7Tarkeghyang to Sermathang

Follow the walking route from Tarkeghyang to Sermathang. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 8Sermathang to Melamchi Pul

Follow the walking route from Sermathang to Melamchi Pul. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 9Drive to Kathmandu

Continue the agreed road or onward travel stage, with stops and the overnight location coordinated locally.

Day 10Kathmandu: flexible day

Keep this day available for local exploration or adjustments to the preceding travel stages.

Day 11Depart Kathmandu

Complete the programme with the agreed departure transfer and onward travel arrangements.

A clear plan and quotation.

Request an itemised quotation for your group, dates and preferred level of support. Agree the inclusions before booking travel.

Services to discuss

  • Local guiding and mountain support arrangements
  • City and mountain accommodation, equipment and meal plan
  • Ground travel and any domestic flights shown in the agreed programme
  • Local access and trip arrangements required for the route

Budget separately

  • International travel and connections outside the agreed programme
  • Personal travel insurance and personal equipment
  • Drinks, personal purchases and optional activities
  • Tips and changes requested beyond the agreed programme

Before you set out.

Comfortable daily hill walking and preparation for consecutive active days. Discuss the route, steps and overnight conditions before choosing the trek.

Accommodation: Hotels on the travel stages, with mountain lodges or camps as agreed for the walking route.

Use the trip preparation guide to plan equipment, travel documents and questions for the team.

Can the daily walking plan change?

Yes. Weather, trail conditions and the group's pace can affect individual stages. Agree the overall route and any important alternatives with the team.

Does Helambu require a mountain flight?

This programme approaches and leaves the walking route by road from Kathmandu. The exact road connections are agreed with the team.

Everest, Lhotse and Makalu catching the last sun, seen from Gokyo Ri

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Season

Highest altitude so far, any summits, and when you can travel.