Take a bus or jeep from Kathmandu to Sundarijal, about an hour, then walk to Chisapani at about 2,180 m. The trail climbs steep stone steps beside the water pipeline, passes the reservoir and enters Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, where you register your permit. It is about 8 km with 780 m of climbing, taking 4 to 5 hours, through oak and rhododendron forest. Chisapani is a ridge village with lodges and long views of the Himalaya on clear mornings. Enjoy the sunset and the first night in the hills.

Helambu Trek
An 8-day teahouse loop from Sundarijal over the Shivapuri ridge, Kutumsang and Tharepati to the Yolmo villages of Melamchigaon, Tarke Ghyang and Sermathang, close to Kathmandu.
- दिन8
- अधिकतम उचाइ३,६५० मि
- दूरी७३.२ कि.मि.
- उकालो५,१४५ मि
- कठिनाइमध्यम
- उत्तम महिनाMar–May, Oct–Nov
- अनुमतिपत्र3
फोटो: Gerd Eichmann · CC BY-SA 4.0
This route runs from Sundarijal to Melamchi and does not use the Syabrubesi or Trishuli road that the 26 August 2026 Langtang Lirung flood damaged (ICIMOD). No source we found reports damage on the Helambu trail itself.
If you plan to combine Helambu with Langtang or Gosaikunda (for example by the Tharepati link), or to reach Syabrubesi by road, read the Langtang advisory first: Syabrubesi, the usual Langtang road-head, is reported destroyed or closed as a trekking gateway, with the bridge to it swept away; restoration depends on the Betrawati highway reopening. The Trishuli Bazaar-Betrawati-Dhunche road was reported still closed for repair as of 21 September. A light-vehicle track has reopened, and agencies projected the remaining gaps passable no earlier than mid-October; that is a projection, not an official date.
Check current trail conditions with your trekking agency before booking.
स्थिति 2026-10-19 मा जाँचिएको।
स्रोतहरू: ICIMOD: Kyirong-Rasuwa flood, 26 August 2026 · Nepal Pyramids: Langtang Valley trek update after the 2026 flooding
Written by FindTrekkingPartner teamFindTrekkingPartner team द्वारा समीक्षितहामी कसरी समीक्षा गर्छौंFindTrekkingPartner
Helambu Trek नेपालको Langtang क्षेत्रमा पर्ने 8 दिनको ट्रेक हो, जुन ३,६५० मिटरसम्म उक्लिन्छ। विदेशी ट्रेकरहरूले आफ्नो मिति, बजेट र गतिसहित ट्रिप पोस्ट गरेर FindTrekkingPartner मा यसका लागि साथी खोज्न सक्छन्। दुवै ट्रेकर सहमत नभएसम्म म्याचहरू निजी रहन्छन्, र सेवा निःशुल्क छ। मध्यम स्तरको दरमा, चार जना ट्रेकरले बाँड्दा 8 दिनको लागि इजाजतपत्रप्राप्त गाइडको खर्च प्रति व्यक्ति लगभग USD ५० पर्छ, जबकि एक्लै जाँदा USD २०० पर्छ। उत्तम मौसमहरू Mar–May, Oct–Nov हुन्। यहाँ व्यवहारमा इजाजतपत्रप्राप्त गाइड आवश्यक छ: २०२६ का सञ्चालकहरूका अनुसार नेपाल पर्यटन बोर्डको अप्रिल २०२३ को नियम राष्ट्रिय निकुञ्ज र संरक्षण क्षेत्रका चेकपोइन्टहरूमा लागू गरिन्छ, जसमा लाङटाङ सबैभन्दा कडा छ र अन्नपूर्णमा पनि जाँच हुन्छ (१९ अक्टोबर २०२६ मा जाँचिएको)। दर्ता भएको एजेन्सीमार्फत गाइड लिनुहोस् र उनीहरूसँग पुष्टि गर्नुहोस्। पछिल्लो पटक पुष्टि गरिएको: २०२६ अक्टोबर २१। स्रोतहरू: नेपाल पर्यटन बोर्ड, DNPWC, अध्यागमन विभाग।
स्रोतहरू:Department of Immigration, NepalNepal Tourism BoardDepartment of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation
- Helambu Trek का लागि साथी खोज्नुहोस्अहिलेसम्म कुनै खुला ट्रिप छैन
- Langtang Valley Trek का लागि साथी खोज्नुहोस्अहिलेसम्म कुनै खुला ट्रिप छैन
- Gosaikunda Lake Trek का लागि साथी खोज्नुहोस्२ खुला ट्रिपहरू
- Tamang Heritage Trail का लागि साथी खोज्नुहोस्अहिलेसम्म कुनै खुला ट्रिप छैन
परिचय
उत्तम मौसम: Mar–May, Oct–Nov · अनुमतिपत्र: Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park entry permit, Langtang National Park entry permit, TIMS card where required
The Helambu trek is an 8-day loop through the hill villages north-east of Kathmandu, home of the Yolmo (Hyolmo) people, with a high point at Tharepati at about 3,650 m. It starts with a short drive to Sundarijal at the edge of the Kathmandu Valley, climbs through Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park to Chisapani, follows the ridge to Kutumsang and Tharepati, descends to Melamchigaon and Tarke Ghyang, and ends at Sermathang and Melamchi Bazaar before the drive back. The route covers about 90 km on foot with about 6,700 m of climbing and uses simple lodges every night, so no camping is needed. It is a moderate trek with steep stretches and long days, and no restricted-area permit is needed, only the national park permits. March to May and October to November are the best months, and winter is possible at low altitude. It suits first-time trekkers who want a short, cultural walk.
What the trek is like
From Sundarijal, the trail climbs steep stone steps beside a water pipeline into oak and rhododendron forest, then follows the Shivapuri ridge to Chisapani, a ridge village with long views of the Himalaya on clear mornings. Beyond Gul Bhanjyang and Kutumsang, the path climbs into fir and rhododendron forest to the Tharepati ridge, with views of Langtang Lirung and the Jugal range. It then descends to the Yolmo villages, with stone houses, mani walls and monasteries, and drops through apple orchards and terraces to Sermathang and Melamchi Bazaar. Most of the walk is on footpaths, with a few road crossings.
Highlights
- Tharepati, a high ridge with panoramic views of Langtang Lirung and the Jugal range
- Melamchigaon and Tarke Ghyang, Yolmo villages with gompas and mani walls
- Sermathang, known for its monastery and apple orchards
- Forest walks through Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
- Short access from Kathmandu, with no flights
Permits and rules
You need the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park entry permit at Sundarijal, the Langtang National Park entry permit for the higher section from Kutumsang on, and a TIMS card where the local office asks for it. Helambu is not a restricted area. The Nepal Tourism Board April 2023 rule requires foreign trekkers to use a licensed guide in national parks and conservation areas, and 2026 operator reports say checkpoints enforce it in Annapurna (ACAP), Langtang (the strictest) and most other parks, but not in Khumbu, where the municipality opted out (checked 19 October 2026). See the guide rule by region. Fees differ for foreigners, SAARC nationals and Nepalis, so ask for current amounts and check them with the park offices or the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation.
Best season
March to May and October to November are the best months, with clear views in autumn and rhododendron in spring. Winter is cold but clear and quieter, with snow above Kutumsang. The monsoon has leeches, rain and landslides, and the 2021 floods on the Melamchi river damaged the valley, so check road conditions at the end of the trek.
Altitude
The highest point is Tharepati at about 3,650 m, and most of the trek stays between 1,400 m and 2,600 m. The climb from Kutumsang (about 2,470 m) to Tharepati is steady, and most people do not feel altitude sickness, but sleep at Melamchigaon or Tarke Ghyang if you have a headache. Never ascend with symptoms, and descend if they worsen.
Getting there and away
Take a bus or jeep from Kathmandu to Sundarijal, about an hour, and walk from there. At the end, drive from Melamchi Bazaar to Kathmandu in about 3 to 4 hours. Some trekkers use a jeep for part of the first or last section, and jeeps also serve Chisapani and Kutumsang in places. Landslides can close the Melamchi road in the monsoon.
Lodges, food and costs
Lodges at Chisapani, Kutumsang, Tharepati, Melamchigaon, Tarke Ghyang and Sermathang offer dal bhat, noodles, eggs and tea in simple rooms with blankets. Facilities are basic, and prices rise with altitude. Bring cash for the whole trek, because there are no machines beyond Sundarijal and Melamchi.
Packing list
Broken-in boots, waterproof layers, a warm jacket, a sleeping bag rated to about minus 5 C, hat and gloves, sunglasses, sun cream, trekking poles, a headlamp, water purification and a first-aid kit. In winter and early spring add a down jacket and in summer leech socks.
Who this trek suits and how to prepare
The trek suits first-time trekkers and anyone with limited time. The days are long at 6 to 9 hours, with steep ups and downs, so prepare with hill walks, stair training and some days with a loaded pack. No technical skills are needed.
The plan at a glance
Day 1 walks from Sundarijal to Chisapani and day 2 to Kutumsang. Day 3 climbs to Tharepati and day 4 descends to Melamchigaon. Day 5 walks to Tarke Ghyang and day 6 to Sermathang. Day 7 descends to Melamchi Bazaar and day 8 drives to Kathmandu.
Extensions
From Tharepati you can continue over the Laurebina La, at about 4,600 m, to Gosaikunda and Dhunche, a trek of three to four more days that joins Langtang. You can also add a day at Tarke Ghyang or Melamchigaon, or walk from Sermathang to Melamchi Bazaar by the lower trail.
Practical tips from the trail
- Walking times in the day plan are estimates from distance and climb, checked against operator itineraries; real times differ with pace, load and weather.
- Take rain gear even in autumn, since afternoon cloud is common.
- Start early on the long days to Kutumsang and Tharepati.
- Carry cash and small notes, as villages have no machines.
- Respect monasteries and walk clockwise around mani walls.
- Check the weather before leaving Kutumsang, because snow can block the ridge in winter.
Responsible trekking
Take rubbish out, use filtered water, buy from local families and respect Yolmo customs. Do not give sweets or money to children.
मुख्य आकर्षण
- Tharepati ridge at about 3,650 m, with views of the Langtang range
- Yolmo (Hyolmo) villages and monasteries at Melamchigaon, Tarke Ghyang and Sermathang
- Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park forest above Sundarijal
- Rhododendron, oak and fir forest and apple orchards
- A short trek that starts and ends within a day of Kathmandu
मार्ग नक्सा
दिनदिनको विवरण
A long ridge day from Chisapani to Kutumsang at about 2,470 m via Gul Bhanjyang, about 17 km with 1,500 m of climbing and 1,200 m of descent, taking 7.5 to 9 hours. The trail follows the Shivapuri ridge and crosses forested hills and farm villages, with road crossings in places. Gul Bhanjyang has lodges for lunch, and the route enters Langtang National Park after the checkpost. Kutumsang is a Yolmo and Tamang village with a small gompa and lodges. Rest and watch the sunset.
तपाईं अघिल्लो रातभन्दा १,१८० मि माथि सुत्नुहुन्छ, जुन सामान्य ५०० मिटरको मार्गदर्शनभन्दा बढी हो। बिस्तारै हिँड्नुहोस्, प्रशस्त पानी पिउनुहोस् र टाउको दुखाइ वा वाकवाकी भए ध्यान दिनुहोस्।
Climb from Kutumsang to Tharepati at about 3,650 m, about 10 km with a climb of 1,330 m, taking 5.5 to 7 hours. The trail rises through fir and rhododendron forest to the ridge, with the route opening onto meadows and views of Langtang Lirung and the Jugal range. Tharepati is a high saddle with a few lodges and cold, windy nights. Put on warm layers early, eat well and drink plenty of water. The altitude is the highest of the trek, so watch for any headache.
A short descent from Tharepati to Melamchigaon at about 2,540 m, about 5 km with a drop of 1,170 m, taking 2 to 3 hours. The trail drops steeply through fir forest and rhododendron, with views of the Melamchi valley opening ahead. Melamchigaon is a Yolmo village of stone houses, mani walls and a gompa, with lodges and apple orchards. The air feels warmer after Tharepati. Spend the afternoon exploring the village and the monastery, and rest your knees. Apple and cheese may be on offer.
Walk from Melamchigaon to Tarke Ghyang at about 2,580 m, about 6 km with 680 m of climbing and 650 m of descent, taking 3 to 4 hours. The trail crosses the Melamchi Khola on a bridge and climbs to the village, which is known for its large monastery, long mani wall and traditional houses. Tarke Ghyang has lodges and shops, and it is a good place to learn about Yolmo culture. Walk around the village in the afternoon and visit the gompa, respecting local customs.
A moderate walk from Tarke Ghyang to Sermathang at about 2,580 m, about 10 km with 700 m of climbing and 670 m of descent, taking 4 to 5 hours. The trail follows the ridge through forest, meadows and small villages, with views of terraced hills and the Melamchi valley. Sermathang is known for its monastery, its apple orchards and its views, and it has simple lodges. Use the afternoon to rest, wash clothes and watch the sunset over the hills. Take poles for the steep stone steps.
A long descent from Sermathang to Melamchi Bazaar at about 820 m, about 17 km with a drop of 1,890 m, taking 5 to 7 hours. The trail follows footpaths and sections of the road down through forest, farms and villages, with the air getting warmer and more humid. Use poles to spare your knees. Melamchi Bazaar is a busy town on the river, rebuilt after the 2021 floods, with hotels and shops. Rest, shower and celebrate the last day of walking.
तपाईं अघिल्लो रातभन्दा ५८० मि माथि सुत्नुहुन्छ, जुन सामान्य ५०० मिटरको मार्गदर्शनभन्दा बढी हो। बिस्तारै हिँड्नुहोस्, प्रशस्त पानी पिउनुहोस् र टाउको दुखाइ वा वाकवाकी भए ध्यान दिनुहोस्।
Drive from Melamchi Bazaar to Kathmandu, about 3 to 4 hours by jeep or bus along the Melamchi road. The road can be slow in places, and landslides in the monsoon can cause delays. Leave early to arrive in Kathmandu in the afternoon, and keep a spare day in the schedule if possible. Back in the hotel, shower, repack and celebrate with a good dinner. Tip your guide and porters according to your agency's guidelines. Keep your passport and permit copies in your hand luggage.
अनुकूलन
रातैपिच्छे सुत्ने उचाइ। रातो पट्टीहरू अघिल्लो रातभन्दा ५०० मिटरभन्दा बढी चढेका हुन्; आराम दिन चिन्ह लगाइएको छ।
- सुत्ने उचाइ
- ५०० मिटरभन्दा बढी चढाइ
- आराम दिन
कति खर्च लाग्छ
प्रति व्यक्ति अनुमानित सबै-समेतको खर्च: उचाइअनुसार लज र खाना, यातायात, अनुमतिपत्र, र गाइड तथा पोर्टर। जति धेरै ट्रेकरले गाइड र पोर्टर बाँड्छन्, प्रत्येकले त्यति कम तिर्छन्। २०२६ अक्टोबर सम्मको अनुसार।
| शैली | १ ट्रेकर | २ ट्रेकर बाँडेर | ४ ट्रेकर बाँडेर |
|---|---|---|---|
| किफायती | US$ ३२०–US$ ४८०* | US$ २४०–US$ ३६०* | US$ २००–US$ ३००* |
| मध्यम | US$ ४७०–US$ ७२०* | US$ ३४०–US$ ५१०* | US$ ३००–US$ ४५०* |
| आरामदायी | US$ ५३०–US$ ७९०* | US$ ४५०–US$ ६७०* | US$ ४१०–US$ ६१०* |
२ ट्रेकरले बाँड्दाको विवरण
| विवरण | किफायती | मध्यम | आरामदायी |
|---|---|---|---|
| लज र खाना | US$ १२०–US$ १९० | US$ १६०–US$ २६० | US$ २१०–US$ ३३० |
| अनुमतिपत्र | US$ ४०–US$ ५० | US$ ४०–US$ ५० | US$ ४०–US$ ५० |
| गाइड | US$ ८०–US$ १२० | US$ ८०–US$ १२० | US$ ८०–US$ १२० |
| पोर्टर | — | US$ ५०–US$ ९० | US$ १००–US$ १८० |
बजेटमा सार्वजनिक यातायात र पोर्टरबिना; मध्यम स्तरमा दुई ट्रेकरबीच एक पोर्टर र निजी सवारी साधन बाँडिन्छ; आरामदायीमा प्रत्येक ट्रेकरलाई एक पोर्टर। गाइड अनिवार्य भएको ठाउँमा वा मध्यम स्तर अथवा आरामदायी शैलीमा समावेश गरिएको हुन्छ।
३ रात Below 2,500 m: कोठा US$ २–US$ ९, दाल भात US$ ४–US$ ७ · ४ रात 2,500 to 3,800 m: कोठा US$ ३–US$ ७, दाल भात US$ ४–US$ ७
- PriceNepal: Nepal Travel Cost Guide 2026 (2026-05-14)
- Third Rock Adventures: Nepal trek budget planner (2026-05-09)
- Himalayan Partner: Guide and porter price in Nepal 2026 (2026-02-10)
- Shikhar Adventure: Annapurna Circuit trek cost (2026-02-03)
- Third Rock Adventures: Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (2026-10-18)
अपरेटर गाइडबाट लिइएका अनुमान हुन्, कोटेसन होइनन्। टिप, बीमा, सामान र काठमाडौंका होटल समावेश छैनन्; USD प्लेटफर्मको विनिमय दरमा।
फोटोहरू
प्रायः सोधिने प्रश्नहरू
You need the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park permit and the Langtang National Park permit for the higher section. Helambu is not a restricted area. Ask for current fees.
The Nepal Tourism Board April 2023 rule requires foreign trekkers to use a licensed guide in national parks and conservation areas, and 2026 operator reports say checkpoints enforce it in Annapurna (ACAP), Langtang (the strictest) and most other parks, but not in Khumbu, where the municipality opted out (checked 19 October 2026). Confirm with a registered agency. A guide is helpful for route finding and permits.
Eight days from Kathmandu on this plan, including seven days of walking and a drive back. It can be done in 5 to 6 days by skipping some stages.
About 3,650 m according to the elevation model, while sources quote between about 3,600 and 3,700 m. It is the highest point of the trek.
March to May and October to November. Winter is cold but clear at low altitude, and the monsoon has leeches and landslides.
The Yolmo, or Hyolmo, are a Buddhist community of Helambu, related to Tibetan and Sherpa culture, known for their monasteries and for apples.
Yes. From Tharepati you can cross the Laurebina La to Gosaikunda and Dhunche, adding about three to four days.
स्रोतहरू
- Helambu Circuit Trek, 7 days (Himalayan Local Guide)
- Helambu Circuit Trek itinerary (Everest Trekking Routes)
- Helambu (Wikipedia)
- Langtang National Park (Wikipedia)
- Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park (Wikipedia)
- Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Nepal
- Nepal Tourism Board
- Himalayan Rescue Association
- OpenStreetMap (elevation tags of villages and ridges)
बाटोभरि
मार्गको हरेक दिन बास, चिकित्सा सहायता, पानी र हेर्नलायक ठाउँहरू।
1. Sundarijal → Chisapani
- Sundarijal Swastha Chauki · चिकित्सा · १,६८६ मि
- Shivapuri Jungle View Resort · बास · २,१३४ मि
- Hotel B.B.C. · बास · २,१७२ मि
- Sunrise Hotel · बास · २,१६८ मि
- Hotel Annapurna Mountain View · बास · २,१७४ मि
Show all 11 places
- Hotel Mount D.J. · बास · १,७०९ मि
- Sundarijal Swastha Chauki · चिकित्सा · १,६८६ मि
- Hotel Karma and Restaurant · बास · १,६७० मि
- City View Restaurant & Lodge · बास · १,९७३ मि
- City View Guest House & Restaurant · बास · १,९७२ मि
- Safal top rest point, hotel anf lodge · बास · २,००६ मि
- Aman hotel · बास · २,०११ मि
- Shivapuri Jungle View Resort · बास · २,१३४ मि
- Hotel B.B.C. · बास · २,१७२ मि
- Sunrise Hotel · बास · २,१६८ मि
- Hotel Annapurna Mountain View · बास · २,१७४ मि
2. Chisapani → Kutumsang
- Dorje Lakpa Hotel · बास · २,१६३ मि
- Viewpoint · दृश्यावलोकन स्थल · २,१४९ मि
- Himalayan Inn · बास · २,४८८ मि
- Mountain View Lodge & Resort · बास · २,४८० मि
- Kutumsang Health Centre · चिकित्सा · २,४७८ मि
- Aana yangri · बास · २,४७५ मि
Show all 22 places
- Dorje Lakpa Hotel · बास · २,१६३ मि
- Hotel Trekkers paradise and Mountain View Restaurant · बास · २,१४० मि
- Hotel Chisopani · बास · २,१४० मि
- Chisopani · बास · २,१४० मि
- Viewpoint · दृश्यावलोकन स्थल · २,१४९ मि
- Mount Bliss · बास · २,१३८ मि
- Himalayan Vista · बास · २,१३१ मि
- Hotel Everest View Point · बास · २,०४५ मि
- Hotel Lama · बास · १,७९६ मि
- Lama Guest House · बास · १,८४७ मि
- Namaste Hotel · बास · २,१५५ मि
- Thotung Top · बास · २,३०९ मि
- Sunrise Lodge · बास · २,२७६ मि
- Thodong Lama Lodge · बास · २,२७५ मि
- Green hill view · बास · २,२६८ मि
- Tashi Delek Hotel · बास · २,२६७ मि
- Himalayan New Lodge & Restaurant · बास · २,१४० मि
- New Gosainkunda Lodge & Restaurant · बास · २,१३७ मि
- Himalayan Inn · बास · २,४८८ मि
- Mountain View Lodge & Resort · बास · २,४८० मि
- Kutumsang Health Centre · चिकित्सा · २,४७८ मि
- Aana yangri · बास · २,४७५ मि
3. Kutumsang → Tharepati
- Yak Hotel & Guest House · बास · २,४६४ मि
- Gosaikunda Hotel · बास · २,४७३ मि
- Langtang Lirung View · बास · २,४६९ मि
- Hotel Namaste · बास · २,४७४ मि
4. Tharepati → Melamchigaon
- Langtang Lirung View · बास · ३,६४६ मि
- Hotel Thasi Delek · बास · ३,६३७ मि
- Sumchho Top Lodge (3642m) · बास · ३,६४२ मि
5. Melamchigaon → Tarke Ghyang
- Himalaya Lama Lodge · बास · २,५४३ मि
- Dhingha Rangjen Community Health Service Center · चिकित्सा · २,५१५ मि
- Eco Friendly Home & Lodge · बास · २,५३७ मि
- Hotel Eco Friendly · बास · २,५१३ मि
- Zambala Guest House & Restaurant · बास · १,९९२ मि
6. Tarke Ghyang → Sermathang
- Hotel Tarkeyghyang · बास · २,५५३ मि
- Hotel Tarkeghyang · बास · २,५५६ मि
- Hotel Yangri Peak · बास · २,५६४ मि
- Ama Yangri Base Camp · बास · ३,१७३ मि
Show all 5 places
- Hotel Tarkeyghyang · बास · २,५५३ मि
- Hotel Tarkeghyang · बास · २,५५६ मि
- Hotel Yangri Peak · बास · २,५६४ मि
- Buddha Lodge · बास · २,५७० मि
- Ama Yangri Base Camp · बास · ३,१७३ मि
7. Sermathang → Melamchi
- Keureni Swasthe Ikai · चिकित्सा · १,४०१ मि
- Dubachaur swasthe chauki · चिकित्सा · १,५५३ मि
- Melamchi hotel · बास · ८२५ मि
Show all 7 places
- Keureni Swasthe Ikai · चिकित्सा · १,४०१ मि
- Dubachaur swasthe chauki · चिकित्सा · १,५५३ मि
- Melamchi polyclinic and research center · चिकित्सा · ८५१ मि
- Jaraayetar Ayurveda Aushadhalaya · चिकित्सा · ८६६ मि
- Melamchi phc · चिकित्सा · ८५१ मि
- Melamchi hotel · बास · ८२५ मि
- Melamchi hospital · चिकित्सा · ८२६ मि
8. Melamchi → Kathmandu
- त्रिभुवन अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय विमानस्थल · विमानस्थल र यातायात · १,३४० मि