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.
- Days8
- Max altitude3,650 m
- Distance73.2 km
- Ascent5,145 m
- DifficultyModerate
- Best monthsMar–May, Oct–Nov
- Permits3
Photo: Gerd Eichmann · CC BY-SA 4.0
NoticeHelambu: not on the flooded Trishuli corridor, but check Langtang links
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.
Status checked 2026-10-19.
Sources: ICIMOD: Kyirong-Rasuwa flood, 26 August 2026 · Nepal Pyramids: Langtang Valley trek update after the 2026 flooding
This itinerary is a draft and hasn't been verified yet. Always confirm stages with your guide.
Written by FindTrekkingPartner teamReviewed by FindTrekkingPartner teamHow we reviewFindTrekkingPartner
Helambu Trek is a 8-day trek in the Langtang region of Nepal that climbs to 3,650 m. Foreign trekkers can find a partner for it on FindTrekkingPartner by posting a trip with their dates, budget and pace. Matches stay private until both trekkers agree, and the service is free. At mid-range rates a licensed guide costs about USD 50 per person over 8 days when four trekkers share, against USD 200 for one trekker alone. The best seasons are Mar–May, Oct–Nov. A licensed guide is required in practice here: the Nepal Tourism Board April 2023 rule is reported by 2026 operators to be enforced at checkpoints in national parks and conservation areas, with Langtang the strictest and Annapurna checking too (checked 19 October 2026). Hire a guide through a registered agency and confirm with them. Last verified: October 21, 2026. Sources: Nepal Tourism Board, DNPWC, Department of Immigration.
Sources:Department of Immigration, NepalNepal Tourism BoardDepartment of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation
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Overview
Starts from Sundarijal8 days · max 3,650 m
Best seasons: Mar–May, Oct–Nov · Permits: 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.
Highlights
- 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
Route map
Route data from OpenStreetMap, not yet checked by our team. Use it for planning, not navigation.
Day by day
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.
You sleep 1,180 m higher than the night before, above the usual 500 m guideline. Take it slowly, drink plenty and watch for headache or nausea.
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.
You sleep 580 m higher than the night before, above the usual 500 m guideline. Take it slowly, drink plenty and watch for headache or nausea.
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.
Acclimatisation
Sleeping altitude night by night. Bars in red climb more than 500 m from the night before; rest days are marked.
- Sleeping altitude
- Gain over 500 m
- Rest day
What it costs
Estimated all-in cost per person: lodge and food by altitude, transport, permits, and the guide and porters. The more trekkers share a guide and porters, the less each person pays. As of October 2026.
| Style | 1 trekker | 2 trekkers sharing | 4 trekkers sharing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $320–$480* | $240–$360* | $200–$300* |
| Mid-range | $470–$720* | $340–$510* | $300–$450* |
| Comfort | $530–$790* | $450–$670* | $410–$610* |
Share a guide, save money
At mid-range, a solo trekker pays about $470–$720; four trekkers sharing one guide and two porters pay about $300–$450 each (38% less at the top of the range).
Breakdown for 2 trekkers sharing
| Item | Budget | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lodge and food | $120–$190 | $160–$260 | $210–$330 |
| Permits | $40–$50 | $40–$50 | $40–$50 |
| Guide | $80–$120 | $80–$120 | $80–$120 |
| Porters | — | $50–$90 | $100–$180 |
Budget uses public transport and no porter; mid-range shares one porter between two trekkers and a private vehicle; comfort gives each trekker a porter. A guide is included where one is required or the style is mid-range or comfort.
Nightly lodge and food (room and a dal bhat meal)
3 nights Below 2,500 m: room $2–$9, dal bhat $4–$7 · 4 nights 2,500 to 3,800 m: room $3–$7, dal bhat $4–$7
Permit fees (official sources)
Not included
No published price found for: Kathmandu to Sundarijal; Melamchi to Kathmandu bus or jeep. Totals marked * leave these out; ask your agency.
Cost sources
- 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)
Estimates from operator guides, not quotes. Tips, insurance, gear and Kathmandu hotels are not included; USD at the platform exchange rate.
Photos
Frequently asked questions
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.
Sources
- 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)
Along the trail
Stays, medical help, water and sights on each day of the route.
1. Sundarijal → Chisapani
- Sundarijal Swastha Chauki · Medical · 1,686 m
- Shivapuri Jungle View Resort · Stays · 2,134 m
- Hotel B.B.C. · Stays · 2,172 m
- Sunrise Hotel · Stays · 2,168 m
- Hotel Annapurna Mountain View · Stays · 2,174 m
Show all 11 places
- Hotel Mount D.J. · Stays · 1,709 m
- Sundarijal Swastha Chauki · Medical · 1,686 m
- Hotel Karma and Restaurant · Stays · 1,670 m
- City View Restaurant & Lodge · Stays · 1,973 m
- City View Guest House & Restaurant · Stays · 1,972 m
- Safal top rest point, hotel anf lodge · Stays · 2,006 m
- Aman hotel · Stays · 2,011 m
- Shivapuri Jungle View Resort · Stays · 2,134 m
- Hotel B.B.C. · Stays · 2,172 m
- Sunrise Hotel · Stays · 2,168 m
- Hotel Annapurna Mountain View · Stays · 2,174 m
2. Chisapani → Kutumsang
- Dorje Lakpa Hotel · Stays · 2,163 m
- Viewpoint · Viewpoints · 2,149 m
- Himalayan Inn · Stays · 2,488 m
- Mountain View Lodge & Resort · Stays · 2,480 m
- Kutumsang Health Centre · Medical · 2,478 m
- Aana yangri · Stays · 2,475 m
Show all 22 places
- Dorje Lakpa Hotel · Stays · 2,163 m
- Hotel Trekkers paradise and Mountain View Restaurant · Stays · 2,140 m
- Hotel Chisopani · Stays · 2,140 m
- Chisopani · Stays · 2,140 m
- Viewpoint · Viewpoints · 2,149 m
- Mount Bliss · Stays · 2,138 m
- Himalayan Vista · Stays · 2,131 m
- Hotel Everest View Point · Stays · 2,045 m
- Hotel Lama · Stays · 1,796 m
- Lama Guest House · Stays · 1,847 m
- Namaste Hotel · Stays · 2,155 m
- Thotung Top · Stays · 2,309 m
- Sunrise Lodge · Stays · 2,276 m
- Thodong Lama Lodge · Stays · 2,275 m
- Green hill view · Stays · 2,268 m
- Tashi Delek Hotel · Stays · 2,267 m
- Himalayan New Lodge & Restaurant · Stays · 2,140 m
- New Gosainkunda Lodge & Restaurant · Stays · 2,137 m
- Himalayan Inn · Stays · 2,488 m
- Mountain View Lodge & Resort · Stays · 2,480 m
- Kutumsang Health Centre · Medical · 2,478 m
- Aana yangri · Stays · 2,475 m
3. Kutumsang → Tharepati
- Yak Hotel & Guest House · Stays · 2,464 m
- Gosaikunda Hotel · Stays · 2,473 m
- Langtang Lirung View · Stays · 2,469 m
- Hotel Namaste · Stays · 2,474 m
4. Tharepati → Melamchigaon
- Langtang Lirung View · Stays · 3,646 m
- Hotel Thasi Delek · Stays · 3,637 m
- Sumchho Top Lodge (3642m) · Stays · 3,642 m
5. Melamchigaon → Tarke Ghyang
- Himalaya Lama Lodge · Stays · 2,543 m
- Dhingha Rangjen Community Health Service Center · Medical · 2,515 m
- Eco Friendly Home & Lodge · Stays · 2,537 m
- Hotel Eco Friendly · Stays · 2,513 m
- Zambala Guest House & Restaurant · Stays · 1,992 m
6. Tarke Ghyang → Sermathang
- Hotel Tarkeyghyang · Stays · 2,553 m
- Hotel Tarkeghyang · Stays · 2,556 m
- Hotel Yangri Peak · Stays · 2,564 m
- Ama Yangri Base Camp · Stays · 3,173 m
Show all 5 places
- Hotel Tarkeyghyang · Stays · 2,553 m
- Hotel Tarkeghyang · Stays · 2,556 m
- Hotel Yangri Peak · Stays · 2,564 m
- Buddha Lodge · Stays · 2,570 m
- Ama Yangri Base Camp · Stays · 3,173 m
7. Sermathang → Melamchi
- Keureni Swasthe Ikai · Medical · 1,401 m
- Dubachaur swasthe chauki · Medical · 1,553 m
- Melamchi hotel · Stays · 825 m
Show all 7 places
- Keureni Swasthe Ikai · Medical · 1,401 m
- Dubachaur swasthe chauki · Medical · 1,553 m
- Melamchi polyclinic and research center · Medical · 851 m
- Jaraayetar Ayurveda Aushadhalaya · Medical · 866 m
- Melamchi phc · Medical · 851 m
- Melamchi hotel · Stays · 825 m
- Melamchi hospital · Medical · 826 m
8. Melamchi → Kathmandu
- Tribhuvan International Airport · Airports & transport · 1,340 m
Last verified on Oct 21, 2026Report outdated info