

I visited Nepal in September 2006 for the purpose of trekking in the Annapurna Sanctuary area. I was introduced to Clan Treks and Bishwa Chapagain by a mutual friend from the United Kingdom.
The level of service I received from Clan Treks was second to none, in fact a close friendship has developed as a result of the 10 days we spend trekking in the Sanctuary...
Ian Harries Grantham,
Lincolnshire , UK
Helambu trek starts with a scenic drive through the Nepali countryside to Sundarijal. The most accessible of all trekking regions, Helambu offers a low altitude, distinctly enjoyable walk. Helambu trek covers the diverse range of brilliant green valleys, misty rhododendron forests, and distant horizons of snowy peaks and the vivid contrast of Hindu and Buddhist cultures. An ideal trek for people with less time who wish to travel not too far from the Kathmandu Valley – Helambu Cultural Trek offers you a unique Tibetan Sherpa Culture, views of the herds of yak, fascinating flora and fauna in the Langtang National Park. Helambu is a lush green region situated to the north of Kathmandu inhabited by Sherpa and Tamang people. This trek is a relatively low altitude trek.
A spectrum of beautiful forests, scenic grandeur, interesting villages with unique and friendly people, and sound climate en route fascinate you to rise up unlimited. The rib-roaring cliffy trials throb and thrill you; and the local flocks in their cultural attire give you a sense of distinctly different world. An absolutely diverse and wonderful experience; let it come true. This trek is an easy and enjoyable trip conducted at the average altitude of 3590m.
![]() |
Title: | Helambu Cultural Trekking |
| Category: | Adventure | |
| Grade: | Relatively Difficult | |
| Total Days: | 11 Days | |
| Group Size: | 2 to 15 Pax | |
| Departure Date: | Everyday During the Season | |
| Maximum Elevation: | 3590m (11,488ft.) | |
| Transportation: | Drive Only | |
| Accommodation: | Lodge Trekking | |
| Trekking Hours: | Approximately 4 to 6 hrs. Each Day. | |
| Best Season: | Sep. to Dec. / Feb. to May | |
| Trip cost: | USD 590.00 |
| Day 01. | Arrive at Kathmandu, Traditional Nepali Dinner |
| Day 02. | City Tour and freelancing. |
| Day 03. | Drive to Sundarijal Trek to Chisapani |
| Day 04. | Trek to Kutungsang |
| Day 05. | Trek to Thare Pati |
| Day 06. | Trek to Melamchi Gaun |
| Day 07. | Trek to Tarke ghyang |
| Day 08. | Trek to Kakani |
| Day 09. | Trek to Melamchi pull then drive back to Kathmandu / leisure |
| Day 10. | Free Day in Kathmandu / leisure, Enjoy Traditional Nepali Dinner |
| Day 11. | Departure |
| Day 01. | ARRIVE IN KATHMANDU: Pick up from the airport, transfer to hotel. While in Kathmandu fascinating Buddhist and Hindu temples and shrines reflecting ancient local traditions are highlighted on our guided tour. There's time to explore the city's scores of charms on your own too. In the evening delicious traditional Nepali welcome dinner will be awaiting you. |
| Day 02. | KATHMANDU CITY TOUR: Which is the oldest of the three major cities in Kathmandu Valley - famous for its Buddhist monuments and Hindu temples, and you can catch the traditional artisans working with wood, stones and metals. Pashupatinath: It is one of the most known holy places for Hindu pilgrims in Kathmandu valley. The whole vicinity of Pashupatinath is densed with ages old pagoda model temples with golden plated roofs and the gorgeous woodcarvings on the doors and windows. To the south of the temple, the holy Bagmati river flows down sweeping the burnt dust of dead bodies produced from the cremation on its side. A small green holy wood forest breeze maintains the site cool all the time. Kathmandu Durbar Square: Around the square there are some temples stood upright piercing the sky canopy and through the thousands of pigeon they spread the message of peace. Kumari temple is one of the most important parts of the square site where the ‘Living Goddess’ resides. Apart from those temples, a museum will be waiting for its visitors with an opportunity to unravel the treasures unabashedly. To visit this site is to know the historical facts of Nepal. Soyambhunath: It is also known as ‘Monkey Temple’. The wide area of Soyambhunath is a hillock surrounded by small forest with some golden temples of Lord Buddha at the western gate and a main temple at the top of the hill. The most interesting thing with Soyambhunath is the nice view of Kathmandu valley to be seen from the top of the hill. Various kinds and sizes of monkeys are seen guarding the hillock. A lot of monasteries with big prayer wheels are the main attraction for the visitors. Boudhanath: It is one of the nice places to visit in Kathmandu valley, which has the biggest stupa. When someone enters the gate the holy prayer to sense peace is heard all around. All the Buddhists want to visit Boudhanath to feel the real sense of Buddhism. Boudhanath Stupa - one of biggest stupas in the valley, has been built on 17th Century. |
| Day 03. | KATHMANDU - SUNDARIJAL – CHISAPANI (2190m): A 15km drive from Kathmandu takes you to the starting point of the trek called Sundarijal. From Sundarijal you will go through Shivapuri National Park, the trail heads up to the concrete steps beside the pipeline, which supply drinking water for the valley. We leave the pipeline near the dam, and then on to Mulkharka Village trekking up the ridge above Sundarijal. We then continue walking to Chisapani (2300m) through a thick forest and crossing over the Borla Bhanjyang from where stunning mountain views can be observed. |
| Day 04. | CHISAPANI – KUTUNGSANG (2446m): From Chisapani the trail goes down to Pati Bhanjyang (1770m), a lovely small village and then all the way to Chipling passing meadows and fields. After reaching Pati Bhanjyang, the trail leads up and then down to a large Chorten catch sight of the Tamang village of Gul Bhanjyang (2140m). From here the trails climbs up and then again descends along the rocky route to Khutunsang. |
| Day 05. | KUTUNGSANG – THAREPATI (3597m): Following a ridgeline, the trail continues through lightly populated forest to Magen Goth from where the view of Langtang and Gosainkunda peak is stunning, and finally reaching Thare Pati (3597m). This walk from here is one of the best ridge walks among all treks in Nepal. The trails to Gosainkunda branches off north - west from here leading to the Langtang valley trek. |
| Day 06. | THAREPATI – MILAMCHE GAON (2560m): Turning east, the trail rapidly goes down a ravine with extensive fields of barley, corn and potatoes. The Sherpa village of Melamchi, which comes after crossing a suspension bridge in Chhyadi Khola, encompasses splendid lodges and fine old and artistic Gompa. |
| Day 07. | MILAMCHE GAON – TARKE GHYANG (2570m): The trail again descends leaving the village and crossing Melamchi River and making the long climb up the other side of the valley to Tarke Ghyang, which is the largest village in Helambu. This village is slightly larger and more commercial and its inhabitants are famous for selling Thankas. |
| Day 08. | TARKE GHYANG – KAKANI (2000m): The trail gently descends through a beautiful forest to Sermathang village catching the glimpse of Melamchi bazaar. The path persists from the Gangjwal and goes around the valley and small stream passing the hamlet with a Gompa. Pass ahead the crematory painted Chorten eagerly waiting to get at Cautara. Afterwards you will be in Kakani. |
| Day 09. | KAKANI – MILAMCHE PUL – KATHMANDU: As we leave Sermanthang the trails then continues to descent to Dubhachaur and Kaphalgiri village crowded with thatched roof houses, and then again steeply down to Melamchi Pul Bazaar where it meets the road. From there, you can catch a conveyance to Kathmandu. |
| Day 10. | FREE DAY IN KATHMANDU: After breakfast you are free on your own in Kathmandu. You will be served with Traditional Nepali Dinner. |
| Day 11. | DEPARTURE: After breakfast is leisure for you until time to leave the international airport for your final destination. |
Autumn (Sept, Oct, Nov & Dec.) or Spring (March, April & May) are the best seasons for attempting Helambu Cultural Trek and December, Jan & Feb are consider as a good Trekking months. The weather is sunny and warm, although the nights are cold and temperatures can fall to freezing. Weather can change rapidly and be unpredictable. Please note that when climbing to Helambu, you will be moving from warmer climates at low levels to conditions of well below freezing. Be prepared for all eventualities! Summer (June, July & August) is okay and trekking can be done but not so clear visibility and raining Too.
The following basic equipments checklist should help you with your packing before you traveling. Please remember that you should always try to keep the weight of your equipments to a minimum while you are in the Trekking. At the start of the trek your packed trek bag should weigh not more then 20 kg.
01. Sunglasses with UV protection
02. Sun hat / scarf
03. Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
04. T-shirts
05. Light and expedition weight thermal tops
06. Fleece jacket or pullover
07. Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
08. Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
09. Down jacket
10. Water bottle
11. Small wash towel
12. Underwear’s
13. Hiking shorts
14. Lightweight cotton long pants
15. Fleece or wool pants
16. Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
17. Thin, lightweight inner socks
18. Thick, warm wool hiking socks
19. Hiking boots with spare laces
20. Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)
21. Sleeping bag rated to zero degrees F
22. Headlamp with spare bulbs and batteries
23. Basic First Aid Kit (see Health and Medicinal)
24. Daypack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches)
25. Toiletries
Pre - Meeting Before Trip
Prior to all our expeditions and treks, we host a Pre-Trip meeting here in Kathmandu on the 2nd day of your itinerary starts in the morning during the breakfast and introduced your trek Leader mean time and it will provide an opportunity for individuals to ask questions about the your trek and to introduce you to other team members.
Accommodation in Kathmandu and Trekking
Accommodations are included in the trip cost and Clan Treks has chosen accommodation options based on the following criteria; standard of hygiene, standard of service, location, food standards and cost. There are two styles of accommodation and this depends on the itinerary you choose. During the Helambu Cultural Trek you will spend four nights at 3 -star in Kathmandu and Six nights at the locally best available guest houses / lodges in your trekking route. All accommodation is based on twin share, and will provide you single supplement if there is different sex; at no extra charge.
Meals during Helambu Cultural Trekking
All Meal will be provided during the spent on trekking, accept Lunch during the day. There are (Nepali, Sherpa, Tibetan, Continental, Italian and Indian cusion) a day will be provided from the teahouse / lodge as they have few different items in a menu Card. Each day dinner and breakfast are used to take in the same lodge you spend the night. Lunch will be taken on the way to destination.
Trekking Staff:
The Guide is in overall charge of your trip and of looking after you. This is the person you should go to with all problems, concerns and questions. All our guides are highly trained in all aspects of trekking, conservation, and high altitude medicine, first aid and emergency procedures. They are professionals selected for their knowledge and passion for Nepal and its peoples. Remember the trekking guides are local citizens and their English may be basic and limited to trek related topics while the city guide have the excellent English with the broad knowledge of the destination involved. Porters transport your luggage – one porter between every two trekkers.
Clan Treks currently train all their Guides in the following courses and your trek leader will be one of the fully train Trek Leader.
Acceptance of risk:
The Client acknowledges that the nature of the tour is adventurous and may involve a significant amount of personal risk. The Client hereby assumes all such risk and does hereby release the Company from all claims and causes of action arising from any damages of injuries or death resulting from these inherent risks.
INSURANCE:
It is mandatory that all Clients obtain travel insurance with a minimum coverage of US$ 50,000 while travelling with the Company and this insurance must cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses and emergency evacuation expenses. It is strongly recommended the coverage be extended to include cancellation, curtailment, loss of belongings and all other expenses, which might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience occurring to the Client. The Company shall have no liability for loss, theft of or damage to baggage or personal effects
Climate:
Nepal has a generally temperate climate, however altitude makes distinct variations.
The monsoon sweeps up from India each summer, making mid June to mid September humid and wet. The three other distinct seasons are all suitable for trekking and each has its own advantages. Changing global weather patterns have had their effect on the Himalayan climate making mountain weather notoriously changeable. Always be prepared for a change in conditions and note that if severe or dangerous weather conditions occur your guide’s decision on any course of action is final.
Autumn (September – November): This season offers excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views.
Winter (December – February): This season is noted for occasional snowfall only at higher elevation. Hence it is ideal for trekking at lower elevations, generally below 3000 meters.
Spring (March – May): Different varieties of wild flowers, specially the rhododendrons make the hillside above 5000 meters a haunting paradise during this season. It is mildly warm at lower elevations and at higher elevation over 4000 meters the mountain views are excellent and temperature is quite moderate.
Summer (June – August): Summer months, continues up to mid September making travel wet and warm. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation. It is recommended to carry insect repellent when trekking during summer months.
Health:
There are no specific health requirements for entry into Nepal. Nevertheless, preventive measures such as a thorough medical check up can save you from unexpected hazards. Nepal does not require any particular inoculation but Cholera, Meningitis, Tetanus and Diphtheria, Typhoid and Gamma Globulin are some of the vaccinations that should be considered for your trip. Since the remote places of Nepal are not supplied with necessities that are essential for modern medical facilities, it is imperative to make a comprehensive First Aid Box consisting of basic drugs and accessories as part of the paraphernalia for your trip. Modern dentistry is unknown in the hills of Nepal, so it is advised to have a checkup before departure from home. Tooth fillings sometimes loosen in cold temperature and at high altitudes, so it is recommended having them checked
Altitude Sickness:
Altitude sickness often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is particularly an important medical consideration while trekking in Nepal. Altitude sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevation above 3000 meters. The initial symptoms of AMS are as follows:
These symptoms are to be taken very seriously. In case of appearance of any of the above symptoms, immediately contact your travel guide.
Client Details:
In order for the Company to confirm and guarantee the Client’s travel arrangements the Client must provide all Client details with their final payment as per the dates specified. Client details include passport number; passport expiry date and medical form (where applicable), full name as it appears in the passport you are travelling with, date of birth and nationality.