Taste the authentic Tamang culture as you walk through the traditional Tamang villages in the Langtang region of Nepal. Helambu Trek is a short trek that takes you through the lush alpine forests to some charming villages in the backdrop of the beautiful Himalayas. It’s an excellent opportunity to enjoy the Himalayan beauty along with the influence of the Tibetan Buddhist religion prevalent in those areas. As the region lies close to Tibet, you can see the impact of the Tibetan Buddhist religion, culture, and lifestyle. The route is embellished with colorful prayer flags, mani walls, and chortens that give the place an authentic look.
Most of the people in the region are Tibetan descendants who had migrated to Nepal in the ancient era. Their facial features, culture, religion, festivals, and lifestyles are almost similar to that of the Tibetans. Helambu Trek offers an opportunity to interact with these local people and get some insights into them and their lifestyles. There are many old gompas and monasteries on our way. Helambu Trek, we will visit some as per our convenience.
Helambu Trek starts with a short drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal. From Sundarijal, we ascend steeply along with a stone-paved staircase to Shivapuri National Park. Then we open up into a flat land that offers some close-up views of mountains. With the close-up views of snowcapped mountains on the left, we descend along a lush path to Chisapani. From Chisapani, we traverse into some wonderful Tamang villages like Kutumsang, Tharipati, Tarkegyang, Shermathang, etc. Finally, we walk to Melamchi Pul Bazaar and conclude our trek with a drive back to Kathmandu.
In Helambu Trek, We Walk into the scenic route full of rhododendron forests, meadows, pastures, rivers, waterfalls, and glaciers with stunning views of mountains like Jugal Himal, Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, Nayakangla, etc. Helambu Trek is here to fulfill your quest for nature, mountains, and greenery with a perfect blend of Tamang culture and the Tibetan Buddhist religion.
The first day marks your arrival day in Kathmandu. Clear all the visa requirements and customs clearance, if any, at the arrival section of the airport. As you come out, you will find a representative from World Alpine Treks waiting for you holding a board with your name. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. The representative will inform you shortly about the plans ahead.
The second day is a day tour to warm up before your trekking journey. Kathmandu is a city enriched with artistic palaces, beautiful monuments, ancient temples, and other constructions of historical and cultural importance. No wonder the city has seven out of ten UNESCO-listed world heritage sites. Today, you will be guided to the UNESCO-listed heritage sites in Kathmandu. These heritages are perfect examples of the rich history, exceptional culture, and architectural treasures of Nepal. At first, you will be taken to Kathmandu Durbar Square. The art, crafts,g, and carvings in the palaces, temples, and other monuments of the Durbar square are excellent. After that, you will be escorted to the Swayambhunath stupa (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath stupa, respectively. (Inclusive of breakfast).
Early in the morning, after breakfast in the hotel, you will be picked up at your hotel for a short drive to Sundarijal. It takes us around one hour to reach Sundarijal. From Sundarijal, we commence our trekking journey. We start walking up through the stone-paved staircase and pass the Sundarijal water dam to enter into Shivapuri National Park. We ascend steeply through the stairs for around two hours. We then open up into a flat land from where we get some close-up views of snowcapped mountains.
Further, we descend to Chisapani for two hours with stunning views of mountains on our left side throughout the journey down. Tonight, at a guesthouse in Chisapani. (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
We enjoy a delicious breakfast at the guesthouse and start our trekking journey towards Kutumsang. We walk along with flat land and pass some fields and meadows for some time. Then our trail descends through the Pathi Bhanjyang and continues falling to Gul Bhnajyang. From here, our trail climbs up to a pass at an altitude of 2620 meters. Further, we move downhill along the meadows until we reach Kutumsang. Tonight, at a guesthouse in Kutumsang (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
We leave Kutumsang and continue our trek toward the north. We ascend to Yurin Danda, enjoying some incredible views of the mountains on sight. Our trail climbs up above the Kutumsang goes steep and is quite challenging. We pass the forests of rhododendron, fir, and oak along an eroded trail with no settlement areas on the route. We continue our walk until we reach Tharipati. Tonight, at a guesthouse in Tharipati (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
From Tharipati, we continue our walk to Tarkegyang today. It takes around six hours to walk in a lush and pristine environment. At first, our trail descends to the stream of Melamchi. We cross a bridge over the creek and ascend along with the Sherpa settlements areas on the route. We continue ascending until we reach the village of Tarkeghyang. Tarkeghyang is a beautiful village inhabited by the people of the Sherpa community. The village consists of some large and old monasteries. The village is also famous as Helambu, as it used to be a settlement area for the people of the Helmut caste. Walkthrough this village is an opportunity to interact with locals and get some insightful knowledge of their unique culture, custom, and tradition. Tonight, at a guesthouse in Tarkeghyang (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Leaving Tarkeghyang, we head towards another village of Shermathang. It is another charming village in that area inhabited by people of the Sherpa community. Like Tarkeghyang, it also consists of many old and big monasteries. From Tarkeghyang, we take an easy trail that goes through flat land and forested area to Shermathang. It’s around a four-hour walk, and we cross many small streams on the way to Shermathang. Upon arrival, we can explore the village for a while. Tonight, at a guesthouse in Shermathang (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
A short and easy walk down from Shermathang brings you to Melamchi Pul Bazaar. From here, we catch a vehicle that will bring us back to the capital city of Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you will be escorted to your hotel room in Kathmandu. You can spend the remaining time on your own. Tonight, at a hotel in Kathmandu. (Inclusive of breakfast and lunch).
Before a few hours of your scheduled flight, you will be transferred to the international terminal of Tribhuwan International Airport. (Inclusive of Breakfast).
I did a trip-of-a-lifetime trek to the Langtang Valley in Nepal which was spectacular. Deepak was a great guide; finding all the best guest houses to stay, the best food, and walking at the right pace. He was also good company to talk to which is important on a multi-day trek.
I would thoroughly recommend anyone to go to Nepal; such a beautiful country and people!
