Helambu Trek
A gentle five-day lodge trek through Hyolmo villages, starting at the edge of Kathmandu.
- Duration
- 5 days
- Max altitude
- 3,650 m
- Distance
- 55 km
- Best season
- October–April
- Starts
- Sundarijal
- Ends
- Timbu (Melamchi)
Overview
Helambu is the closest proper trek to Kathmandu: it begins at Sundarijal, a 45-minute drive from Thamel, climbs through Shivapuri National Park and follows a ridge of Hyolmo (Sherpa) villages, Chisapani, Kutumsang, Tharepati, before dropping to the Melamchi valley. Altitudes stay below 3,700 m, so it needs no acclimatisation days.
It suits first-time trekkers, winter trips when the high routes are snowbound, and anyone with only a few days. Lodges are simple but adequate; the villages were rebuilt after 2015 and are quieter than before.
- Shivapuri National Park
- Chisapani sunrise
- Kutumsang
- Tharepati ridge
- Tarke Ghyang monastery
- Melamchi valley
Plan this trek
Day-by-day itinerary
Sleeping altitude goes from 2,215 m on day 1 to a high of 3,650 m on day 3, ending at 1,400 m on day 5.
- 1
Drive to Sundarijal, trek to Chisapani
Climb through Shivapuri forest; Langtang views from Chisapani.
Sleep at 2,215 m
- 2
Chisapani to Kutumsang
A long ridge day through Pati Bhanjyang and Gul Bhanjyang.
Sleep at 2,470 m
- 3
Kutumsang to Tharepati
The high point of the trek, with views of the Langtang and Jugal peaks.
Sleep at 3,650 m
- 4
Tharepati to Tarke Ghyang
Steep descent to the largest Hyolmo village and its monastery.
Sleep at 2,590 m
- 5
Tarke Ghyang to Timbu, drive to Kathmandu
Walk out to the road and drive back (4–5 hours).
Sleep at 1,400 m
Permits
Permit rules and fees change. We link the official source for each and show when it was last checked.
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park entry permit
Paid at the Sundarijal gate; NPR 1,000 for foreign nationals (mid-2026).
Langtang National Park entry permit
NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals (mid-2026); checked north of Chisapani.
TIMS card
NPR 2,000 for foreign nationals (mid-2026), from the Nepal Tourism Board or a registered agency.
Safety and altitude
Altitude sickness is the main risk above 2,500 m. Gain sleeping altitude slowly (no more than 300–500 m a night above 3,000 m), build in rest days, drink plenty and descend if symptoms worsen rather than waiting to see. A persistent headache, nausea or loss of appetite are early warnings; confusion, a wet cough or breathlessness at rest are emergencies.
Carry insurance that explicitly covers trekking to your maximum altitude and helicopter evacuation, keep buffer days for weather, and tell your guide about any medication. Mobile coverage is patchy; most lodges sell Wi-Fi.
Packing list
Essentials are marked; the rest is optional.
- Broken-in trekking boots (essential)
- Four-season sleeping bag (essential)
- Down jacket and waterproof shell (essential)
- Warm hat, gloves, sun hat and sunglasses (essential)
- Water purification tablets or filter (essential)
- Head torch and power bank (essential)
- First-aid kit incl. blister care and any altitude medication prescribed to you (essential)
- Trekking poles (optional)
- Microspikes for a snowy pass (ask your guide) (optional)
Frequently asked questions
From travellers
Travellers who trekked Helambu Trek
First-hand accounts from people who walked it recently. Read one, then plan a trip like it.
Recent visitDemo storyTraveller story · Emma Clarke · 14 Jan 2026
A Chisapani weekend: the nearest mountain view to Kathmandu
Two days of walking from Sundarijal through the Shivapuri forest to a ridge village with a long Himalayan view at sunrise, and a taxi back to the city on Sunday afternoon.
- Visited
- December 2025
- Places
- Kathmandu · Nagarkot
More treks
Other treks in Langtang
Langtang National Park
Langtang Valley Trek
From river gorge to glacier beneath Langtang Lirung, a day’s drive from Kathmandu.
- Duration
- 8 days
- Max altitude
- 4,773 m
Region
