Nepal - Trekking in Nepal - Helambu Trek

Helambu Trek - Ethic Himalaya

Overview
Itinerary
Inclusion
Cost & Dates
Terms

Helambu trek is a short and easy trek of Nepal and easily accessible from Kathmandu. It offers a Monastery visit, Rhododendron forest, superb mountain views, picturesque Sherpa settlements, and the unspoiled culture of the area between altitudes of 1,370m to 3,490m. It is low elevation and the Sherpa villages make it an interesting 6 or 8-day loop. Helambu Trek is more like a cultural trek than a mountain and glacier expedition. People here follow the Buddhist religion so you will find many old Buddhist monasteries in the villages.

Highlight Overview of Helambu Trek

Trekking in the north of Kathmandu valley within serene green environment
Enjoy peaceful walks on less visited route to beautiful and scenic Helambu
Enchanting forest of tall rhododendron, oaks, magnolia, blue pines and fir tree lines
Explore lively cultural villages of great interest festooned with age-old Buddhism religion
Enjoy the pristine culture of Tamangs and Hyolmo people.
Catch an awe-inspiring glimpse of snow-clad masses: Langtang Lirung (7,234m), Dorje Lakpa (6,966m) and many more etc.
Revel in the wilderness of Shivapuri National Park and get a chance to see splendid waterfalls, wild floras and faunas across the lush woodland.

Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu (1300m).

At the airport; you will be met by a representative of our company and transferred to the Hotel, where you will meet us. A pre-trek briefing will be held at approx. 6:00pm to 7:00pm in the evening and is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members before heading out to dinner. Welcome dinner at the authentic and typical Nepalese cuisine with cultural dance.

Day 02: Full day Guided Tour in Kathmandu with City Tour Guide

SWOYAMBHUNATH, also known as the monkey temple, is climbed by a long set of steps and has great views of Kathmandu.
BOUDHANATH STUPA has many traditional Gompas hung with strings of multi-coloured prayer flags; it attracts many Sherpas and Tibetans for the circumambulations of the stupa (koras).
PASHUPATINATH is a Hindu temple with burning Ghats on the banks of the Bagmati River.
KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE, which is one of the old capitals of the Kathmandu valley, has a blend of Hindu and Buddhist temples

Day 03: Drive to Sundarijal (1,350m/13km). Trek to Chisopani (2,130m)

Today, we make an hour's drive to Sundarijal (1350m), our trek start point. From Sundarijal, trek to Chisopani. We begin our trek along a small hydroelectric plant. The trail then enters through into the Shivapuri National Park. The first settlement we come across is Mulkharka mostly inhabited by the Tamang people. Then we walk along the ridge through a forest of Oaks and Rhododendron to Chisopani.

Day 04: Chisopani to Kutumsang (2,450m)

Today the trek trail continues to drop down on a good, sometimes level and crosses meadows and fields to Pati Bhanjyang. This is a Brahman and Chhetri village on a saddle at the bottom of the ridge at 1860 meter. From here the trail starts climbing up again on a series of steep switchbacks to Chipling (2170m). At the upper end of this village the trail makes another steep, 200 meter, climb on a stone staircase to the top of the Jhogin Danda (2420m). There are good views of mountains along this stretch of trail. From the ridge the trail descends through forest to a large chorten (round Buddhist monument) overlooking the Tamang village of Gul Bhanjyang, which is a delightful, classic hill village with a pleasant main street and continue trail climbs the ridge from Gul Bhanjyang to another pass at 2580 then gently descends you reach at Kutumsang (2,450m). Overnight at teahouse

Day 05: Kutumsang to Tharepati (3,690m)

Today the trek climbs steep, eroded trail through rhododendron forest passing only a few shepherd’s huts. There is few bhattis at Panghu, then trek route climbs to a large cairn as it crosses the Mere Danda (3510m. Beyond the trail descends to Magen Goth (3,420m). There are few teahouses and army checkpoint please show your national park entry permits. After that continue to climb steeply at first, then more gradually, the trail makes some ups and downs passing through forests across flowers-strewn, meadows and crossing streams then finally you reach at Tharepati (3690m) overnight at teahouse

Day 06: Tharepati to Melamchi Gaon (2,530m)

After breakfast the trail turns east and drops steeply into a narrow valley from the northern end of the village. The vegetation changes to large firs, then oaks and rhododendrons, as we rapidly low altitude. Thearepati and then the trail goes in descending order from Tharepati to Melamchi Gaun through the pine and rhododendron forest with good views down into the Helambu valley. The ridge directly above the village gives you a marvelous view of the Jugal Himal and Numbur in the Solukhumbu. Cross the village and enter a forested area, again descending to Melamchi River followed to the Malemchigaon for overnight. Melamchi Gaon is surrounded by beautiful forests, which is mainly inhabited by Sherpa people with their distinctive culture and some Buddhist monasteries

Day 07: Melamchi Gaon to Tarkeghyang (2,590m)

The early part of the trek descends until you cross the stream named as Melamchi. Now you enter a cultural destination it call Helambu Region. Then the trail goes gently up to beautiful Sherpa village Tarkeghyang passing through Sherpa old settlements and biggest monasteries. The stone houses are close together with narrow alleyways separating them. Stay overnight at guesthouse.

Day 08: Tarkeghyang to Sermathang (2,610m)

Today the trail is quite easy through flat land with beautiful forests. The trail leads us cross small forest with the view of beautiful village of Helembu region. The trail makes a sweep around the wide valley end between Parachin and the pretty Sharpa village of Gangyul. The people of this village practice Drukpa Kagyu Buddhism, the same as the national religion of Bhutan. This is another pretty Sherpa village where you can visit many ancient monasteries and view of Jugal Himal range at the north face of Sermathang village.

Day 09: Sermathang to Melamchi Pul (880m)

After breakfast the trail gradually descends all the way to Melamchi Pul Bazaar through meadows and cultivated fields. Along the way, you come across several old villages with their own particular traditions. Walking today is quite pleasant with mountain views and the possibility of interacting with friendly local people.

Day 10: Drive back to Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel

Drive back to Kathmandu through the road passing terraces, streams, rivers, local settlements and high hills. It takes about 3/4 hours back to Kathmandu.

Day 11: Free day in Kathmandu for self shopping and other activities

Day 12: Transfer to Kathmandu International airport for the departure

Cost Include

Airport pick up and drops on private vehicle
4 Nights Hotel accomodation in Kathmandu on BB Plan (Bed & Breakfast)
One day full sightseeing in Kathmandu valley with English Speaking city Tour Guide.
All necessary transportations on private vehicle (Kathmandu to Sundarijal and Melamchipul to Kathmandu.
Completely lodges treks which includes Breakfast, Lunch, dinner and room during the whole trekking periods.
Shivapuri National Park and TIMS Card entrance fees
English Speaking Trekking Guide, Assistant Guide and Porters
Accidental and medical Insurance of Nepalese staffs
First aid and medical kits
All government taxes and official charges.

Cost Non-Includes

Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
Rescue/ emergence and insurance cost
Beverage and hard drinks and alcohol
Nepal entry visa fee and airport tax during the departure.
Personal equipments and personal expenses.
Tips (usually people can keep US $2/day in total for tips and donation which is good amount)
In case of natural calamities i.e. political unrest, cancellation of flight due to weather, landslides etc the extra charge should be born by themselves.

Departure Date and Cost

The cost mentioned in our website are the cost for 6 to 10 peoples in a group for Helambu Trek 2022. This trip can be organized private trip also depending on group size and minimum of two people upon your request. A group booking of more people is subjected to a maximum discount with the availability of free trip to one person. Most of our clients have the different queries with their favor date. However, our cost are depend upon:-

The trip cost depend upon on group size
Hotel accommodation category and client’s budget
This trekking itinerary can be modified according to your time and requirements.
Price shall be adjusted in our mutual understanding, if the client intends to add some extra services.
The cost is also affected by Trekking Guides, Assistant Guides and extra porter.

Please take the time to read and understand the terms and conditions of booking set out below prior to booking a trip with us. We strongly recommend that you also read the website’s Essential Trip Information relating to your trip prior to booking to ensure that you understand the itinerary, style and physical demands of the trip you are undertaking.

Risk & Liability

We are committed to provide the best services which will give you a once in a life time journey. Ethic Himalaya Treks & Expedition (P) Ltd always puts all its efforts honestly and seriously in making your journey smooth and pleasant. All the services will be provided as per the agreement between you and us in the time of booking. However, there are strictly running under their own policies and Tourism Authority. As the terms and condition of booking, you must accept these risks and be responsible for your own actions and involvement. It requires an open and flexible attitude. You may experience extreme conditions, unpredictable weather and last minute changes to the itinerary beyond our control. Lack of acclimatization to high altitudes could also be a risk factor. The majority of our trips are in the remote areas, where you are away from normal emergency services and medical facilities. In case of a serious injury requiring hospitalization, it has to be accepted by you, evacuation could take up to several days and may impede your ensuing recovery. Helicopters are the most usual means of evacuation in Nepal, however they are not always available or they may be hindered by poor weather and flying conditions. So, we shall not be responsibility for any change or cancellation of programme due to unavoidable circumstance such as Government restriction, Land slide, road blockage, flood, avalanches, political unrest, and cancellation of flight, delay, sickness or accident, breakdown of vehicle. Any extra cost incurring there of shall be borne by the clients on the spots. So, we strongly recommend it covers cancellation, curtailment, personal liability and loss of luggage and personal effects. You must provide proof of your travel insurance on the first day of your trip; you will not be able to join the trip without it.

The Team

Nepal Government certified English-speaking Trekking Guide of Ethic Himalaya. He is your guide from your arrival in Kathmandu until your departure. He is in charge of the success of your trip, so don't hesitate to ask him questions and above all to follow his advice.

The Sirdar (Sardar) is responsible for the entire team. Very often he started as a porter, then a kitchen boy, then sometimes a cook and is respected by the whole team.
Assistant Guide or Sherpa: not always of the Sherpa ethnic group, he is responsible for actively helping clients. Their number varies depending on the size of the group. We provide 4:1 assistant Guide
Porters: Nepal being a mountain country, the tradition of human porterage dates back to the dawn of time and continues today. At the same time, many porters who work for agencies ask for more than 20 kg in order to be better paid. We are committed to ensuring that for each kilo over 20 kg, additional remuneration is paid to the bearer. But in order to avoid abuse, and especially loads over 25/30 kg, we ask you to make an effort as well as regards the weight of your bag which will go on the backs of the porters. We provide 2:1 porter

Food

The traditional national dish is “Dal Bhat” literally lentil rice, white rice is served with lentil soup (dal), garnished with spicy vegetable and meat. Food is supplied from our side that includes breakfast, lunch & dinner with occasional tea break. The food will be very simple as per the clients taste. Meals are generally simple, but filling, but you may wish to stock up on ‘trail munchies’ before leaving Kathmandu. Nepal has a huge variety of different foods. In order to bring you the greatest possible diversity in the meals while accommodating the local constraints, your guide will take care of the composition of the menus with the kitchen teams or with the local cooks of the lodges. Your guide will help you experience the vast array of foods available but ultimately you can pick what you like at a variety of prices. We recommend trying the Dal Bhat - a spiced mixture of lentils and rice - as it is the traditional Nepali day-to-day dish

Breakfast: In Nepal day starts with the "morning tea". It is usually served with Tibetan bread, toast, chapati or pancake, eggs in different forms (omelets, scrambled eggs, hard-boiled eggs, etc.) and sometimes muesli or porridge.
Lunch: Depending on the stages, cold (picnic) or hot meal, generally consisting of a main course (stir-fried rice with vegetables, pasta, potatoes, curry, assorted vegetables). Tea or coffee.
On your arrival at the end of your daily stage, generally around 4-5pm, a snack with cookies and tea is offered to you.
Dinner: Usually served early (around 6.30 p.m. to 7 p.m.), it usually consists of a soup or a starter, a hot dish (dal bhat, pasta, potatoes, vegetables, etc.), a dessert. Tea or coffee
Drinks: Each meal, we served two cups of tea or coffee per person. Additional cups and other drinks will be at your expense. Drinking water during the trekking days and extra meals is also at your expense.

During the crossing Trekking pass or for exceptionally long day trekking, it is common to leave at dawn, or even at night, the breakfasts may be less important. The complement of energy food is therefore important. If you have preferences, don't hesitate to bring energy bars, dried fruits, nuts or chocolate from your home country or in Kathmandu.

Important: If you follow a specific diet, have dietary restrictions or have specific allergies, do not hesitate to tell, when you book the trip with us. Our teams in the field will do their best to meet your request, but be aware that certain local constraints do not allow us to guarantee you a wide variety of alternative menus. For trips involving a large energy expenditure, we invite you to anticipate by possibly planning more groceries (energy bars, dried fruits, chocolates etc.) to ensure sufficient caloric intake.

Drinks

During the trek, tea is served with meals. Two cups of tea are included per meal. Additional cups of tea and other beverages, including mineral water, are the responsibility of the participants. You can fill your gourds with water in the lodges, but it is essential to treat it with purifying tablets. Avoid buying plastic bottles, which then have to be recycled. You can buy already treated water (safe drinking water) in the villages, which limits the problem of bottles.

Transportation

Transportation within Kathmandu valley is done with private vehicle depending upon the group size. Transportation in the trekking periods, you will have Porters who will carry your baggage for the day. We provide one porter for 2 members.

Transfers by minibus or privatized bus for road trips within the country.
Private Tourist Minibus, car etc deeping upon the number of group for the trek to and fro.
Porters during the trek: you only carry your day's clothes.

We would like to draw your attention to the fact that wearing a seat belt is compulsory at the front as well as at the rear in all the vehicles that you will use during the trip, when they are equipped, and whatever the regulations in force in the country visited. You agree to comply with this obligation. Ethic Himalaya cannot be held liable in the event of bodily injury and material damage if it turns out that this provision was not respected by you.

Accommodation

In Kathmandu: accommodation in a three-star hotel (local standard), double room basis.

In all the lodges, the sanitary facilities remain the most rustic part! Paying showers, but often lukewarm, as heated only by solar energy. Bring light sandals, hygiene being ... local. Heating water for showers takes a lot of energy. Above 3,000m, you can order basins of hot water, which consume less energy, which will undoubtedly also prevent you from catching a cold! Separate toilets or in the lodge.

Some lodges in the Helambu Region do not have electricity. In the lodges which have electricity, it is possible to charge the batteries (for a fee, but only a few rupees) and sometimes a low-speed Wi-Fi connection (for a fee). For the last night before the pass, night in a tent if "the lodge" is full. This accommodation is the most rustic of the whole route. No shower available, dirt floor. Lodge owners refuse advance reservations for single rooms.

What you Carry

Your baggage will be carried by porters and is not available to you during the day. Your daypack should contain all that you need during the day. This generally consists of warm clothing, water bottle, camera gear, sunscreen, lip salve etc. Your guide will let you know each evening of any extra items you will need for the following day. If you have a comfortable daypack you load will only be a few kilograms and hardly noticeable.

Program Change/Delay

The itineraries or prgromme that we have mentioned can change without notice due to unavoidable circumstances beyond our control like weather hazards, Landslides, political unrest, road blockage, avalanches, sudden sickness, etc. The program can be customized as per the interest of the clients and if there will be cancellation of your trip due to unavoidable circumstances like war, natural disasters, political unrest, bad climate etc, Ethic Himalaya Treks & Expedition P. Ltd would be happy to refer you alternative trip of a similar standard. We keep it preserve for your next time but not longer than one year.

Before departure: If we make a major change we will inform you as soon as reasonably possible if there is time before departure. The definition of a major change is deemed to be a change affecting at least one day in five of the itinerary. When a major change is made you may choose between accepting the change, obtaining a refund of money paid on the land portion of the trip only or accepting an alternative tour offered.

After departure: We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or events outside of our control. In such emergency circumstances the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itinerary such as visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights.

Deposit Requirement

For Helambu Trek, You are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of USD $ 200 per person per trip for your booking to be confirmed. If your booking is made within 45 days of the departure date then the full amount is payable at the time of booking. You can pay the remaining amount before or upon your arrival to Nepal before the trip departure. The non-refundable deposit should be sent to the Company or its Agent. If deposit is different from that outlined in this clause, you will be advised by the company at the time of booking. Booking deposit can be made by bank transfer or by Credit Card (Visa or MasterCard). Please follow the information provided on the booking form.

Final Payment / Acceptance of Booking/Client Details

Final payment for Helambu Trek in Nepal can be made upon arrival in Nepal. Final payment can be made by bank transfer, travel check, cash or by Credit Card (Visa or Master Card). There is 4% surcharge when the payment is made by cards (this applies to all payments; deposits, final balances, trip extension and miscellaneous purchases.)

Price Changing

We reserve the right to revise pricing rate, if it is posted in our marketing material and website under any circumstances or on the pressure of various external factors that are further than our control for instance changes in exchange rate, government action etc. Most of the time Domestic flight fare is changing due to fuel price hike up. We always try our best to make a present price in our treks/tours.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Once you have paid your deposit your trip is confirmed, subject to payment of the balance of fees owing 90 days prior to your trip commencement date. Our member may then cancel his/her participation on the following basis:

Before 45 days or more prior to departure: We will retain the deposit
Between 45 to 31 days prior to arrival: 30% of the total tour price
Between 30 to 14 days prior to arrival: 40% of the total tour price
Between 14 to 09 days prior to arrival: 70% of the total tour price
Between 08 to 02 days prior to arrival: 80% of the total tour price
Less than 48 hours before arrival : 90% of the total tour price

Cancellation by Us

We may cancel a trip at any time up to 56 days before departure, subject to clause 14. We may cancel a trip at any time prior to departure if, due to terrorism, natural disasters, political instability or other external events, it is not viable for us to operate the planned itinerary. If we cancel your trip, you can transfer amounts paid to an alternate departure date or alternatively receive a full refund. In circumstances where the cancellation is due to external events outside our reasonable control, refunds will be less any unrecoverable costs. We are not responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your booking including but not limited to visas, vaccinations, and travel insurance excess or non-refundable flights. Please note that different cancellation conditions may apply to some styles of trips, your booking consultant will advise if differences apply.

Booking Amendments

If you wish to transfer from one trip to another or transfer you’re booking to a third party you must notify us at least 45 days prior to the proposed departure date. A fee of USD $ 200 per person per change will apply (in addition to any charges levied by hotels, ground operators or airlines). If you notify us less than 45 days prior to the proposed departure date the refund policy applicable to cancellations will apply. Transfers to a third party are only permitted where the transferee meets all the requirements in relation to the trip, and transfers to another departure can only be made to a departure within the current validity period.

Amendments to any other arrangements made in conjunction with your trip will incur $ 100 administration fee per booking per change. This fee is in addition to any charges levied by hotels, ground operators or airlines. No amendments are permitted to your booking within 10 days of departure.

Medical Conditions & Special Requirements

The Company must be notified in writing at the time of booking of any medical conditions, physically challenged conditions or any other mental and physical condition which may affect fitness to travel and or any medical condition. Failure to notify the Company of any such condition that results in cancellation will result in 100% cancellation fees to the Client.

Health & Experience Requirements

Helambu Trek usually requires 4-8 hours of walking every day and some days even up to 8-10 hours- such as in high passes. Ethic Himalaya Treks suggests we get prepared with about 12 km of walking or jogging exercise every day before 3 months of our Helambu Trekking. So we will be able to walk in physically demanding high-altitude conditions and remote areas for many days for hours at a time. To join Helambu Treks and to complete it successfully and enjoyably, we must have: lots of willpower, ability to tolerate harsh conditions, very high level of fitness and good health. Medical and evacuation expenses are the responsibility of the participant. It is also important that we consult our doctor for vaccination and other medical requirements for our trip. Ethic Himalaya reserves the right to require a medical certificate prior to booking our trip.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory for all our travelers and should be taken out at the time of booking. Your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses and emergency repatriation with a recommended minimum coverage of USD $ 200,000 for each of the categories of cover. Your travel insurance must cover accidents, injury, illness and death medical expenses, including any related to pre-existing medical conditions, emergency repatriation (including helicopter rescue and air ambulance where applicable) and personal liability. The Company also recommends it covers trip cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. You must carry proof of insurance with you and produce it if reasonably requested by the company employees or suppliers. The company reserves the right to cancel or suspend your participation on a trip or in certain activities that comprise part of a trip, at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund, if you are unable to provide proof of insurance when requested.

Injuries & Evacuation

Ethic Himalaya Treks would not be liable for any injury/health conditions/emotional or other conditions suffered by the client during the trip. Similarly, our package cost does not include any personal insurance. Hence, we advise the clients to take adequate insurance packages, including medical emergencies and evacuation by Helicopter.

Equipments

Kindly brings a comfortable medium sized daypack to carry the things you will need during the day. This should have a waist strap or (better) a padded waist belt. Special items such as sleeping bags and down jackets can be hired or purchased in Kathmandu as well. But highly recommend bringing it from your own country.

Rain jacket or poncho
Water bottle - minimum 1 liter, aluminum or Nalgene polypropylene are best.
Walking boots - lightweight, waterproof and well-worn in.
Socks: thick wool/blend and thin cotton to be worn in combination - ensure boots fit such combinations.
Running shoes or sandals for morning / evening
Lightweight wool sweater
Fleece jacket
T-shirts – 5 -7
Shirt - long-sleeved
Pants: lightweight long trousers (jeans are unsuitable)
Hats - beanie with ear flaps or balaclava for nights (winter only) / peaked ‘French Legionnaire’ style sun hat that will give neck protection during the day
Gloves - wool or fleece (winter only)
Scarf
Underwear
Thermal Underwear (winter only)
Sarong - a multitude of uses
Sunglasses
Sun Creams
Bag liners - large, thick garbage bags to line and water/dust proof your duffle bag.
Money belt
Toiletries
Towel
Torch / flashlight - headlamp style is ideal
Lighter - for burning toilet paper and rubbish
First Aid Kit

Documentation

Trekking members need to provide us passport copies and passport photographs for trekking permits before your arrival to Nepal which you can send us by mail or by post box.

Complaints

If you have a complaint whilst on tour, trekking and expedition, you must tell to hotelier and to us on the spot. Unless, our company have been given the opportunity to rectify the problem at the time it is not reasonable to expect the company to accept the liability for any problem after you return back to your home country. If the complaint cannot be resolved there and then you should inform us in written within 30 days of the completion of your trip. Failure to follow this procedure may reduce or extinguish any rights you may have to make a claim against us.

Privacy Policy

Any personal information that we collect about you may be used for any purpose associated with the operation of a Trip or to send you marketing material in relation to our events and special offers. The information may be disclosed to our agents, service providers or other suppliers to enable us to operate the Trip. We will otherwise treat your details in accordance with our privacy policy.

Passport & Nepal Visa

All valuable clients must have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity from return date. Nepalese visas can be obtained from the Nepalese Consulate in your country or up on arrival in Kathmandu Airport.

USD $ 30.00 or equivalent foreign currency for 15 Days Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry.
USD $ 50.00 or equivalent foreign currency for 30 Days Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry.
USD $ 125.00 or equivalent foreign currency for 100 days Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry.

Visa Extension Fee

Tourist visa extension is done for minimum 15 days with USD $ 45 and USD $ 3 per day for additional days.
In the case of delay less than 150 days additional USD $ 5 per day as late fine.

E-Visas are available for most nationalities via the Government
Website: https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/on-arrival/IO01
Kindly print this form and bring with you. https://ccmc.gov.np/arms/person_add_en.php

Climate

Nepal’s climate is influenced by maritime, continental factors and has four distinct seasons. Spring lasts from March to May, and is warm with rain shower and temperatures around 22°C. Summer, from June to August, is the monsoon season when the hills turn lush and green. Nepal has diverse climate because of the topography which ranges from sea-level 75m to 8,848m the Highest Peak of the World Mt. Everest. The southern belts of Nepal Terai remain hot most of the year and temperature decreases gradually towards North as the altitude increases. Based on our experience, we have prepared a chart which shows the approximate temperatures at different altitudes in different months.