Helambu Circuit Trek

10
Days

Helambu Circuit Trek is one of the short, easy and quiet but quite scenic and exciting trek, not too far away from the busy capital, Kathmandu. The trek passes through the villages inhabited by the Sherpa and Tamang people and offers views of the most of the mountain ranges from the central region of the country. The trekking starts after just a couple of hours drive away from Kathmandu, with the terraced fields and mountains at distant horizon replacing the concrete buildings of the city. In addition, the views of the Lantang Range, Rolwaling Himal Range and Ganesh Himal Range in the sky and the terraced fields and the overlapping valleys below it, enchant the trekkers. Lantang Lirung (7227 meters), Dorje Lhakpa (6966 meters) and Gauri Shankar (6134 meters) are the famed mountains among many others visible on the trek. Helambu Circuit Trek does not have the starring power of the higher mountains from the other parts of the country but it offers a typical Nepali culture of the hilly region yet to be influenced by the West along with a true Nepali hospitality by two of the major ethnical groups of the country, the famous Sherpa and the Tamang. The difference in the customs and traditions of the Sherpas from the Helambu and the Sherpas from the Khumbu region is another exciting and interesting aspect of the Helambu Trek. Finally, Helambu Circuit Trek is ideal for those travellers who have less time as well who don’t wish to travel too far from Kathmandu Valley.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1335 meters) .
A representative from Visit Himalaya Treks Pvt. Ltd. trekking with the company’s display board will greet you outside the arrival terminal and transfer you to your Hotel. (Overnight at Hotel)
Day 02: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation .
A half day guided tour to several of historical and spiritual attractions enlisted under the World Heritage Sites. The trek leader will meet the group for a meeting and provide a detailed briefing on the trek. All the required information regarding the trek would be provided. (Overnight at Hotel. Breakfast included)
Day 03: Drive to Sundarijal and trek to Chisopani (2300 meters) .
A short 40 minute drive to Sundarijal is followed by an hour steep climb to Mulkharka. After Mulkharka, the trail steadies and undulates to Chisopani. Chisopani offers distant and small but panoramas of long ranges of the Himalayas of Nepal. (4 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
Day 04: Trek to Kutumsang (2479 meters) .
The trail now descents down to Pati Bhanjyang and then once again a long steep climb follows all the way to Gul Bhanjyang. Another descent is followed again by a climb, which later turns into an easy walk near Kutumsang. (7 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse) (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
Day 05: Trek to Thadepati (3490 meters) .
From Kutumsang, a long steep climb continues for almost all the way to Thadepati. There are ouple of lodges in the forest at Mangen Goth and after that the climb continues and only ends at Thadepati. This place is located at a ridge and offers great panoramic views and route to Gosaikunda and Helambu Valley separates here. (6 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
Day 06: Trek to Tarkeghyang (2600 meters) .
Looking towards Helambu valley from Thadepati, the trek starts to descent down into the valley and reaches Melamchi Gaon. The descent again continues to go down to Melamchi Khola and turns into a long ascent to Tarkeghyang. Tarkeghyang is the biggest settlement on the Helambu Circuit Trek. (6 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
Day 07: Trek to Shermathang (2621 meters).
A relatively easy terrain follows, passing along with some small rivers flowing through forests and ends at Shermathang. (6 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
Day 08: Trek to Melamchi Pul Bazaar (846 meters).
The trek continuously loses elevations and passes through terraced fields for most part of the day. After passing through several villages inhabited by diverse ethnic groups, the day and the trek ends at Melamchi Pul Bazaar. (5 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
Day 09: Drive to Kathmandu.
4 hours drive finally brings us back to Kathmandu and the afternoon can be spent by enjoying the luxuries of the city (Overnight at Hotel. Breakfast included)
Day 10: Departure .
A representative from Visit Himalaya Treks Pvt. Ltd. will check your flight tickets and transfer you to the airport before two hours from your flight with a hope of seeing you again in the future.(Breakfast included)
NOTE:
ALL ITINERARIES CAN BE CUSTOMIZED AT YOUR REQUESTS ACCORDING TO YOUR CONVENIENCE.

Includes

Arrivals and departure transport by car (We will collect you from the Kathmandu international airport) and transfer to Hotel.
Half day sightseeing in Kathmandu (Boudhanath and Pasupatinath) with city guide and necessary transport.
3 nights accommodation (2 persons per room) in Kathmandu in a 3* standard Hotel with breakfast.
All land transportations (a private car/bus).
Accommodation and all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) while on trek in normal teahouses.
Salary, insurance, food, accommodation for guides and porters.
A porter to carry your luggage on treks (Per person 15 kilogram luggage).
National Park entry fee and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS).
Group First Aid Kit.
Government taxes and service charges.

Excludes

Nepal entry Visa Fee.
Personal Travel Insurance (Compulsory).
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
Entry fee at the sightseeing sites.
Personal expenses like beverages (mineral water, alcohol, soft drinks), telephone bills, laundry, bar bills, personal tips etc.

Gear List

The following checklist should help you with your packing. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. The packed weight of your trek bag while trekking should be no more than 15 KG.

Hiking boots
Socks
Trekking trousers / pants
Waterproof overtrousers / rainpants
Baselayer shirts
Casual shirt and/or T-shirts
Fleece jacket or warm jumper/sweater
Waterproof jacket
Sunhat
Warm hat
Sunglasses
Thermal gloves
Warm and waterproof over gloves or mittens
Head torch/Headlamp with spare bulb and batteries
Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.)
Water bottles 1 L.
Antibacterial handwash
Small towel
Daypack, 25/30Litres
Trekking poles
Sleeping bag 4 or 5 season * (rated down to – 20ºC)
Warm jacket (down)*

Medical
Small, personal first-aid kit. (Simple and light)
Aspirin, first-aid tape, and plasters (Band-Aids)
1 skin-blister repair kit
Anti-diarrhea pills
Anti-headache pills
Cough and/or cold medicine
Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetylzolamide
Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc. Do not bring sleeping pills as they are a respiratory depressant.
Water purification tablets or water filter
1 set of earplugs
Extra pair of prescription glasses, contact lens supplies.

Note: Walking pole, down jacket, sleeping bag, etc available on hire in Kathmandu or request we will provide it.

Faqs

How do I know that your company is a legit company?

On the home page of our website, under the section, company profile, all the legal documents are present.

What happens if I have to cancel or postpone my booked trip?

On cancellation, depending on time duration before the cancellation of the trip, cancellation charge will be charged. A trip can be postponed up to a year.

How far in advance can I book?

A trip can be booked as far as one year in advance. We do not book more than one year ahead because of possibility of huge fluctuations in the international exchange rate.

Can I customize trips to make them suite me?

We always try to be flexible with our trips for our client’s convenience. We are open to changes on the trips as long as the proposed itinerary does not harm your own chances of acclimatization on the trips.

Before a trek: What do I need to bring for the trek?

On confirmation of a trek, full lists of required gears would be sent to you or please view our Gear List section on website.

What kind of insurances do I need?

Proper travel insurance is necessary before confirming a trek. At times of emergency cases like evacuation, it will cover your expenses. Make sure to consult with your insurance company about the coverage of the insurance that you have bought.

How do I prepare myself for the physical requirement of the trek?

An average physical fitness should be maintained on prior of booking a trek. Any sort of illness or recent medical problems should be mentioned while booking a trip. Most of our itineraries are prepared to give you a maximum time to acclimatize and pace setting on the treks would be done according to your convenience.

How long will be an average day on the trek?

On average, a day on a trek would be 5-6 hours long. The longest day can be up to 10 hours and 3 hours is the shortest day. It all depends on the region that your are trekking.

How safe are the treks?

Our main objective is your safety. Safety is never compromised and all our guides are properly trained and equipped to take care clients’ safety in even the wildest region of the country.

Is there any arrangement made for emergency while on trekking Tour?

In case of severe sickness or accident (which is least expected), you will be rescued by a helicopter. Since you are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred for the use of such emergency services, please make sure that your travel insurance covers you for both- medical as well as emergency evacuation costs.

On a trek: How are the food and the logistics on the trek?

All the lodges used on the treks are frequently used and trusted by our company. We take our clients review very seriously and never repeat any lodges with complaints on their food on lodge/ tea house trek. On Camping Trek our trekking cook will provide food cooked in our own camp.

I m a Vegetarian, is that a Problem?

It is not a problem at all because in a mountain tea house / lodges serve vegetarian food as well and our guide well take care at the time and on a camping trek our cook will care well for the vegetarian food.

How is the standard of the lodges that we use on treks?

Most of the lodges in the mountains are quite basic. On few major towns or settlements, when possible we provide the best lodges possible. There are luxury lodges but it’s not included on the standard treks.

What is the stander of gears use on camping trek?

We use stander quality of (Camping Gears) like tents, dining tents, mattress, etc on a camping trek, Also we provide proper warm jacket, trouser, shoes for the porters too.

Will I be able to charge my mobile and camera during the trek?

Lately, most of the teahouses on the trekking routes have electricity. So, charging your gadgets is not a problem at all. However, on some teahouses which run on solar power, you would have to pay additional fee (US$ 1 to 3 approx.), in order to get your gadgets charged.

Is there any communication while we are on trekking?

Now a day’s most of the major village cell phone is work however such a remote place cell phone does not work but land line phone is available. You can use land line Local phone to call to your relatives.

Can I use credit cards in the places I visit in trekking?

You can’t use credit card on a trekking unless in a certain luxuries hotel.

Can I use foreign currency in the place I visit in trekking?

Well! You may use foreign currency during the trekking but exchange rate may not meet correct rate as city so we recommended you to take enough Nepali currency from Kathmandu where you can exchange.

What opportunities will I have for shower along the trek?

Most of the place they have shower heated by gas and some places headed by solar so you can have shower paying extra cost. However in Camping trek our staffs will provide hot water in bucket for wash and shower.

What safety measures are in place? What safety equipment do your guides carry with them on trek to deal with sickness/accidents?

In every trekking our guide carries first aid kit with basic requirement tools and some medicine for preventing out in an emergency condition.

Is Visit Himalaya's staff insured?

All our staffs are fully covered by Insurance and high altitude evacuation if necessary.

Do I get refund if trek finished earlier then the schedule?

After conformation your trip we manage our field staff giving them a full wages of the trip duration so you won’t get refunds. If any case you drop from the trip by illness or any case there will be not any refundable.

Do you use yaks/porters on the trek or do we carry all of our own gear?

We provide 2 in sharing porter for carry your gears in Tea house trek (Lodge Trek) and such a demanding camping trek we use Yak, Mules, for carry the loads. Our porter carry 20 to 25 kilograms so we suggest each person‘s good weight 10 to 12 Kilograms. You need to carry your own day pack with your valuable items.

Will there be a place to store items/clothing not required for the trek?

Yes either you can store same hotel as you stayed or we can store your goods with us safely in our office free of cost.

Can I obtain the visa for Nepal upon on arrival at the airport?

Yes you can obtain your Nepal Visa upon arrival in Kathmandu Nepal. More details of Nepal visa please follow the link given. Nepal Visa Information.

How much luggage is allowed on treks?

The luggage must not exceed up to 20 kilos. A trekking helper (porter) carries a baggage of less than 15 kilos. This bag can be received at the end of each day’s trek and you should carry the rest of the weight as a day bag with all your money and valuables inside it.

About Tipping and Suggestion:-

This is a difficult thing to gauge. We have seen everything from USD 25 to USD 900 per person for guides and porters. Tipping is not required, but a small gesture of thanks to your guides and local porters. The level of the tip should reflect the level of satisfaction from and personal involvement with your guide. However, we recommend you to spend minimum 10% of your total trip cost for tipping entire local staffs.

The best time to Visit Nepal - October to November :-

The best time to Visit Nepal - October to November also referred as the autumn season, this is the time of the year with the clear blue skies and green and lush valleys, easily making it the best time in the year to visit Nepal. Adding to the weather is also the festive season that falls in these months, Tihar, the festival of lights (also known as the festival of the brothers and sisters) being the highlight of the many festivals. The temperature can be hot in the days with clear sky with no rains and can be very pleasant for the views of the mountains.

December to February :-

December to February it is winter in Nepal in these 3 months in Nepal. High altitude trekking can be unbearable because of the freezing cold, with many treks with high passes being close at this time of the year. This could be easily the best time to visit and do some moderate treks like Annapurna Base Camp, Everest Base Camp Trek, Langtang Trek etc if a quiet, peaceful and less people on trails is your priority. The weather remains calm, rainfall is rare during these months and trekking is still very much possible and enjoyable as well.

March to May :-

March to May The spring season falls during this time and is easily the busiest time of the year in some parts, Everest Trekking trail in particular being the busiest region. The days can get really hot, at times temperature crossing 30 degrees Celsius mark but the jungles with blossoming colourful Rhododendrons and other flowers with towering snow capped pinnacles at the background are an absolute delight to watch. March to May, along with October to November are the best months to trek in Nepal.

June to September :-

June to September The worst time to trek in Nepal as heavy rains, floods and landslides are common until mid September. However, places like the Upper Dolpo and upper parts of Mustang are the places to be at this time of the year because of the least rainfall in these areas. Apart from these areas, all other areas are a nuisance to trek during these times because of the rains and the problems like leeches, muddy trails, cancelled flights.

Notes

Trip cost will vary depending on numbers of travelers, duration/days of trek, standard of hotel in Kathmandu before & after the trip. Please contact us to GET a Custom Quote.

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