Helambu Trek
Those who want a trek close to Kathmandu, with no domestic flight, Sherpa villages and monasteries.
Trek level: Moderate+
Accommodation: In lodges
Duration: 8 days, 5 to 7 hours of walking per day
Maximum altitude: 3,590 m
Highlights of this trek
- Magnificent viewpoints on Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Dorje Lakpa, Gauri Shankar and more.
- Many beautiful Sherpa villages and monasteries.
- Terraced fields, very friendly and welcoming people, an authentic region known for its wildlife and flora.
Note
- The stages are flexible (on request).
- Would you like to know more about our services and the price of this trek?
The itinerary
Day 01: Kathmandu – Chisapani (1,350-2,150 m), about 45 minutes by road to Sundarijal, then 5h30 of walking.
Day 02 : Chisapani – Kutumsang (2,150-2,500 m), 7 hours of walking.
Day 03 : Kutumsang – Tharepati (2,500-3,590 m), 6h30 of walking.
Day 04: Tharepati – Melamchi Gaun (3,590-2,600 m), 4 hours of walking.
Day 05: Melamchi Gaun – Tarkeghyang (2,600-2,620 m), 5 hours of walking.
Day 06: Tarkeghyang – Sermathang (2,620-2,550 m), 5h30 of walking.
Day 07: Sermathang – Melamchi Pul Bazar (2,590-850 m), 5h30 of walking.
Day 08: Melamchi Pul Bazar – Kathmandu, 5 hours by local bus / private vehicle possible.
Photo gallery
Our other treks
Trek facts: Helambu Trek
Best time to go
Almost all year round except the monsoon (June to September). Winter is excellent: clear skies and empty trails.
Who is it for?
Those who want a trek close to Kathmandu, with no domestic flight, Sherpa villages and monasteries. Good physical condition needed: 5 to 8 hour days, nights at altitude, one or more sections above 4,000 m.
What the price includes
- Airport welcome and return transfers
- All return ground transport to the start of the trek (private or shared vehicle depending on group size)
- Government-licensed French- or English-speaking guide and 1 porter for 2 participants (max. 25 kg): team wages, meals, accommodation and insurance included
- Nights in lodges during the trek
- Full board during the trek: 3 meals a day with tea or coffee
- Hot shower, battery charging and Wi-Fi in the lodges (subject to availability)
- All required trekking permits
What the price does not include
- International flight and Nepal visa ($50 for 30 days, at the airport)
- Travel and repatriation insurance (mandatory)
- Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu (can be booked on request), sightseeing and entrance fees
- Drinks outside meals (bottled water, soft drinks, alcohol), snacks, personal expenses and tips for the team
Starting price per person, in euros. The final price depends on the number of participants, the season and the options: we confirm it in a free quote.
Permits required (2026 rates)
| TIMS card issued by the agency | NPR 2,000 (≈ €13) |
| Langtang National Park | NPR 3,000 (≈ €20) |
| Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park depending on the route | about NPR 1,000 |
Permits are obtained by the agency and included in the quote. All about trekking permits.
Day-by-day altitude profile
Sleeping altitudes taken from the itinerary above. Hover over a point to see the stage.
Route map
Indicative map of the main stages, OpenTopoMap base map. This is not a GPS track.
Live weather: Kyanjin Gompa (3,870 m)
Open-Meteo forecast for the region's reference point, for guidance only. At altitude, allow about 6 °C less for every extra 1,000 m.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Helambu Trek take?
Allow 8 days from Kathmandu, transport included. The stages are flexible: Mohan adapts the pace to the group, and we always recommend a spare day at the end of your trip.
What fitness level do I need for this trek?
Level: Challenging. Good physical condition needed: 5 to 8 hour days, nights at altitude, one or more sections above 4,000 m. No mountaineering skills are needed.
When is the best time for the Helambu Trek?
Almost all year round except the monsoon (June to September). Winter is excellent: clear skies and empty trails. See our guide When to trek in Nepal.
Which permits are needed and who arranges them?
For this trek: TIMS card (NPR 2,000 (≈ €13)), Langtang National Park (NPR 3,000 (≈ €20)), Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park (about NPR 1,000). The agency obtains all permits before departure, from a simple copy of your passport. Since 2023, a licensed guide is required in Nepal's protected areas.
Is there a risk of altitude sickness?
The maximum altitude is 3,590 m. Above 3,000 m, acute mountain sickness can affect anyone. The itinerary includes acclimatisation stages and Mohan checks on every participant morning and evening. Read our guide to altitude sickness.
How much does the Helambu Trek cost?
From €550 per person, with a guide, porters, permits, lodge nights and meals during the trek, and the transport listed in the itinerary. The exact price depends on the number of participants, the season and the options. The full list of what is included is in the trek facts. Ask for your free quote, or estimate the total budget of your trip with our calculator.
Can I do this trek alone, as a couple or with my family?
Yes. Every departure is tailor-made, on the date of your choice, from one person. The guide and porters work only for your group. See trekking alone in Nepal.
Useful guides: FAQ · when to go · gear · visa · permits · altitude sickness · budget
Interested in this trek?
Mohan answers you personally and adapts the itinerary to your pace, your dates and your budget. Free quote, no commitment.