Understanding Mountain Rock Treks Helambu Circuit trek Map
With our updated modern map and itinerary just crafted for your convenience, experience a unique adventure on the Helambu Circuit trek, the ultimate destination of this thrilling journey. As you traverse the well-trodden path leading to Helambu, you'll witness breathtaking landscapes and captivating surroundings. At Mountain Rock Treks, we take immense pride in providing you with the finest and most interactive maps and itineraries for this remarkable trek.
Our updated Helambu Circuit trek map and itinerary for 2023-2024 encompass all the possible routes in the Helambu region you can transverse. Likewise, we ensure that our maps are regularly updated to provide you with the most accurate information. To facilitate your planning, we have made the map available in its original high-quality format online, allowing you to access and print a precise copy.
With our Mountain Rock Trek map, you can explore the Helambu circuit trek's diverse trails and prominent landmarks. And our zooming feature enables you to delve into the desired places and highlights, giving you a comprehensive understanding of the trekking route throughout your journey.
Therefore grab our Helambu circuit trek map and itinerary and launch on this unforgettable journey with Mountain Rock Treks to unlock the incredible possibilities that await you on the trek. Also, discover more and submerge yourself in the wonders of this exceptional experience by exploring our detailed map and itinerary.
The Helambu Circuit Trek map promises an adventure that lets you explore a variety of stunning valleys covered in vibrant greenery, dreamy forests filled with rhododendron flowers, and distant snowy peaks that paint a beautiful backdrop. And even more impressive is the chance to immerse yourself in the fascinating mix of Hindu and Tibetan Buddhist cultures here.
In addition, this trek in the Helambu region is perfect if you're short on time and want to experience an untouched and pristine environment. Here in Helambu, you'll get to witness the unique Yolmo culture of mountain villages, be in awe of the majestic high mountains, and observe local farmers working hard in the fields using traditional tools and water buffalo.
Known for its breathtaking beauty and pleasant weather, the Helambu Circuit Trek is located in the northern part of the Kathmandu Valley. During this trek, you can stay in charming highland monastery villages and small settlements within lush forests. It's one of the easiest and most enjoyable trekking routes, offering a lower elevation than other regions.
In Helambu, per our guided map and itinerary, you'll encounter warm and welcoming communities, specifically in the Tamang and Yolmo villages, where strong family and cultural bonds are cherished. And if you're short on time but crave an instant Himalayan adventure, the Helambu Circuit Trek is perfect. It's a relatively easy and pleasant journey, with an average altitude of 3500m.
Our trek map guides you through Tharepati towards Tarkegyang, where you'll find a variety of trail options to choose from. We'll follow our map towards the south ridge, passing through Sermathang, and descend towards the Melamchi River. Likewise, this river is the site of a major project to bring drinking water to Kathmandu through a series of tunnels. We continue to follow our map and itinerary and finally end the Helambu Circuit Trek by returning to Kathmandu.
To explain in short, both our Helambu Circuit Trek map and itinerary promise an incredible experience of natural beauty, cultural encounters, and serenity amidst the Himalayan landscape.
Helambu Circuit trek itinerary Summary and Facts
Helambu circuit trek, guided by our map and itinerary, takes us on a beautiful journey with villages, abundant wildlife, and distinct culture and religions. We recommend our Helambu circuit trek itinerary for families and anyone who wants an enjoyable trek in Nepal without it being too long or exhausting. You don't need to be an experienced hiker to do it, so our itinerary is perfect for people of all ages.
The elevations are lower, ranging from 2,600 to 12,400 feet, so it's warmer, which makes the trek quite popular. There aren't as many crowds here as in the Annapurna and Everest regions – it's never too crowded, even during peak season. It's a peaceful place. Plus, this trek is easily accessible from Kathmandu, making it one of the most convenient options.
The local Sherpas have a distinct culture from the Sherpas of Solu Khumbu, the Everest region, especially regarding their clothing and language. Despite being close Helambu trek map and itinerary are more about experiencing the local culture than exploring glaciers or mountains. Don't forget to try one of Helambu's famous sweet apples.
Like other treks in Nepal, you might get lucky and spot red pandas, Himalayan black bears, and many other wildlife creatures.
The most exciting part is the breathtaking views of Langtang (23,734 feet), Ganesh (24,429 feet), and several other peaks above 20,000 feet. Even though you won't reach extreme altitudes, the views are still awe-inspiring.
Our Helambu quick trek map and itinerary indicate that our starting point is Sundarijal. Sundarijal, known as the "beautiful water," is around 17 km northeast of Kathmandu. This town is where you enter the Shivapuri National Park and start the famous Kathmandu Valley Trekking route. We'll drive for about 6 hours, with some stops along the way. When reaching the starting point of your trek, you usually have three choices: taking a bus, taxi, or booking a private vehicle, jeep, or car up to Sundarijal.
The best way to get to Sundarijal is by renting a private car or taxi. But there's another option too. You can get on a local bus and make your way there. If you fancy a private ride or want to hire a taxi from Kathmandu, we recommend sorting it out beforehand.
From Sundari Jal, your official trekking journey starts towards Chisa Pani. You spend the night at Chisapani and start trekking the next day. Continuing your trek, you will pass through many places like Gulbhanjyang, mainly inhabited by the Tamans. So it's an excellent opportunity for you to encounter their lifestyles, religion, and culture closely. Furthermore, you will trek towards Melamchi Gaon, Tarkeghyang (inhabited by the Sherpa people), and MelamchiPul Bazar. From MelamchiPul Bazar, you return to Kathmandu with a short 4-hour drive.
Helambu Circuit Map Explanation
The Helambu trek begins 45 miles northeast of Kathmandu, stretching from the northern region of Taramarang to the tree limit surrounding Gosainkunda Lake and the lower slopes of Jugal Himal. Bordering the path are towering mountains, locally referred to as hills, though they lack the stature of giants. Despite its nearness to Kathmandu, the area remains relatively untouched.
Our map for the Helambu Circuit Trek confines tough trails, precise walking distances, and altitudes. The Helambu Circuit Trek map provided by Mountain Rock Treks offers a comprehensive visualization of the region, illustrating the complete network of trekking routes in Helambu.
In addition, our map includes essential details that can come in handy while trekking, such as elevation gain, total distance, prominent peaks, and the highest point. Moreover, we have designed the map with a minimalist style, ensuring clarity and visual appeal whether you intend to embark on a trail or simply adorn your walls.
Talking more about Mountain Rock Treks map features, it is an up-to-date and comprehensive guide accurately representing the trekking route. Moreover, it offers trekkers a range of options, allowing them to begin their journey from various points and end at different destinations per their interests and preferences.
For example, instead of driving to Sundarijal, you can drive to Chisa Pani directly, which proves a different experience than regular trekking to the Helambu circuit trek. Also, you can choose to stay overnight at SundariJal if you like. If you want any further changes, contact us at Mountain Rock Treks, and we will change the map and itinerary accordingly with different starting and ending points.
What is included in the map?
Our Helambu circuit trek map is an identical digital replica of any other digital map. Our maps precisely mirror the printed version, enhancing the trekking experience for adventurers exploring the Helambu region.
Our map illustrates a clear trail, highlighting the terrain you will encounter during your trek. Also, it outlines the steep mountain ascents, gently sloping valleys, and notable landmarks along the trek. Additionally, it provides distance measurements and indicates the highest elevation points along the route.
Using our trek map, you can measure the trail's difficulty level and adequately prepare for the journey ahead. Moreover, the map is an invaluable tool to regain your bearings while trekking if you lose your way during the hike.
Our Helambu circuit trek map is meticulously prepared to showcase the region's diverse physical features and landscapes. And the map offers valuable insights into the Langtang Valley trek and Gosainkunda Lake, including their highest and lowest elevations. Furthermore, the map incorporates vibrant symbols representing elements such as mountains, trails, driving routes, waterfalls, glaciers, and roads, enhancing the visual experience for users of any age.
Kindly acknowledge the blue-colored border as the main trekking route on the map. To begin the Helambu circuit trek, the black number 1 is encircled in a yellow circle on the map. The drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal typically takes 6 hours. From Sundarijal, you will follow the trail leading to Chisapani, continuing to Sermanthang. This particular trail from Sundarijal is considered the oldest route to the Helambu circuit trek.
To navigate the map, please follow the dashed white line representing the driving trail to the Helambu Circuit trek. The mountain symbols during the trek represent the famous peak you will be seeing during your trek. For your convenience, the prominent landmarks and stopping points for the Helambu Trek are denoted in Big, bold black letters.
Helambu Circuit trek Itinerary
Here is a comprehensive itinerary for hiking in Helambu. You won't encounter any flight-related delays as this route does not involve air travel. During the hike, you'll be staying at tea houses for accommodation. Although there are various trekking itineraries available for this route, the 8-day itinerary outlined below remains the most favored option. Kindly note that the language of communication will be English.
Outlined Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport
- Kathmandu Elevation- 1,400 meters (4,600 feet)
- Airport to Hotel Distance- 20/ 30 minutes
- Accommodation- Hotels of Kathmandu
Day 2: Drive to Sundarijal & then trek to Chisa Pani
- Sundarijal Elevation- (1,385m / 4,545ft)
- Chisapani Elevation- (2,295m / 7,655ft)
- Driving Hours- 1 hr
- Trekking Hours-4/5 hours
- Accommodation- Lodges of Chisapani
Day 3: rek Chisa Pani to Gul Bhanjyang
- Gul Bhanjyang Elevation- (2,140m / 7,020 ft)
- Trekking Hours-6/8 hours
- Trek Distance- 17km / 10.5miles
- Accommodation- Lodges of Gul Bhanjyang
Day 4: Trek Gul Bhanjyang to Melamchi Gaun
- Melamchi Gaon Elevation- (2,530m / 8,300 ft)
- Trekking Hours-6/7 hours
- Trek Distance- 15 km / 10.5miles
- Accommodation- Lodges of Melamchi Gau
Day 5: Trek Melamchi Gaun to Sarmathang
- Sermathang Elevation- (2,590m /8,497 ft)
- Trekking Hours-6/7 hours
- Accommodation- Lodges of Sarmathang
Day 6: Trek Sarmathang to Melamchi Pul Bazar
- Melamchi Pul Bazar Elevation- (830m /2,723 ft)
- Trekking Hours-5/6 hours
- Accommodation- Lodges of Melamchi Pul Bazar
Day 7: Drive From Melamchi Pul Bazar to Kathmandu
- Kathmandu Elevation- 1,400 meters (4,600 feet)
- Driving Hours- 4 hours
- Accommodation- Hotels of Kathmandu
Day 8:Departure from Kathmandu
Day 1: Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport
Upon arriving at Kathmandu airport and completing your customs formalities, including visa processing, please retrieve your luggage. Look out for our representative from Mountain Rock Treks, who will be holding a sign with your name at the arrival gate. Our representative will warmly welcome you and arrange your transfer to the hotel in Thamel using a private tourist vehicle. You will spend the night at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Drive to Sundarijal & then trek to Chisapani
Once we finish our early morning breakfast, we'll start our journey with a one-hour drive to Sundarijal. Nestled at the foothills of the Kathmandu Valley, Sundrijal serves as the starting point for our trek. Our journey begins from Sundarijal, leading us to Chisapani, which will take approximately four to five hours. Continuing along the trail, we traverse through Shivapuri National Park. Ascending a ridge at an elevation of 1,895 meters and 600 meters above Sundarijal, we eventually arrive at Mulkhara, a charming Tamang settlement.
Upon reaching Mulkhara, we'll pause briefly at the local tea and snack shops. We proceed along the ridge afterward, meandering through a dense forest adorned with oaks and rhododendrons. Our trek through the forest persists until we reach our destination, Chisapani.
Day 3: Trek Chisa Pani to Gul Bhanjyang
We rise before daybreak to witness the awe-inspiring sunrise from the Chisapani viewpoint.
Following a delightful breakfast, our journey continues toward Kutumsang, which typically takes approximately five to six hours. Along the trek, we traverse through lush meadows and fertile farmlands, indulging in the breathtaking vistas of the Langtang mountains. Descending from the ridge, we arrive at the charming village of Pathi Bhanjyang. From there, we continue our trek to Gul Bhanjyang, where we rest for the night.
Day 4: Trek Gul Bhanjyang to Melamchi Gaun
After having breakfast, we proceed northwards to witness the breathtaking sights of the snow-capped peaks up ahead. We ascend on a steep trail, traversing through dense forests of fir trees and vibrant rhododendrons in an area devoid of permanent settlements.
The jungles are teeming with life, lush and abundant, adorned with Nepal's national flower, the rhododendron. Our trek continues towards Yurin Danda, allowing us to relish the awe-inspiring vistas of the Himalayas. Shortly after that, we reach a cluster of lodges at Magen Goth, nestled beside a picturesque meadow that offers mesmerizing views of the majestic mountains. Proceeding further on our hike, we arrive at Tharepati.
A short distance from Tharepati, we cross through rhododendron and fir forests, brimming with diverse bird species and wildlife, accompanied by the serene melody of a flowing river beneath us. This marks our arrival at Melamchi Gaon, where we spend the night in a lodge.
Day 5: Trek Melamchi Gaon to Sarmathang
Today's trek promises an exciting adventure, allowing you to immerse yourself in diverse cultures and lifestyles.
Our journey begins by heading eastward, veering off the ridgeline, and descending towards the enchanting Melamchi Village. While Sherpas inhabit this village, it is worth noting that they possess unique characteristics distinct from those residing in SoluKhumbu to the east.
Next, we ascend towards Tarke Ghyang, passing through several Sherpa settlements and indulging in awe-inspiring views of the majestic Himalayan peaks. In Tarke Ghyang, you will have the opportunity to explore an ancient monastery, which happens to be one of the oldest and largest monasteries in the region. The village is more commonly referred to as Helambu, as most of its inhabitants belong to the Hyolmo caste. It's important to mention that Helambu encompasses a collection of Tamang and Sherpa villages in this area.
The route from Tarke Ghyang will lead you through dense forests alongside glistening streams and captivating waterfalls, providing breathtaking panoramas throughout your journey. As you continue trekking, you will encounter numerous small villages between Parachin and the Sherpa village of Gangyul. From Gangyul, your path continues until you reach the picturesque settlement of Sermanthang. This village boasts several Buddhist monasteries, adding to its serene beauty. You will spend the night at one of the cozy tea houses or lodges in Sermanthang.
Day 6: Trek Sarmathang to Melamchi Pul Bazar
Today, we trek from Sermathang. The path we follow traces the ridge, gradually descending to Melamchi Pul Bazar, with an impressive drop of 1730 meters. Along the trail, we encounter numerous chortens in the settlements of Nigale, Gyalsha, and Raithani Gyang. Descending further, we traverse through chir pine forests until we reach Kakani, the final Sherpa village.
Here, we transition into the lowlands, which Brahmans and Chhetris predominantly inhabit. Departing Kakani, we descend steeply to reach the charming town of Dubhachaur, nestled in a saddle at 1610 meters. Continuing our descent along the ridge, we eventually arrive at a sizable suspension bridge that spans the Indravati River, guiding us into Melamchi Pul Bazar (880m). We will spend the night at a teahouse.
Day 7: Drive From Melamchi Pul Bazar to Kathmandu
Today we drive from Melamchi Pul Bazar to Kathmandu, and for this, we can use either public transportation or our vehicles to return to Kathmandu from Melamchi Pul. The journey from Melamchi Pul Bazar to Kathmandu typically lasts around five hours. Initially, you will traverse a gravelly and uneven path until reaching Lamidanda, after which you will continue on a paved road toward Kathmandu via the Banepa and Dhulikhel highways. Rest for the night at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 8: Departure from Kathmandu
Following breakfast, our services conclude with a departure transfer to Kathmandu airport for you to catch your flight to your next destination or your home country.
