6 Days Helambu Treks from Kathmandu

Overview

A classic teahouse trek that starts right on the edge of Kathmandu. The 6 Days Helambu Trek leaves from Sundarijal, just an hour from the city, and climbs through the forests of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park into the hills of Helambu – the homeland of the Hyolmo people, Buddhist highlanders with their own language, monasteries and apple orchards. With a maximum altitude of about 3,650 m and no flights required, it is one of the most accessible and least crowded treks in Nepal, with views of the Langtang, Jugal, Gauri Shankar and, on clear days, Everest ranges.

The first day passes a small hydropower station and the Tamang village of Mulkharka to Chisapani (2,300 m), famous for its sunset and sunrise over the Himalaya. You then walk along ridges via Pathi Bhanjyang and Gul Bhanjyang to Kutumsang, and climb through fir and rhododendron forest – where there are no permanent settlements – past Yurin Danda to the high ridge of Thadepati (3,650 m), facing the Langtang range and close to the route to the sacred lakes of Gosainkunda.

The descent leads through Melamchi Gaun to the Hyolmo villages of Tarkeghyang, with its old monastery, and Sermathang, set among orchards and chortens, where you have a relaxed afternoon. On the last morning you walk down to Melamchi Pul Bazaar and drive back to Kathmandu. A licensed English-speaking guide, porters, teahouses with three meals a day, national park and TIMS permits and private transfers are included.

The route at a glance

Starting just outside Kathmandu at Sundarijal, the trek climbs through Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park to Chisapani, then follows the ridges north via Gul Bhanjyang and Kutumsang to the high viewpoint of Thadepati (3,650 m). From there it descends into the Helambu valley to the Hyolmo villages of Melamchi Gaun, Tarkeghyang and Sermathang before ending at Melamchi Pul Bazaar.

Altitude and difficulty

Helambu is a moderate trek with plenty of ups and downs but no serious altitude – only one night is spent above 3,000 m. It needs no flights, can be done almost all year, and offers a quiet trail with genuine village culture and Himalayan views.

Why choose this trek?

Starts and ends by road from Kathmandu – no flights.
Quiet trails, Hyolmo and Tamang culture and Himalayan views.
Moderate altitude, suitable for first-time trekkers.

Who is it for?

Beginners, families with older children and anyone with a week to spare. Grade: easy to moderate – 3–7 hours of walking a day. Best from October to May; spring brings rhododendrons in full bloom.

ITINERARY IN BRIEF WITH LOCATION MAP

Trip Facts

Tour Code: PTT-NP-TRK-17
Duration: 6 Days
Program Type: Trekking
Maximum Altitude: 3650 M
Minimum Pax: 1
Mode of Travel: Drive/Trek
Start Trip: Kathmandu
End Trip: Kathmandu
Program Grading: Easy

Trip at a Glance

Day 01: Drive Kathmandu – Sundarijal (1 hour), trek to Chisapani (3–4 hours)
Day 02: Trek Chisapani – Pathi Bhanjyang – Gul Bhanjyang – Kutumsang (about 7 hours)
Day 03: Trek Kutumsang – Yurin Danda – Thadepati (about 6 hours)
Day 04: Trek Thadepati – Melamchi Gaun – Tarkeghyang (about 6 hours)
Day 05: Trek Tarkeghyang – Sermathang (3–4 hours) – free afternoon
Day 06: Trek Sermathang – Melamchi Pul Bazaar (3–4 hours), drive to Kathmandu (3–4 hours)

Trip Highlights

Trek starts just one hour from Kathmandu at Sundarijal
Forests of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
Sunset and sunrise over the Himalaya from Chisapani
High ridge of Thadepati (3,650 m) facing the Langtang range
Hyolmo villages and monasteries of Tarkeghyang and Sermathang
Quiet, uncrowded teahouse trails

Itinerary in Details

Day 01Drive Kathmandu – Sundarijal (1 hour), trek to Chisapani (3–4 hours)
Drive about 1 hour, trek 3–4 hours | Altitude: Chisapani 2,171 m | Overnight: Chisapani (lodge)

Drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal on the north-east rim of the valley. The trek starts with a climb up stone steps beside the water pipeline and reservoir, then enters the oak and rhododendron forest of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, rich in birdlife.

Cross the ridge at Borlang Bhanjyang (about 2,400 m) – your first big Himalayan view – and descend a little to the hill village of Chisapani (“cold water”). The sunset and sunrise views over Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa and the Jugal range are superb.
- OvernightChisapani
- CountryNepal
- Highest PointChisapani
- Altitude2,171m / 7,123ft
- Travel ModeDrive: 15 km / 1 hr · Trek: 10 km / 4 hr
- Places VisitedKathmandu, Sundarijal, Shivapuri National Park, Chisapani
- MealsLunch, Dinner
Day 02Trek Chisapani – Pathi Bhanjyang – Gul Bhanjyang – Kutumsang (about 7 hours)
Trek about 7 hours | Altitude: 2,446 m | Overnight: Kutumsang (lodge)

After sunrise, descend through fields and forest to Pathi Bhanjyang and continue along the ridge through Chipling. The trail passes Tamang villages, terraced farms and small tea houses where you can stop for a cup of tea.

After a climb to Gul Bhanjyang (2,140 m), a pretty village with a small monastery and mani walls, the trail climbs again over a ridge to Kutumsang, with views across to the Langtang and Jugal Himal.
- OvernightKutumsang
- CountryNepal
- Highest PointKutumsang
- Altitude2,446m / 8,025ft
- Travel ModeTrek: 18 km / 7 hr
- Places VisitedChisapani, Pathi Bhanjyang, Gul Bhanjyang, Kutumsang
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 03Trek Kutumsang – Yurin Danda – Thadepati (about 6 hours)
Trek about 6 hours | Altitude: 3,650 m | Overnight: Thadepati (lodge)

The longest climb of the trek. Leave the villages behind and climb steadily through thick forest of fir, rhododendron and oak via Yurin Danda and Mangengoth, an army post and lodge stop, often in the company of birds and the occasional langur monkey.

The trail emerges on the open ridge at Thadepati (3,650 m), the highest point of the trek, with a panoramic view of the Langtang range, Dorje Lakpa, Jugal Himal and, on clear days, Gauri Shankar. Nights here are cold – keep warm clothes handy.
- OvernightThadepati
- CountryNepal
- Highest PointThadepati
- Altitude3,650m / 11,975ft
- Travel ModeTrek: 13 km / 6 hr
- Places VisitedKutumsang, Thadepati
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 04Trek Thadepati – Melamchi Gaun – Tarkeghyang (about 6 hours)
Trek about 6 hours | Altitude: Tarkeghyang 2,560 m | Overnight: Tarkeghyang (lodge)

Descend steeply through forest into the Helambu region to Melamchi Gaun, a village of the Hyolmo (Helambu Sherpa) people with an old monastery and a small cheese factory.

After lunch, cross the Melamchi Khola and climb the opposite hillside to Tarkeghyang, the largest Hyolmo village, with its closely packed stone houses, carved wooden windows and 200-year-old monastery.
- OvernightTarkeghyang
- CountryNepal
- Highest PointThadepati
- Altitude3,650m / 11,975ft
- Travel ModeTrek: 14 km / 6 hr
- Places VisitedThadepati, Melamchi Gaun, Tarkeghyang
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 05Trek Tarkeghyang – Sermathang (3–4 hours) – free afternoon
Trek 3–4 hours | Altitude: 2,610 m | Overnight: Sermathang (lodge)

An easy day along a level trail through forest and apple orchards, past chortens and prayer flags, to Sermathang, a spread-out Hyolmo village known for its apples and its views of the Jugal Himal.

In the afternoon, visit the monastery and explore the village, meet local families and enjoy the quiet, unhurried pace of life in the hills.
- OvernightSermathang
- CountryNepal
- Highest PointSermathang
- Altitude2,610m / 8,563ft
- Travel ModeTrek: 8 km / 3 hr / 30 min
- Places VisitedTarkeghyang, Sermathang
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 06Trek Sermathang – Melamchi Pul Bazaar (3–4 hours), drive to Kathmandu (3–4 hours)
Trek 3–4 hours, drive about 4 hours | End of trek in Kathmandu

Descend through farmland, villages and forest along the Melamchi valley to Melamchi Pul Bazaar (870 m), the busy market town at the end of the trail.

Meet your vehicle and drive back to Kathmandu via Panchkhal and the Araniko Highway, arriving in the late afternoon.
- CountryNepal
- Highest PointSermathang
- Altitude2,610m / 8,563ft
- Travel ModeTrek: 10 km / 3 hr / 30 min · Drive: 75 km / 3 hr / 30 min
- Places VisitedSermathang, Melamchi Pul Bazaar, Kathmandu
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch

Altitude Chart of 6 Days Helambu Treks from Kathmandu

Total Hiking Time: 30h

Highest point: 11,975 ft / 3,650 m — Day 03 · Trek Kutumsang – Yurin Danda – Thadepati (about 6 hours)

Services Included

Accommodation in Lodge on Twin Sharing.
Three meals a day followed by tea while on trekking days. [BLD]
Using private Vehicle for Pick Up and Drop.
Licensed English speaking Guide throughout the trek.
A require number of porter to carry the your bag during Treks
Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, medicine, and transportation for office staffs.
Shivapuri National Park fees and TIMS (Trekker Information Management System) and other necessary permits.
First aid medical kit.
Current Govt Tax

Services Excluded

Nepal visa fee
Any International/ Domestic Airfare
Snacks, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, water and personal items, Wife access fees in lodges, fees for hot showers, towels, laundry or other services and Personal trekking gear while trekking.
Any extra expenses arising out of various/unforeseen situations like natural calamities, landslides, political disturbances, strikes, changes in Government regulations, etc. that is beyond our control.
Personal trekking equipment.
Rescue, Repatriation, Medicines, Medical Tests and Hospitalization expenses.
Any other expenses which are not mentioned on Price Include section.

Trip Notes

Notes for this trek

Grade and fitness: easy to moderate – 3–7 hours of walking a day on village and forest trails with some steep sections. Suitable for beginners with reasonable fitness.
Altitude: the maximum altitude is about 3,650 m (Thadepati). Walk slowly on the climb and drink plenty of water.
Teahouses: you stay in simple mountain lodges (teahouses) with twin rooms and shared bathrooms at higher villages; hot showers, Wi-Fi and device charging usually cost extra.
Permits: Shivapuri National Park and TIMS permits are included; please email a scanned passport copy and photo at least two working days before arrival.
Best seasons: October to May; March–April for rhododendrons. Snow is possible at Thadepati in winter.
Flexibility: the itinerary may be adjusted for weather, trail conditions, flight delays or the health of the group; your guide's decisions on safety are final.

Possible to operate round the year
Wear Flexible and Sport Shoes
You can buy required equipment in Kathmandu.
Important: We need scanned passport copy and photograph by email at least 2 working day before [ Mon-Fri/ except Govt.Holiday] in order to make Acaap/Tims/Staff Insurance]. So allow us that at least 2 day before your trip start from Kathmandu. You can email us passport copy/passport size photo for this purpose.

Instant confirmation if you are booking for 7 days later at least. Otherwise please email us. This can be possible for next day start also which we can confirm on your email inquiry.

Equipment List

Appropriate footwear.
Map and compass/GPS.
Extra water and a way to purify it.
Extra food.
Rain gear and extra clothing. Dressing in layers allows you to adjust to changing weather and activity levels. Two rules: avoid cotton (it keeps moisture close to your skin) and always carry a hat.
Safety items: fire, light, and a whistle.
First aid kit.
Knife or multi-purpose tool.
Sun screen and sun glasses. Especially above treeline when there is a skin-scorching combination of sun and snow, you’ll need sunglasses to prevent snow blindness and sunscreen to prevent sunburn.
Daypack/backpack. You’ll want something you can carry comfortably and has the features designed to keep you hiking smartly. Don’t forget the rain cover; some packs come with one built-in. Keep the other Essentials in the pack and you’ll always be ready to hit the trail safely.
These and more available in Kathmandu to buy or hire

FAQ

6 days. It starts in Kathmandu and ends there. Overnight stops: Chisapani, Kutumsang, Thadepati, Tarkeghyang, Sermathang. The day-by-day itinerary above shows travel times, places visited and meals for each day.

The best seasons are March to May (rhododendrons in bloom) and late September to November (clearest mountain views). Winter is cold but possible at lower altitudes; the monsoon (June–August) brings rain, leeches and cloud.

The grade is easy, with a maximum altitude of about 3,650 m. You will walk several hours a day on mountain trails, so good fitness is needed; no technical climbing is involved. Your guide sets a steady pace and watches for signs of altitude sickness.

Mountain views depend on the weather. October to December and February to April usually give the clearest skies, and early mornings are best in every season. During the monsoon (June to September) clouds often hide the peaks after sunrise, but the scenery is lush and green.

No technical skills are needed, but you should be in good health and able to walk for several hours a day on uneven mountain trails. Regular walking, hiking and cardio exercise in the weeks before your trip will make it much more enjoyable.

Yes. Travel insurance covering trekking at the maximum altitude of your itinerary, including emergency helicopter evacuation and medical treatment, is mandatory for all trekkers.

Yes, porters are included as stated in the package (normally one porter for two trekkers, carrying up to about 20–25 kg in total). You carry only a small daypack with water, camera, snacks and a warm layer. Extra luggage can be left safely at your hotel.

Accommodation in Lodge on Twin Sharing; Three meals a day followed by tea while on trekking days. [BLD]; Using private Vehicle for Pick Up and Drop; Licensed English speaking Guide throughout the trek; A require number of porter to carry the your bag during Treks; Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, medicine, and transportation for office staffs; Shivapuri National Park fees and TIMS (Trekker Information Management System) and other necessary permits; First aid medical kit; and more – see the full Includes list.

Nepal visa fee; Any International/ Domestic Airfare; Snacks, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, water and personal items, Wife access fees in lodges, fees for hot showers, towels, laundry or other services and Personal trekking gear while trekking; Any extra expenses arising out of various/unforeseen situations like natural calamities, landslides, political disturbances, strikes, changes in Government regulations, etc. that is beyond our control; Personal trekking equipment; Rescue, Repatriation, Medicines, Medical Tests and Hospitalization expenses.

This package includes 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners, as marked on each day of the itinerary. Other meals are at your own cost; your guide will recommend good local restaurants, and vegetarian, vegan and other dietary needs can be catered for.

Yes. We run this trek privately for your group on the dates you choose, and we can tailor it – add extra nights, change or upgrade hotels, add activities, flights or a guide in your language (Russian, German, French, Spanish, Chinese or Hindi on request). Just send us your wishes.

A deposit of 20–30% of the total tour cost is required to confirm your booking. The remaining balance is payable on arrival in Kathmandu, unless otherwise agreed in writing. Your booking is confirmed once the deposit and the completed booking details are received and we send you a written confirmation. You can enquire through this page, email pigeontravel@gmail.com or contact us on WhatsApp, and we will confirm availability and send a booking confirmation.

Before 60 days – No cancellation charge. From 60 days to 45 days – 5% of the total tour / service cost. From 45 days to 15 days – 10% of the total tour / service cost. From 15 days to 07 days – 15% of the total tour / service cost. From 07 days to 02 days (48 hrs) – 30% of the total tour / service cost. From 48 hours to arrival or NO SHOW – NO REFUND. Please see the Cancellation Policy section for full details.

We welcome families, and children are very welcome on our Nepal tours. Under 5 years: free of charge when sharing their parents' room and bed (no extra bed). 5 to 12 years: discounted child rate – please ask us for the exact price for your dates and hotel. Above 12 years: charged the full adult rate. An extra bed or a separate room for children is charged as per the hotel's policy; domestic flights are charged at the airline's child fare.

Cancellation Policy

Policy Regarding Cancellation / NO SHOW / EARLY DEPARTURE
In the event of cancellation of tour / travel/Trekking services – due to any avoidable / unavoidable reason, you must be informed in writing. Cancellation charges would be effective from the date we receive advice in writing and cancellation charges would be as follows:-

Before 60 days – No cancellation charge.
From 60 days to 45 days – 5% of the total tour / service cost
From 45 days to 15 days – 10% of the total tour / service cost
From 15 days to 07 days – 15% of the total tour / service cost
From 07 days to 02 days (48 hrs) – 30% of the total tour / service cost
From 48 hours to arrival or NO SHOW – NO REFUND

In case you cancel the trip after commencement, refund would be restricted to a limited amount, which too would depend on the amount that we would be able to recover from the hoteliers/contractors we patronize. For unused hotel accommodation, chartered transportation & missed meals etc. we do not bear any responsibility to refund.

Booking Policy

Booking your Nepal tour with Pigeon Travel & Tours is easy:

Book online with the Book Now button when it is active, or send us the enquiry form / email with your dates, number of travellers and hotel preference.
A deposit of 20–30% of the total tour cost is required to confirm your booking.
The remaining balance is payable on arrival in Kathmandu, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Domestic flight tickets, permits and other non-refundable items included in the package are paid at the time of confirmation.
Please send a copy of your passport and your arrival/departure flight details so that we can arrange pick-up, hotels and tickets.
Your booking is confirmed once the deposit and the completed booking details are received and we send you a written confirmation.

Child Policy

We welcome families, and children are very welcome on our Nepal tours.

Under 5 years: free of charge when sharing their parents' room and bed (no extra bed).
5 to 12 years: discounted child rate – please ask us for the exact price for your dates and hotel.
Above 12 years: charged the full adult rate.
An extra bed or a separate room for children is charged as per the hotel's policy; domestic flights are charged at the airline's child fare.
Children under 10 years receive a free (gratis) Nepal tourist visa on arrival.

Excellent rating
Based on 30 reviews

Pigeon Travel is easily one of the best travel companies I have dealt with! I don’t know how busy Mr Min Katri is, but i think he has many clients on the go, but he made me feel like I was his only customer. He was so conscientious. The guides he organised for my travels in Nepal: Pokhara, Kathmandu, and the Everest flight, Lumbini and then in India at Kushinara for a few days, was well organised with excellent guides, good drivers and cars and a good choice of hotels. They accommodated me with the places I wanted to visit and were very flexible and everything went smoothly, including navigating across the Sunoli border to India, which is chaos at another level. These guys are really excellent. Totally recommend Pigeon Travel. 👍👍

Amal Karunaratna

We spent 4 days in Nepal, visiting different places with the Pingeon Travel Agency, Mr. Min Khatri was very friendly, helpful and was attentive to us at all times, with 24-hour service. for anything we needed and was attentive to us via WhatsApp every day. We booked everything from Spain, they picked us up at the airport and at the end they took us, including a driver, guide in Spanish, visits and hotels, and we had no problem, they complied with everything agreed and we were able to visit everything. The driver (Mr. Pawan) is a very good driver, friendly and kind, and the guide (Mr. Giri) is friendly and helpful. Punctual, helpful and attentive. We were in 2 different hotels, and both were very good, highlighting the one in Kathmandu, Hotel Hyatt Place Kathmandu, a new hotel, excellent service and very friendly. The Pingeon Travel agency is highly recommended and they have everything from tours to complete packages. We were happy with the services.

Maite Sanchez

Fantastic

JagdishMan Rajbhandari

Pigeon Travel has been an exceptional ressource for me in both travel support to and from Nepal, India, and Bhutan. Min Katri is simply always there onnecway or another, checking fright and other arrangements, hotel schedules and in Bhutan excellent ( required) tour guides. As well, he and Pigeon Travel are exceptional in meeting last minute changes to my plans and really are “there” 24/7. I thinking now about next trips and highly recommend Min and Pigeon travel for your trips— as in planning my next trip to India and Nepal and am using Pigeon Travel the whole way. Highly recommend!

Jay Luboff

Wonderful tour with brilliant and knowledgeable guide. Highly recommended!

Frances Wingate

Min is very trustworthy and very easy to speak to. Tour guide and drivers are great and finally arrangement for Everest flight and Nagarkot Mountain View stay didn’t disappoint and we had wonderful time

Chip Yi

Best place to book ticket and travel.

Pratik Khadka

I contacted them via Facebook messenger and asked them for a price estimate for two people to Dubai. The representative told me I will receive the quote tomorrow and it’s been three days I haven’t heard from him yet. I will remove my one star rating once I hear back.

Krishna Giri

It was a well organised trip. The guides were very hospitable and cooperative.Overall it was a wonderful and memorable trip.

puneetha Kunimbedu

It was a memorable trip to Nepal. Thanks to pigeon travels. The hospitality is great and they took good care of us. I would highly recommend this to my mates.

Kavya K

Adults	—
Child With Bed	—
Child Without Bed	—
Single room supplement	—
Taxable Amount	—
Non Taxable Amount	—
Grand Total Incl. Taxes	Loading price…

6 Days Helambu Treks from Kathmandu

Overview

The route at a glance

Altitude and difficulty

Why choose this trek?

Who is it for?

Trip Highlights

Itinerary in Details

Altitude Chart of 6 Days Helambu Treks from Kathmandu

Services Included

Services Excluded

Trip Notes

Equipment List

FAQ

Cancellation Policy

Booking Policy

Child Policy

Hotel We Use

Vehicle We Use

Recommended Tours

6 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek

7 Days Everest Panorama Treks

8 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek From Kathmandu

8 Days Langtang Valley Treks

Full Day Shivapuri Hiking

Ranikot Village Hiking

Trekking Around Kathmandu

Chisapani & Nagarkot Day Tour

Watch Our Videos

customer reviews

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Quick links

Adventure Activities

Payment Option

Contact us

6 Days Helambu Treks from Kathmandu

Overview

The route at a glance

Altitude and difficulty

Why choose this trek?

Who is it for?

Trip Highlights

Itinerary in Details

Altitude Chart of 6 Days Helambu Treks from Kathmandu

Services Included

Services Excluded

Trip Notes

Equipment List

FAQ

1. How long is the 6 Days Helambu Treks from Kathmandu and where does it start and end?

2. When is the best time to do this trek?

3. How difficult is this trek?

4. Will I definitely see the Himalaya?

5. Do I need trekking experience?

6. Is travel insurance required?

7. Will porters carry my luggage?

8. What is included in the price?

9. What is not included?

10. Which meals are included?

11. Is this a private tour? Can I customise it?

12. How do I book, and what is the payment policy?

13. What is the cancellation policy?

14. Do you offer child discounts?

Cancellation Policy

Booking Policy

Child Policy

Hotel We Use

Vehicle We Use

Recommended Tours

Nepal Trending Tour

International Trending Tours

Multi Country Trending Tours