Semi tropical valley, Helambu mountains, the magnificent Jugal Himal and the vivid contrast of Hindu and Tibetan Buddhist cultures.
The most accessible of all trekking regions, Helambu offers a low altitude, distinctly enjoyable walk. In Tamang and Sherpa villages meet friendly and hospitable people with strong family and cultural ties.
It is a region where steeply cut rice terraces and deep green valleys give way to rich forests of oak and rhododendron, all set against a distant horizon of mountain peaks.
Where are you going?
Day 1 : Following a short drive to Sundarijaal the trail ascends past a waterfall then climbs continuously through forests of pine, oak and rhododendron and Tamang villages to the Borlang Bhanjyang Pass (2438m).
Day 2 : From the Tamang village of Gul Bhanjyang the sights of green terraced fields covering the hillsides is fantastic. Trail runs through Brahmin and Chhetri villages and along ridges to the small village of Kutumsang.
Day 3 : A longish day's walk through forests and traversing high pastures seldom visited except by shepherds and woodcutters; the solitude and semi-wilderness is rare on a main trail. From the chorten above Tharepati village there are fine views of the Jugal Himal and Rowaling Himal.
Day 4 : A steep descent down a ravine leads to a suspension bridge and up to Malemchigaon. Helambu's finest Sherpa village, is a collection of neat houses fronted by prayer flags and surrounded by orchards and fields. Unlike those of Solu Khumbu Sherpa women here opt for red cotton dresses rather than Tibetan styles; their language also is quite different. From the Malemchi Khola it is a long climb to Tarkeghyang, the largest village in Helambu. This prosperous village has a lovely gompa, huge brass prayer wheel and large, elaborately furnished stone houses.
Days 5-6 : From here the path is relatively level passing numerous chorten and villages, streams and waterfalls to Sermathang. Continuing along the ridge, slowly descending, you pass from Buddhist influence back into the Hindu lowlands towards Melamchi Bazaar.
Day 7 : Return to Kathmandu by road.
