Trekking · Helambu
Helambu Trek Itinerary
A flexible day-by-day Helambu trek plan from Sundarijal through the Hyolmo villages and back.
A typical Helambu trek itinerary runs five to seven days, starting on foot from Sundarijal at the edge of Kathmandu and looping through the Hyolmo villages before descending to Melamchi. The route needs no flight, stays at modest altitude, and can be shortened or extended easily, which is why it ranks among Nepal's friendliest multi-day walks. This guide sets out the day-by-day plan; for the wider picture see the Helambu trekking and Hyolmo culture cluster and the core Helambu trek circuit overview.
The classic six-day plan
| Day | Route | Altitude |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drive Kathmandu to Sundarijal, trek to Chisapani | 2,165 m |
| 2 | Chisapani to Kutumsang | 2,470 m |
| 3 | Kutumsang to Thadepati pass | 3,650 m |
| 4 | Thadepati to Tarkeghyang | 2,600 m |
| 5 | Tarkeghyang to Sermathang | 2,610 m |
| 6 | Sermathang to Melamchi, drive to Kathmandu | 870 m |
The first two days climb through the forests of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, with early Himalayan views from the ridge at Chisapani. The walk-in detail is covered in our guide to the Helambu trek from Sundarijal.
Variations and shortcuts
The itinerary is unusually flexible:
- Short version (3-4 days): Drive to Tarkeghyang or Sermathang and walk the gentle ridge loop, perfect for a long weekend.
- Day-hike add-on: From Tarkeghyang, build in the Ama Yangri day hike for the region's best viewpoint.
- High extension: From Thadepati or Tarkeghyang, cross the Laurebina La toward the sacred lakes — see Helambu with Gosaikunda.
The most scenic single stage, the ridge walk in Sermathang to Tarkeghyang, can be done in either direction and is easy to slot into any plan.
Difficulty and acclimatisation
This is an easy-to-moderate trek. The high point near Thadepati is the only place where height matters, and because the route mostly stays below 2,700 metres, the risk of altitude sickness is low. Still, pace the climb to the pass and the optional Ama Yangri summit.
Permits and logistics
The northern section enters Langtang National Park, requiring its entry permit and a TIMS card, with a licensed guide required for trekking. You sleep in teahouses and Hyolmo homestays; plan beds with where to stay in Helambu and arrival with how to get to Helambu. For costs and broader route advice, consult our national Nepal trekking guide and the roundup of the best short treks in Nepal.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Helambu trek take?+
A standard Helambu trek itinerary runs five to seven days. A walk-in from Sundarijal with the full loop through Chisapani, Kutumsang, Tarkeghyang and Sermathang takes six days, while driving to a higher roadhead can shorten it to three or four days.
Where does the Helambu trek start and finish?+
The classic itinerary starts on foot from Sundarijal on the edge of the Kathmandu Valley and finishes at Melamchi Pul Bazaar, from where vehicles return to Kathmandu. Many walkers reverse the route or drive to Tarkeghyang and walk a shorter loop.
How high does the Helambu trek go?+
The high point of the standard loop is near Thadepati pass at about 3,650 metres. The ridge villages of Tarkeghyang and Sermathang sit around 2,600 metres, and the optional Ama Yangri summit reaches roughly 3,770 metres.
Is the Helambu trek suitable for beginners?+
Yes. The trails are non-technical and the altitude is modest, so it suits fit beginners and families. The main effort is the steady daily climbing between ridge villages rather than any single hard pass.
