Helambu Trek
The closest trekking circuit to Kathmandu — Hyolmo Sherpa villages, rhododendron forests, and a low-altitude route doable in a long weekend.
CulturalForestedBeginner-friendlyShort
Days
7
Max elevation
3,640 m
Distance
60 km
Difficulty
Easy
Route
Circuit
From
NPR 32,000
The route, mapped
Click any waypoint
The route
Helambu starts a short drive north of Kathmandu and stays under 3,700 m the whole way. It's the historic gateway trek of Nepal — Hillary's 1953 acclimatization route — and remains the easiest option for first-time trekkers or limited time. Hyolmo Sherpa culture, dense rhododendron forest in spring, and views of Langtang Lirung from Tharepati. Often combined with Gosainkunda or Langtang Valley for longer trips.
- Starts
- Sundarijal (1,460 m)
- Ends
- Melamchi Pul (846 m)
Day by day
70 km · 34 hrs walking
- Day 1Kathmandu → Sundarijal → ChisopaniShort drive then quick climb10 km · 5h2,215 m
- Day 2Chisopani → KutumsangRidge walk along Shivapuri NP14 km · 6h2,470 m
- Day 3Kutumsang → TharepatiHighest point — Langtang Lirung view12 km · 6h3,640 m
- Day 4Tharepati → MelamchigaonCross into Hyolmo country10 km · 5h2,540 m
- Day 5Melamchigaon → TarkeghyangHyolmo gompa village9 km · 5h2,600 m
- Day 6Tarkeghyang → SermathangApple orchards9 km · 4h2,610 m
- Day 7Sermathang → Melamchi Pul → KathmanduFinal descent + drive back6 km · 3h846 m