Helambu is popular among the trekkers for its scenic grandeur & pleasant & favorable climate, located about 72 kilometers northeast of Kathmandu, is extending from north of Taramarang to the tree limit of the Gosainkunda Lake and lower slopes of Jugal Himal. There we meet several highland Tamang and Sherpa villages, scattered on both sides of the Malemchi Khola.
This trek is comparatively easier one due to the fact that the elevations are lower, ranging between 800m. and 3600m, offering the less & climbing as well as warmer temperatures. The most important benefit of this trek is that the area is less crowded & free from noise with the comparison to the Annapurna trek or some parts of the Everest treks. Besides, the trek offers a wide range of cultures and spectacular scenery.
Day 1: Sundarijal to Chisopani (2300m).
After 15km private car / van drive from Kathmandu takes you to the starting point of the trek. As you arrive Sundarijal, you can observe Shivapuri watershed and Wildlife Reserve there.
From Sundarijal, the trail heads up to the concrete steps beside the pipeline which supply drinking water for the valley. Finally, we leave the pipeline from near the dam. We then reach Mulkharka, sprawling up the ridge around 1895m, which 600m above Sundarijal. There you can take some time to spend in the convenient tea shops, and to enjoy the nice view back over the valley. We then continue walking to Chisopani (2300m) from where stunning mountains’ view can be seen.
Day 2: Chisopani to Khutumsang (2470m).
From Chisopani the trail leads down to Pati Bhanjyang (1770m), a small fine village.
After reaching Pati Bhanjyang, the trail leads up and downs to the village called Gul Bhanjyang (2140m). From here the trails climbs up to 2620m and then again descents along the rocky route to Khutumsang (2470m).
Day 3: Khutumsang to Tharepati (3490m).
Following a ridge line, the trails continue via lightly populated forest to Magen Goth from where view of Langtang and Gosaikund peak is stunning and finally reaching to Tharepati (3490m). The trails to Gosaikund branches off north – west from here.
Day 4: Tharepati to Tarke Gyang (2620m).
Turning east, the trails rapidly descend down a ravine through small Sherpa village of Malemchigaon (2530m) with nice lodges and fine old and artistic Gompas.
The trail again descends leaving the village and crossing Malenchi Khola by a bridge at 1890m and making the long climb up the other side of the valley to Tarke Gyang at 2620m, which is the largest village in Helambu.
Day 5: Tarke Ghyang to Sermathang (2620m).
The trails gently descend through a beautiful forest to Sermathang (2620m). It is the centre of an important apple growing area from where nice view of the Himalayas and is seen.
Day 6: Explore local culture….
Day 7: Sermathang to Malemchi Pul Bazar (846m) and drive back to Kathmandu.
As we leave Sermanthang the trails then continue to descent to Dubhachaur at 1500m, and then again steeply down to Malemchi (830m) where it meets the road. This villages have good connection of teahouses and lodges and all kinds of transportation including buses to get to Panchkhal on the Kodari road. From there, we can catch a bus to Kathmandu (4-5 hours’ drive by bus).
NOTE: Tipping is expected but it is not mandatory.
Like others Nepal has its own ways of regulating life. Nepalese life is guided by the social customs and traditions. Tourists coming to Nepal are naturally from different societies and culture. They may not be familiar with our customs and traditions, so one may find many things unfamiliar or unacceptable. However, with friendly and hospitable behavior of the Nepalese people one has no difficulty in adjustment. It is our motto to help the visitors to get a chance to interact with the villagers and get to know their culture, traditions, and way of life. In this spirit, some practical guidelines will contribute in order to make your holiday trip to Nepal pleasant and enjoyable.
The religious way of life:
Nepal enjoys the distinction of being the only Hindu kingdom in the world. The life of Nepalese people is associated by religions norms and values that is why Nepal is the multi – religious nation. Being the principal religions of the country, Hindu and Buddhist have occupied a vital position in Nepalese society followed by majority of the population. Other major religions include Christan, Muslim, and Jainism etc. However, there is harmonious blending of all these religions in our Nepalese society. As a mark of respect, one is expected to be unshod while visiting to Hindus temples and Buddhist shrines. At the time, a pair of open sandals is more convenient and comfortable.
Social Outlook:
Majority of our people live in rural parts. They live typical Nepalese lifestyle. Their outlook to life is simple and traditional. In fact, they take special delight in the company of foreign guests. However, there are certain things that are alien or embarrassing to Nepalese people. Here under we offer some important things to keep in mind:
Some other important Tips:
During trekking, you will be served meals in the teahouses. Typical meals are rice, pasta or potato dishes along with vegetables and egg/chicken/meat dishes. Other items mostly served as break fasts include porridge, muesli and toasts with peanut butter and honey.
During trekking, lodges serve bottled, boiled and filtered water, which is generally safe and have to be paid for. Because of environmental reasons however we encourage our guests to use iodine and other purifying agents to treat water before drinking. Bottled mineral water is also available everywhere.
During trekking, you will be on a long journey for which you will need two bags to keep your belongings. A rucksack/duffel bag and a day bag for personal items. Nepal New Generation Trek will provide you with a duffle bag which you can use throughout your entire journey and even afterwards. These bags are durable and hence perfect for any kind of trekking journey. While the duffle bag will be carried by the potters, you will have to carry a day bag on your own. A day bag is a small backpack that has enough room for everything you will need on a day hike such as lunch, water, extra clothing and perhaps a few personnel items like camera, battery chargers etc.
It is always better to consult your doctor. However, we suggest you to carry simple medicines such as Ibuprofen, Codeine, Paracetamol, Strepsils, anti diarrhea tablets and diamox (for high altitude sickness).
A teahouse trekking arrangement will be made for you for the Everest Base Camp trekking whereby you will be able to stay at local lodges and have wholesome food and comfortable bed throughout your trekking journey. This form of arrangement also allows you to carry less baggage; you can hike at your own pace and enjoy the Everest panorama on your own schedule. It is also an eco-friendly way of trekking whereby trekkers can have more contact with the locals.
Most of the teahouses on Everest trail have squat toilet facilities, but recently built lodges have western style toilets as well. Nowadays, flush toilets are also being introduced with number of increasing foreign mountaineers each year. It is highly recommended to carry your own toilet paper and other required toiletries. Hot shower facilities are available till Trek. The most common type is a bucket shower, usually buckets with tap filled with hot water and placed in a shower room. Hot shower costs from US$ 4 to 15 per use and the price increases along with the elevation. Attached bathrooms and toilets are not available unless you book for a luxury lodge during the EBC trek.
What you want to wear depends on you but we suggest you to wear warm clothes during the Everest Base Camp trekking. A down jacket, thermal longs and top, comfortable trekking trousers, t-shirts, fleece, windproof jacket, hat, scarf, and gloves might be useful. There are numerous trekking shops in Thamel area of Kathmandu where you can get all of these items in both local and branded stores alike. Our staff may also accompany and assist you if required.
You can bring a suitcase with you but it’s subject to normal airline restrictions. You can leave it at a hotel in Kathmandu. We will provide you the duffle bag which you can use for the trekking and return when your trip is over Your trekking bag (rucksack) must weigh no more than 15kg (day bag not included); Remember, travelling light is much less of a hassle, so do not bring things you can do without.
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