Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be warmly greeted by a representative from Summit Nepal Adventure. After a short meet and greet, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city. Kathmandu is a bustling metropolis with a rich cultural heritage, so after checking in, you may want to rest or explore the nearby area. In the evening, you’ll have a briefing session with your guide, where you'll receive an overview of the trek and have any of your questions answered. Overnight stay at the hotel in Kathmandu.
After an early breakfast, we depart from Kathmandu for a scenic drive to Sundarijal, a small village located on the outskirts of the Kathmandu Valley. The drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, offering views of the rural countryside and the surrounding hills. From Sundarijal, the trek begins as we ascend through beautiful forests of oak and rhododendron. The trail gradually climbs up to Chisapani, a charming hilltop village. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges. The trek takes around 4 hours, and upon arrival in Chisapani, you’ll be treated to stunning sunset views. Overnight at a local lodge.
Today’s trek will take us through beautiful forests and picturesque landscapes. After a hearty breakfast, we begin our journey towards Kutumsang, a peaceful village located in the Helambu region. The trek is approximately 7 hours, passing through dense forests of rhododendron, oak, and pine trees, and several Tamang and Sherpa villages. You’ll get to experience the rural way of life and interact with friendly locals along the way. The altitude gain is gradual, and upon arrival at Kutumsang, enjoy a cozy evening in this quiet, remote village. Overnight at a lodge.
We begin today’s trek with a steady climb up to Thadepati. The trail continues through more forests, and as we ascend, the vegetation begins to change. We’ll pass through small settlements and terraced fields, and enjoy scenic views of the mountains and valleys. The trek to Thadepati takes about 6 hours, and as we approach the village, the Himalayan peaks start to reveal themselves. Thadepati offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges, including Langtang Lirung and Dorje Lakpa. It’s a fantastic spot to relax and take in the natural beauty. Overnight stay at a lodge in Thadepati.
Today, we continue our trek to Tarke Ghyang, another beautiful village known for its stunning views and rich cultural heritage. The trail from Thadepati takes us through dense forests of pine and rhododendron, with occasional glimpses of snow-capped peaks in the distance. Along the way, we pass by several villages, and you’ll get to experience the unique Sherpa and Tamang cultures. The trek takes approximately 6 hours, and upon arrival in Tarke Ghyang, you can relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere. This village is home to several Buddhist monasteries, and you may have the opportunity to observe local ceremonies or interact with the monks. Overnight stay in Tarke Ghyang.
On this day, we will take a relatively short trek to Sermathang. The journey from Tarke Ghyang to Sermathang is about 3 to 4 hours, making it a pleasant day with an easy pace. The trail is well-maintained and offers scenic views of the surrounding hills, forests, and distant snow-capped peaks. Sermathang is a picturesque village known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning views of the Himalayas. Once we reach Sermathang, you’ll have time to explore the village, interact with the locals, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Overnight stay at a lodge.
After breakfast, we descend towards Melamchi Bazaar, which takes about 3 to 4 hours. The descent is a gradual and scenic walk through forests, fields, and villages. Upon reaching Melamchi Bazaar, we’ll board a vehicle for a scenic drive back to Kathmandu. The drive takes about 3 hours, and along the way, you can relax and reflect on the trek. Once in Kathmandu, you'll be dropped off at your hotel, where you can rest and freshen up. In the evening, you can enjoy a celebratory dinner at a local restaurant to mark the successful completion of your trek. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Your amazing Helambu Short Trek with Summit Nepal Adventure comes to an end today. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time to do last-minute shopping or explore the city. Your driver will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure. We hope you had a memorable trekking experience in Nepal and look forward to welcoming you on future adventures. Safe travels!
The Helambu Short Trek is a captivating journey through the culturally rich and naturally beautiful Helambu region, located just north of Kathmandu Valley. It’s ideal for trekkers looking for a shorter, less crowded alternative to the more challenging Himalayan treks. This trek offers a unique blend of Tamang and Hyolmo cultures, scenic landscapes, dense forests, and panoramic views of Langtang and other Himalayan peaks. Suitable for beginners and moderately fit trekkers, it requires no prior high-altitude trekking experience, making it perfect for families, solo travelers, or anyone seeking a peaceful Himalayan escape in under a week.
The standard Helambu Short Trek organized by Summit Nepal Adventure typically takes 5 to 8 days, depending on your pace and chosen route. The trek usually starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal, followed by scenic trekking days through Chisapani, Kutumsang, Thadepati, and Sermathang before descending to Melamchi Bazaar. Each day involves 4 to 6 hours of walking, with plenty of time for rest and cultural immersion. Summit Nepal Adventure ensures a well-paced itinerary, offering both comfort and acclimatization.
Throughout the Helambu Short Trek, accommodation is provided in local teahouses or lodges, which offer basic but comfortable lodging with shared or private rooms. These lodges are run by local families and are a great way to experience the hospitality of the region. Meals typically include traditional Nepali dishes like dal bhat, momos, noodles, and pancakes, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available. Summit Nepal Adventure ensures all accommodations are pre-checked for hygiene and comfort standards.
Yes, trekkers need two permits: the Langtang National Park Entry Permit and the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) Card. Summit Nepal Adventure takes care of all the necessary permits and paperwork on your behalf, ensuring a hassle-free experience from the moment you book your trek.
Since the trek ranges between 1,400 to 3,600 meters, the weather can vary greatly. Essential gear includes sturdy hiking boots, layered clothing, a warm jacket, rain protection, a daypack, personal medication, and basic toiletries. Summit Nepal Adventure provides a detailed packing list upon booking, and rental gear is available in Kathmandu for those who need it.
The Helambu Short Trek doesn’t go extremely high, so the risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS) is minimal compared to treks in regions like Everest or Annapurna. However, some trekkers might experience mild symptoms such as headaches or fatigue due to the change in altitude. Summit Nepal Adventure’s guides are trained in first aid and altitude awareness, ensuring your safety and wellbeing at every step.
Summit Nepal Adventure offers comprehensive packages that typically include transportation to/from the trailhead, experienced English-speaking guides, accommodation during the trek, all meals on the trek, necessary permits, and porter services if requested. Optional add-ons such as private transportation, hotel stays in Kathmandu, or cultural sightseeing can also be arranged.
The ideal times for this trek are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and the best mountain views. Winter (December to February) is also possible for those who enjoy quieter trails and don’t mind the cold. Monsoon season (June to August) is not recommended due to slippery trails and poor visibility, but it is still doable with proper preparation.
Summit Nepal Adventure is a locally-owned and operated company with years of experience in organizing treks throughout Nepal. Known for their personalized service, safety-first approach, and deep respect for local culture and environment, they pride themselves on offering authentic, ethical, and memorable trekking experiences. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned hiker, their friendly team ensures every detail of your trek is carefully planned and executed.
