Monastery Trek Helambu 11 days

Duration: 11 days
Maximum altitude: 3‘490 m
Trek Grade: Moderate
Average walking time per day: 4 - 6 hours
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Best season: February, March, April, May, October, November

Many symbols and sanctuaries which is attributed to the guru Ringpoche are found in Helambu, for example the meditation caves in Melamchi Gaun, Dhukpu or Yangri Khola. Furthermore, single cleaved stones, caves and a footprint are found. In the 10th century the saint and poet Milarepa meditated in Helambu, the cave is located near the Melamchi Khola below Tarkeghyang. Therefore, in this region are some of the oldest Buddhist monasteries of Nepal (probably the oldest one is the Cherguhyan the close to Tarkeghyang) found.

The Helambu Trek is very popular because of its favourable climate and it is located approximately 72 kilometres northeast of Kathmandu. The mountain scenery is spectacular here. The valley is the home of the pine forests, slow-flowing rivers, fast mountain streams, rugged cliffs, snow-capped peaks, rhododendrons, deep meadows strewn with daisies and wild primroses.

Itinirary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Sudarijal, Trek to Chisopani 2'215 m

Day 04: Chisopani - Kutumsang 2'470 m

Day 05: Kutumsang - Tharepati 3'510 m

Day 06: Tharepati - Melamchi Gaun, Monastery

Day 07: Melamchi Gaun – Tarkeghyang, Monastery

Day 08:Tarkeghyang – Shermathang, Monastery

Day 09: Shermathang - Melamchi Pulbazar 870 m

Day 10: Drive from Melamchi Pulbazar to Kathmandu, 5 hours

Day 11: Departure

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Enjoy the historical cultural sites of Kathmandu including UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pashupatinath (sacred Hindu temples), Boudhanath (Buddhist shrine) Swayembhunath (monkey temple), etc.

Day 03: Sundarijal - Chisopani 2‘215 m
A 15 km drive brings us to our starting point. Upon arrival in Sundarijal, we visit the Shivapuri - watershed and wildlife preserve. After Sundarijal the way goes along the pipeline that supplies the valley with water. We leave the pipeline near a dam and walk towards Mulkharka 1‘859 m (about 600 m above Sundarijal). We take a break and enjoy the view into the valley. Then we continue to Chisapani 2’215 m from where we have a breathtaking view of the mountains.

Day 04: Chisopani - Kutumsang 2‘470 m
From Chisopani it goes first down to Pati Bhanjyang 1''770 m, a charming little village, later we climb to Gul Bhanjyang 2‘130 m, the trail climbs further a rocky path up until Kutumsang 2‘470 m.

Day 05: Kutumsang – Tharepati 3‘510 m
We follow the ridge; the trail leads us through a sparse forest after Magen Goth, from where we have a magnificent view to the peaks of Langtang and Gosaikund. Finally we reach Tharepati. This is one of the best ridge walks throughout Nepal.

Day 06: Tharepati - Melamchi Gaun, Monastery
We climb down to Melamchi Gaon 2'530 m and soon we cross the Cyade Khola by a wooden suspension bridge. In Melamchi Gaun, we visit the "Rock-Gompa".

Day 07: Melamchi Gaun – Tarkeghyang, Monastery
Visit the Cherguhya, probably the oldest monastary in Nepal.

Day 08: Tarkeghyang – Sermathang 2‘590 m
The road goes slightly downhill through a beautiful forest to Sermathang. An important apple growing region, from where we have a fantastic view of the Himalayas.

Day 09: Shermathang - Melamchi Pulbazar 870 m
We follow the path downhill to Dubhachaur to 1‘500 m, to 870 m and we reacht the streets of Malemchi. The village has a good selection of teahouses and lodges. Further down at Panchkhal at the Kodari road we take the bus to Kathmandu.

Day 10: Drive from Melamchi Pulbazar to Kathmandu

Day 11: Departure

Includes and Excludes

In Services included:
National Park permit
TIMS card (Trekkers Information Management System)
Accommodation during the trek
Breakfast whilst Trekking with B & B Program
3 meals during the trek with the Package Program
English speaking, experienced and trained guide
Number of porter according to the group size (15 kg of luggage per Trekker)
First aid kit and insurance for the team
Transport to the trekking spot
Airport pick up and drop off

Not included:
Hotels *
Any kind of drinks
International flights
Personal expenses
Personal Insurance and medication
Nepal entry visa
Tipping for guide and porter
German speaking guide or group leader (On request)

* Accommodations are only included whilst Trekking. For Hotel reservations we are pleased to support you.