The Helambu Trail leads north of Kathmandu on the Thare Pati Pass after Sermathang. Duration with travel to and from Kathmandu: 9 days
background
North of Kathmandu, the long ridge of the Thare Pati Pass, which runs from north to south, forms the watershed between the Trisuli River to the west and Indrawati in the East. Along this ridge we walk on paths that connect mountain villages north to Thadepati, the highest point of the trek at 3,500 m. The leads further north Gosainkund Trail in the Langtang Valley. But we turn east and descend to Melamchi and the river of the same name. After seven days of hiking we reach Sermathang, the end of the tour.
This hike is very suitable for beginners from Kathmandu. There are enough lodges in Helambu for a lodge trek.
2015 has the earthquake in Nepal Thousands of houses destroyed, including many lodges. At that time a project was set up to rebuild trekking lodges not only earthquake-proof, but also ecological (Climate Trek Helambu). In addition to a renewed building fabric, you will find future-oriented technology: solar energy, biogas, photovoltaics, water and waste management. Some of the rebuilt lodges offer a special comfort for Nepal. No camp, no sleeping bag, but bed and shower.
preparation
getting there
You can get to the starting point of the tour by jeep / bus or organized. From Kathmandu about an hour's drive north.
Here we go
There are two variants for the first stage, depending on the journey.
Both stages are just over 10 km long. |  |  |
to Chisapani
The first stage begins in Chauki Bhanjag and takes about 4 hours. Chisapani (cold water), located at an altitude of 2300 m, is a popular viewpoint in this area. When the view is clear, we can marvel at many of the famous eight-thousanders from here. There are short tours from Kathmandu, a kind of photo safari. Arrival, walk to Chisapani, take pictures and back in four days.
to Chisapani (alternative)
The alternative route from Sundarijal is a little shorter. We go first along a water pipe, later on stone stairs up. On the way you have good views of the Kathmandu valley. We enter the Shivapuri National Park, where the permits are checked. Shortly after the village of Borlang Bhanjyang, we reach the highest point of the stage at 2400 m, from where we descend to Chisapani.
to Kutumsang
From Chisapani the path leads down to Pati Bhanjyang (1770 m), a lovely little village. Then the path rises again to Chipling at 2150 m.
We constantly meet people because our trail leads along the connecting paths from village to village. It goes up and over the Jogini Danda Pass to almost 2600 meters, before we descend again along a rocky route to Kutumsang (2470 m). Tibetan Buddhist area begins here, you can see many Buddhist temples. We cross settlements of the Tamang, the name means something like horse dealer. Today agriculture is their main source of income. We can stop at Gul Bhanjyang. It is not far to the goal of today's stage.
to Mangengoth
The snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas in the north become visible again and again. We reach the entrance to the Langtang National Park and are strictly controlled. We climb continuously through beautiful forests until we reach today's destination Mangengoth at 3514 m. Today we climbed a few meters in altitude (almost 900 m) but on a very short distance of only four kilometers. The last two have hardly any inclines. We even have to descend the last few meters. Thanks to this division, we arrive at our lodge in the early afternoon and enjoy the afternoon, each in his own way with a book, tea, coffee or a beer. Everest is the name of the brand.
after Thare Pati
Again a relatively short distance up to the highest point of our trek. Thare Pati (Thade Pati) is a pass at an altitude of 3600 m. An unbelievably beautiful view far up to the north to the glacier mountains of the Langtang Himal opens up to us and beyond to the northeast to the "giants". Since we are already there around noon, we do a short hike 200m higher. There prayer flags hang on poles and we hang our welcome shawls on them. Today we are happy to have a warm bed and a cozy living room. Because at this altitude it is already very cold at night. Walking time: approx. 3.5 hours. The water source for our lodge is approx. 100 meters below the surface. The water pipe is still being built. The water is brought to the top by carriers in canisters.
after Melamchigaon
Strong descent from the highest point of our trek all the way down to Melamchigaon. We lose more than 1000 meters in altitude and therefore trekking poles are particularly helpful today to cushion the strain on the thighs and knees. In front of the hamlet there is an old wooden suspension bridge over the Cyade Khola. Around Melamchi there are Buddhist meditation caves, an expression of the influence of Tibetan Buddhism in this region.
Walking time: approx. 3-3.5 hours
to Tarke Ghyang
Descent to the suspension bridge of the Melamchi River. Crossing a suspension bridge is simply part of trekking in Nepal. Again ascent to Tarke Ghyang (2600 m). Nearby is the oldest Buddhist monastery in Nepal, Cherughyang, which we visit in the afternoon.
Walking time: approx. 4.5-5 hours
to Sermathang
Prayer flags, stupas and Tibetan characters accompany our last day of trekking, which leads us to Sermathang at an almost constant height. The townscape reveals the proximity of the road. Our last evening. We say goodbye to our porters. Thanks!
to Melamchi bazaar
We drive this route with an off-road vehicle. That's the plan. It's not a good plan. It would be better for the vehicles but also for our backs. And you are not much slower with the slope conditions.
