Trip overview
Tharepati Helambu Circuit Trek – 7 Days | A Short Himalayan Adventure Near Kathmandu
The Tharepati Helambu Circuit Trek is one of the most scenic and culturally rich short treks in Nepal, offering a perfect balance of Himalayan views, local culture, and natural beauty. Located close to Kathmandu Valley, this 7-day adventure leads you through the picturesque landscapes of Langtang National Park, passing through traditional Tamang and Hyolmo villages, dense forests, and serene hilltops. It’s an ideal trek for those seeking a peaceful Himalayan experience without the need for long travel or high-altitude challenges.
The journey begins with a short drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal, the entrance to Shivapuri National Park. From here, you’ll start trekking through lush forests, terraced farmlands, and small Tamang villages. The first day’s destination, Chisapani (2,160m), offers your first panoramic views of the Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges. The following day, you’ll trek to Kutumsang (2,470m), passing charming hamlets, rhododendron forests, and terraced hillsides that beautifully capture rural Nepali life.
As you climb higher, the trail becomes quieter and more peaceful. On the third day, you’ll ascend through dense pine and oak forests to reach Tharepati (3,490m) — the highest point of the Helambu Circuit Trek. Tharepati is a breathtaking viewpoint that rewards you with magnificent vistas of Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, Gaurishankar, and Jugal Himal. The crisp mountain air and panoramic surroundings make it one of the most memorable spots on the trek.
Descends towards from Tharepati
From Tharepati, the trail descends towards the beautiful Hyolmo villages of Melamchigaon and Tarkeghyang, where ancient monasteries, prayer flags, and mani walls reflect the deep-rooted Buddhist culture of the region. The Hyolmo people are known for their hospitality, traditional dress, and stone-and-wood houses that blend harmoniously with the environment. Staying in local tea houses here allows trekkers to experience authentic village life while enjoying simple but hearty mountain meals.
The journey continues through forested ridges and open fields to Sermathang (2,610m), another scenic village surrounded by lush valleys and distant mountain views. From Sermathang, the trail gradually descends through meadows and terraced fields to Melamchi Bazaar (870m) — a lively town that marks the end of the trek. A scenic drive from Melamchi brings you back to Kathmandu, completing your seven-day adventure in the Helambu region.
The Tharepati Helambu Circuit Trek is suitable for beginners and experienced trekkers alike. The routes are well-marked, accommodation is available in comfortable tea houses, and altitude sickness is rarely an issue since the trek stays below 3,500 meters.
This short yet fulfilling circuit offers incredible Himalayan panoramas, peaceful walking trails, and opportunities to interact with local cultures — all within a few hours’ drive of Kathmandu. The best seasons to trek are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–December) when the weather is clear and the mountain views are at their best.
Whether you’re seeking a cultural experience, natural tranquility, or a moderate adventure, the 7 Days Tharepati Helambu Circuit Trek delivers an unforgettable journey through Nepal’s heartland – a true gem for those who wish to experience the Himalayas in a short and comfortable timeframe.
Short Itinerary
Helambu Circuit Trek Itinerary - 7 Days
Day 1: Drive to Sundarijal (1,350m) and trek to Chisapani (2,160m)
A short drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal, the trek begins through Shivapuri National Park, passing waterfalls, forests, and small Tamang villages before reaching Chisapani.
Day 2: Trek from Chisapani to Kutumsang (2,470m)
Walk through beautiful rhododendron forests and terraced hillsides with panoramic views of the Himalayas. Overnight at Kutumsang.
Day 3: Trek from Kutumsang to Tharepati (3,490m)
The trail ascends through oak and fir forests to Tharepati, one of the best viewpoints of the Helambu region.
Day 4: Trek from Tharepati to Tarkeghyang (2,560m)
Descend through rhododendron and pine forests, passing the Melamchi River and reaching the traditional Hyolmo village of Tarkeghyang, known for its ancient monastery and cultural heritage.
Day 5: Trek from Tarkeghyang to Sermathang (2,610m)
A pleasant trail through charming villages, mani walls, and Buddhist stupas leads to Sermathang, offering superb views of Jugal Himal and Langtang range.
Day 6: Trek from Sermathang to Melamchi Bazaar (870m)
Descend through meadows and farmlands to the Melamchi Bazaar, a small town in the valley.
Day 7: Drive from Melamchi Bazaar to Kathmandu
Enjoy a scenic drive back to Kathmandu, marking the end of the trek.
Included
- Kathmandu to Sundarijal and Dhulikhel to Kathmandu by bus
- All meals (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during your Helambu Trek with 6 nights Hotel Accommodation
- Government licensed holder, fluent English Speaking, Helambu Familiar Himalaya view Treks guide, 1 assistant guide if Group sizes is more than 10 trekkers) one guide lead up to 10 trekkers.
- Strong local Porters for Carry trekker’s luggage One porter every 2 trekkers, Porter carry maximum 20 Kg. 10 Kg per trekkers.
- Cost Includes Guides and porters meals, accommodation, Salary, insurance, transportation, and needed equipment for the Trekking
- Water purification drop or tablets for safe drinking water
- Shivapuri national park permit fee and TIMS card permit,
- Seasonal fresh fruits after Dinner
- Local government, taxes, including official Service Charge
- Himalaya View treks T-shirt as a Souvenirs, and duffel bag if needed.
Not Included
- Hotel accommodation and meals In Kathmandu
- Personal expense (shopping, snacks, boil bottle water, hot (tea, coffee) and cold drinks, hot shower, alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone call, battery charge fee during the trek)
- Personal clothing and trekking gear
- Personal travel insurance including evacuation coverage (compulsory) up to 6000m)
- Additional costs if delays flights and outside the itinerary
- All the costs and expenses which are not mentioned in includes list.
- Tips for guide and porters in end of the treks
Useful Info
Useful Information – Helambu Circuit Trek (7 Days)
The Tharepati Helambu circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most accessible and culturally enriching trekking routes, perfect for travelers looking for a short adventure near Kathmandu without venturing into extremely high altitudes. Here’s everything you need to know before starting your journey:
Location
The Helambu region lies north of Kathmandu Valley, within Langtang National Park. It stretches from Sundarijal to Melamchi Bazaar, covering beautiful villages like Chisapani, Kutumsang, Tharepati, Tarkeghyang, and Sermathang.
Trek Difficulty
The Helambu Circuit Trek is classified as easy to moderate. Daily walks average 5–6 hours, with gradual ascents and descents. No prior trekking experience is required, making it ideal for beginners, families, and older travelers.
Maximum Altitude
The highest point of the trek is Tharepati (3,490m), which offers excellent mountain views but remains below the altitude where acute mountain sickness (AMS) typically occurs.
Duration
The standard itinerary covers 7 days, including transportation to and from Kathmandu. However, the trek can be customized into shorter or longer versions depending on your schedule.
Best Seasons to Trek
- Spring (March–May): Clear skies, rhododendron blossoms, and warm temperatures.
- Autumn (September–December): Crisp air, excellent visibility, and comfortable trekking conditions.
- Winter (January–February): Quieter trails with cold mornings and nights.
- Monsoon (June–August): Lush landscapes but leeches and slippery trails are common.
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation is provided in local tea houses or mountain lodges. Rooms are simple with twin-sharing beds, warm blankets, and shared bathrooms. Meals include a variety of options such as Dal Bhat (Nepali set meal), noodles, soups, rice, potatoes, eggs, and Tibetan bread. Hot drinks like tea and coffee are widely available.
Transportation
The trek begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal (1 hour) and ends with a drive from Melamchi Bazaar to Kathmandu (4–5 hours). Both routes offer scenic countryside views.
Permits Required
- Langtang National Park Entry Permit
- TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card
Both permits can be arranged easily by your trekking agency before departure.
Guide and Porter
Hiring a licensed guide and porter is highly recommended for navigation, cultural insights, and safety. Guides are knowledgeable about local traditions, while porters help carry luggage, allowing you to enjoy the trek comfortably.
What to Pack
Essential items include:
- Comfortable trekking boots and socks
- Warm clothing layers and rain jacket
- Sleeping bag (optional)
- Reusable water bottle and purification tablets
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- Basic first aid kit and headlamp
Internet & Charging
Most tea houses offer Wi-Fi and charging facilities for a small fee. Electricity is available but may be limited in remote areas, so carrying a power bank is useful.
Why Choose the Helambu Trek
The Helambu Trek combines natural beauty, cultural heritage, and accessibility — offering stunning Himalayan views, peaceful trails, and the warm hospitality of the Hyolmo people. It’s an excellent introduction to trekking in Nepal and a perfect short escape into the mountains.
FAQs
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How difficult is the Helambu Circuit Trek?
The Helambu Circuit Trek is considered easy to moderate. It does not reach extreme altitudes, making it suitable for beginners, families, and trekkers with average fitness levels. The highest point is Tharepati at 3,490 meters, where altitude problems are rare.
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Do I need prior trekking experience?
No, you don’t need any prior trekking experience. The Tharepati Helambu Circuit Trek is perfect for first-time trekkers who want to enjoy scenic landscapes, cultural villages, and short walking days without high-altitude risks.
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What permits are required for the Helambu Trek?
You will need two permits: • Langtang National Park Entry Permit • TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card Both can be arranged easily in Kathmandu by Himalaya View Treks.
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What type of accommodation can I expect?
You’ll stay in local tea houses or lodges run by families in the villages. Rooms are simple but comfortable, with shared bathrooms and basic facilities. Meals are freshly prepared, usually consisting of Nepali, Tibetan, and continental dishes.
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When is the best time to do the Helambu Trek?
The best seasons are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–December) when the weather is clear and the mountain views are stunning. However, it can also be done in winter (January–February) for those who prefer quieter trails.
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Is altitude sickness a concern on this trek?
No, altitude sickness is generally not a major concern since the trek stays below 3,500 meters. Still, it’s recommended to walk slowly, stay hydrated, and get proper rest.
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How long do we walk each day?
You’ll walk about 5–6 hours per day on average, depending on your pace and trail conditions. The trek involves some uphill and downhill walking but nothing too strenuous.
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What should I pack for the Helambu Trek?
Pack light but essential gear: comfortable trekking boots, warm layers, a down jacket, rain gear, water bottle, sunscreen, hat, gloves, and a headlamp. A sleeping bag is recommended for extra comfort at night.
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Are there internet and charging facilities available?
Yes, most tea houses offer Wi-Fi and charging for a small fee. However, connections can be slow in remote areas. Bringing a power bank is a good idea.
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Can I do the Tharepati Helambu Trek solo?
Yes, you can trek solo, but hiring a local guide from Himalaya View Treks adds safety, cultural insight, and convenience in navigating trails and tea house bookings.
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What kind of transportation is used for the trek?
Private vehicles or local buses are used for transfers between Kathmandu – Sundarijal and Melamchi – Kathmandu, offering a comfortable and scenic ride.
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Why choose the Helambu Circuit Trek?
The Helambu circuit Trek offers everything in a short time — Himalayan views, Buddhist culture, traditional villages, and peaceful nature — all within easy reach of Kathmandu, making it an excellent short trek in Nepal.
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Trips Reviews
chiara7362025-09-21Unforgettable experiemce - Gosaikunda / Langtang trek We are glad that we have chosen Himalaya View Treks. Simbir always replied very fast and we agreed on everything before the trek.We did 11 day Gosaikunda - Langtang trek. Originally our plans wery different, on the way to starting point at Syabru Bensi road was blocked by demonstration and we couldn't pass. Therefore we completely changed our trek itinerary and started trek from another place. Our guide Anil was extremely helpful, kind, patient. He always respected our needs. We really apreciate his assistance whenpassing through landslide area and crossing the mountain streams.Anh Hao Ng2025-09-02Unforgetable experience at EBC • We only had a few days (10 days) while the usual trek takes 12 days. Our guide Ram helped us arrange the itinerary to suit the duration and physical demands, as well as finding the best teahouses.• During the trek, due to the lack of time to acclimatize to the altitude, I experienced respiratory issues. Ram provided immense support to help me recover and continue the journey.• We were cared for with great enthusiasm, supported fully from meals to rest, and the guide even brought apples for us to eat along the way. He also provided water and occasionally shared wifi for us to use. We highly appreciate the company and the individual efforts of our guide Ram and porter Santos. We strongly encourage everyone to support the company’s continued success and wish Ram and Santos further growth in their careers.Ngoc T2025-08-31Everest base camp - Aug 2025 The 10-day Everest Base Camp trek was an extraordinary adventure, thanks to the tour company’s exceptional service. Their passionate team expertly guided me to select a tour perfectly suited to my needs. Our guide, Mr. Ram, was warm, highly skilled, and crafted an itinerary that optimized my limited time while minimizing altitude challenges. His deep knowledge enriched every moment. The porter, Mr. Santos, was tirelessly carrying my three heavy bags and went along with us throughout the way ensuring my comfort. I’m thrilled with this unforgettable experience and the team’s professionalism. I’ll definitely book with them again! Highly recommended! Chuyến trekking 10 ngày đến Everest base camp là một hành trình tuyệt vời. Đội ngũ công ty đã tư vấn tôi nhiệt tình giúp tôi chọn tour phù hợp với nhu cầu. Hướng dẫn viên, anh Ram, thân thiện, dày dạn kinh nghiệm, đã thiết kế lộ trình tối ưu cho thời gian hạn chế của tôi, đồng thời giảm thiểu các vấn đề về độ cao. Kiến thức sâu rộng của anh làm phong phú thêm hành trình. Người khuân vác, anh Santos, không mệt mỏi mang ba túi nặng của tôi và luôn đồng hành, đảm bảo sự thoải mái cho tôi. Tôi vô cùng hài lòng với trải nghiệm khó quên này và sự chuyên nghiệp của đội ngũ. Chắc chắn tôi sẽ lại đặt tour với họ! Rất khuyến nghị!Elliot J2025-06-05Amazing hike through Annapurna Well organised from start to finish for the Annapurna Circuit. Good communication from Simbir throughout. Anil was such a fantastic guide and porter, very strong and easy going, made the hike one of the most beautiful I've been on! Would definitely recommend.Armando N2025-05-23Excellent EBC Trek Experience The 12-day EBC trek with this agency was awesome, the manager was very attentive since the first contact and explained every question with detail. During the trek my guide Anil was excellent, he knows the mountains very well and helps you whenever you need something.Hongbin Z2025-05-20ACT trekking Our company Himalaya view treks. The boss of the company is honest and price is very reasonable.The field guide Sofi Tamang his brother in low saugat kulung rai (porter) is a great team to lead us.We highly recommend this company.Alex M2025-05-11Incredible experience trekking in Nepal Myself and my partner did the 8 day Annapurna circuit trek and had an incredible time. We were picked up from Kathmandu airport and taken to our hotel in Kathmandu, and Simbir met us beforehand in order to go through all of the trek information and answer any questions. Our guide Ram and our porter Anil were both so kind and friendly, and made sure we were happy and looked after the whole time. Ram taught us lots about Nepali culture and answered our many many questions about food, culture, wildlife etc. He gave us ample opportunities for breaks and was very patient with us whilst we took hundreds of pictures of the breathtaking landscapes. Ram and Anil also kindly repaired my partner’s bag when it broke halfway through the trek. The teahouses were cosy, and it was so nice that Ram and Anil sorted everything for us, like rooms and meals, so that we didn’t have to worry about anything. Going over the Thorong La pass was a challenge but a huge achievement, and so beautiful. We would highly recommend trekking with this company, especially with Ram and Anil!Naomi C2025-05-07Pikey Peak trek - 6 days We made the Pikey Peak trek with Himalaya View Treks over 6 days including 2 days of travel and 4 days of hiking, it was an absolutely memorable experience. This trek is ideal for those looking for a less crowded alternative to the classics while offering spectacular views of the Himalayas, including Everest.One of the most significant moments was undoubtedly the sunrise from the summit of Pikey Peak. This is an exceptional panorama with a view of Nepal’s iconic peaks.The trek itself is of moderate difficulty, accessible with a minimum of physical preparation. The trails cross traditional Sherpas villages, rhododendron forests and very peaceful rolling landscapes. We were warmly welcomed in the lodges, with simple but tasty local cuisine.Our guide Suraj was professional, attentive and passionate about the area. Our wearer Sujan, always smiling, greatly facilitated our progress. Their presence not only made walking lighter, but enriched the human experience of trekking.I highly recommend this trek to Himalaya View Treks for those who want a well-organized authentic adventure, away from the crowds, with exceptional views of Everest.Jeremy C2025-05-07Amazing 6-Day Trek to Pikey Peak – Highly Recommended! We had an amazing 6-day trek to Pikey Peak, and I can't recommend it enough! The views of the Himalayas, especially Everest at sunrise from the summit, were absolutely breathtaking. The route was peaceful and less crowded, allowing us to really enjoy the beauty of the nature and the hospitality of the local people.Our guide Suraj was extremely knowledgeable and friendly, and always made sure we were comfortable and safe throughout the journey. Our porter Sujan was also incredibly kind and helpful.The accommodations in the tea houses were basic but cozy, with delicious local food. Every day of the trek was well-organized and filled with beautiful landscapes.If you're looking for a less touristy and beautiful trekking experience in Nepal, Pikey Peak is the one and I strongly encourage you to book the trek with Himalaya View Treks!Liz K2025-05-06Langtang Valley I booked the trip to Langtang Valley only the evening before I wanted to go! The company was great & organised everything so quickly.I met with Sofi the guide on day 1 of the trip. He was helpful, friendly and organised everything seamlessly.The landscape was beautiful walking alongside the river, up through the forest to beautiful mountain ranges.The highlight was trekking at sunrise to kyanji ri.Sofi organised great little b&b’s as well as great lunch spots along the way.The trek surpassed expectations & I’ll definitely be using the company again.
Hayley2024-04-10would absolutely recommend this company to do your trekking with in Nepal. From the moment we messaged simbir, he was so helpful with any questions/worries we had. Everything was so smooth from the moment we landed in Kathmandu. Our guide Ram was amazing on our trek to EBC, always making sure we were happy. Will definitely use again when we return to Nepal, thank you for everything guys✨✨Shermel2024-03-18Embarked on a 9 days EBC trek with Sofi and Jivan, our guide and porter. They were both very reliable during the course of the trek and kept the atmosphere lively even when we were high up in the mountains. Highly recommended!Olga Poltavskaya2024-01-05We used the services of a porter guide from the company on the Annapurna base camp trek. Rahul was truly amazing! so helpful and easy! We really appreciated his looking after us, helping pick the best accommodation and break spots along the way, making sure we are warm and positive. Would strongly recommend Rahul for those trekkers who look for a devoted and switched on porter guide.Mateusz Malzacher2023-12-19We had a fantastic 3 passes hike thanks to the guidance, expertise and professionalism of Bishal Rai. He was a great trip partner, providing local knowledge and a sense of humor along the way. He even pointed out all the peak names to us many times due to our forgetfulness. Thank you and highly recommend Himalaya View Treks and guide, Bishal Rai.Alejandro Espigares2023-12-01Realicé el trek del Campo Base Everest y todo fue increíble. Yo lo hice en solitario junto a mi guía Suraj y lo recomiendo 100%, muy atento y es un experto del terreno, sabe en todo momento como actuar si te encuentras mal o cansado y buscar una nueva ruta. La agencia me dio mucha seguridad en todo momento y me sentí acompañado en todo momento. Lo volvería a contratar una y mil veces. Gracias!!!A Expen5ive2023-11-22Our Guide Rahul made sure that it was a pleasant Trek from start to finish. Very knowledgeable about the areas and always puts the safety and wellbeing of us first. When you book your Trek make sure you ask for Rahul.Patrick Thumm2023-11-21Meine Frau und ich haben uns für eine „kurze“ Tour im Himalaya interessiert. Über das Internet sind wir auf Himalayan View Treks gestoßen. Sie haben die 8 Tage Annapurna Short Trek Tour angeboten. Die Kommunikation im Vorfeld per Mail mit Simbir lief super. Er konnte uns vorab alle Informationen geben. Auch eine individuelle Anpassung der Tour (z. B. per Flugzeug zurück) wäre möglich gewesen. Obwohl wir zunächst ein paar Tage in Kathmandu verbracht haben, wurden wir bei Ankunft von unserem Guide abgeholt und zum Hotel gebracht. So sind wir entspannt angekommen. An Tag 1 der Tour wurden wir früh morgens vom Hotel von unserem Guide (D. B.) und unserem Porter (Manoj) abgeholt. Tag 2-7 sind wir von Chame über Pisang, Manang, Ledar, High Camp über den Thorong La Pass nach Muktinath gewandert. Insgesamt waren es ca. 80km, 4.100m nach oben und 3.100m nach unten zu wandern. Tag 8 ging dann per Jeep zurück nach Pokhara. Trotz der für unsere Verhältnisse langen Strecke ging die Tour super zu laufen. Das lag vor allem auch an unserem Guide und Porter! D. B. hat sich stets nach unserem Wohlbefinden erkundet. Jeden Abend gab es einen kurzen Tagesrückblick und Lagebesprechung für den kommenden Tag. So konnten wir währenddessen noch entscheiden, ob wir an einem Tag etwas weiter laufen, um am darauffolgenden Tag etwas weniger machen müssen. Er ging da sehr gut auf uns ein. Manoj hat unseren schweren Rucksack getragen und wir konnten uns so ganz aufs Trekking konzentrieren. Darüber waren wir sehr dankbar. Auch er hat sich immer um uns gekümmert (are you ok? 😉) D.B. hat uns über den gesamten Trek viel Wissen über das Land und die Berge vermittelt. Außerdem konnte er uns viele interessante Bergsteiger Geschichten erzählen. Wir hatten 8 unbeschreibliche Tage! Unsere anfänglich Angst und Sorge, es nicht zu schaffen wurde uns durch den professionellen Umgang komplett genommen. Vielen Dank dafür!Daniel Weller2023-10-17Just returned home from a fantastic adventure holiday on the EBC trek. Himalaya View Treks couldn't of been more helpful from choosing and booking our trek before we arrived through to dropping us back to the airport once we had finished , nothing was too much trouble. Before coming to Nepal me and my dad was unsure if we needed a guide however we are now so pleased that we decided to get one. Sobit our guide made the experience so much better as he took care of all the arrangements and organising leaving us to concentrate on the trek and enjoy the scenery without any stress. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Himalaya View Treks and would request Sobit as a guide as he was brilliant!!!!Patrik Penzeš2023-10-05Great experience! Our guide Bishal became our friend in short time and made the trekking easier. I am grateful to both Bishal and Simbir for this experience. I strogly recommend Manaslu circuit trek with Bishal from himalaya view treks!
