Helambu Village Trek

<p>We drive about 12km from Kathmandu to Sundarijal. Sundarijal is situated at the elevation of 1350 meters where we start our trek. Beyond Sundarijal, the trail climbs continuously through forest to a medieval looking reservoir, the dam and waterworks. The trail leaves the water supply system and climbs steeply to a road to 1550 meters. Then cross the road and continue climb to the top of the Shivapuri ridge, the first village on the trail with the sprawling Tamang settlement of Milkshake at 1895 meters. There are few small tea shops where you can stop for a cup of tea and enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley. Beyond Mulkharka, the trail continues to climb steadily. After passing through the army camp, the trail enters into Shivapuri National Park. Most of the Shivapuri ridge has dense forest of pine and oak. Climb continues down the ridge through a forest of oak and rhododendron to Chisapani. Stay overnight in Chisapani or Chisopani (Cold water) at a teahouse. Trekking time 4-5 hours.</p>

<p>From Chisapani or Chisopani (Cold water), the trail continues to descend and crosses meadows and fields and soon we reach Patibhanjyang. We then head north out of Patibhanjyang through a forest over the ridge and then descend to a large chorten which is the Tamang village of Gul Bhanjyang (2,130m/6,988ft). This is a delightful, classic hill village. Again we climb on the ridge from Gul Bhanjyang and finally descend again and reach our overnight stop, Kutumasang. Trekking time 4-5 hours.</p>

<p>Today we climb above Kutumasang on a steep, eroded trail, mostly through fir and rhododendron forests. We then descend to Magen Goth (3,220m/10,564ft). There are no settlements between Kutumsang and Magen Goth. We continue further from Magen Goth and finally reach Tharepati for overnight rest. Trekking time 4-5 hours.</p>

<p>From Tharepati, we descend steeply down a ravine. A trail separates for Gosainkuna Lake and Langtang Valley at Tharepati. The vegetation changes to large firs, then to oaks and rhododendron. After crossing over a stream on a suspension bridge, we make a short final climb to reach the prosperous Sherpa village of Melamchigaon, our next overnight stop. Trekking time 4-5 hours.</p>

<p>Our trek descends to the Melamchi Khola (River) and after crossing the suspension bridge, we start climbing up the other side of the valley towards Tarkeghyang. Tarkeghyang is the largest and picturesque village in the Helambu region. Trekkers enjoy at this beautiful village located on a shelf high above the river. 'Tarkeghyang' means "100 horses" & was taken from the name of a temple established in 1727 by a Lama (Buddhist monk) who was called on by the king of Kathmandu (Kantipur) to stop an epidemic. The Lama asked for 100 horses, which he brought here, as a reward. Trekking time 4-5 hours.</p>

<p>After having a memorable stay at the beautiful village of Tarkeghyang, we continue descending down from the edge of the ridge but then continue at around the same altitude along the side of the ridge crossing a number of streams and waterfalls and a landslide. Then we pass by a Gompa and reach the village of Sermathang for overnight rest. Trekking time 4-5 hours.</p>

<p>Today we follow the ridge all the way down to Melamchi and after passing a large Gompa at the southern edge of the village, we undulate along the west side of the ridge passing chortens one after another before dropping down to Kakani (1,996m/6,548ft). From Kakani we descend down to a small village of Duwachaur (1,500m/4,921ft). From here the trail continues to descend even more steeply down the ridge to the junction of the Indrawati and Melamchi Rivers. After crossing the suspension bridge over the Melamchi River, we will finally reach Melamchi Bazaar. Trekking time 3-4 hours. We then drive along the Helambu highway to Kathmandu. It takes about 2-3 hours to reach Kathmandu from Melamchi Bazaar. </p><p>Option available for extending your trip with Jungle Safari adventure, white water rafting or a trip of your choice.</p>