Helambu Homestay Trek
Bite-sized trip
- Itinerary:Kathmandu - Chisapani - Kutumsang - Tharepati - Tarke Gyang - Sermathang - Melamchi - Kathmandu
- Duration:7 days / 6 nights
- Price:from £ 735.- per person (excluding flights)
Day 1 – Arrival in Chisapani
Today, you’ll be collected from your hotel and transferred to the village of Chisapani, where you’ll meet your guide. Then, it’s time to lace up your hiking boots and start trekking up a steep mountain path that cuts through the countryside. On your way, you’ll pass several small Tamang villages, where the children will run out to meet you. Next, you’ll continue through oak forests blooming with rhododendrons – the national flower of Nepal that blooms in spring. The route ends back in Chisapani, where you’ll stay in a lodge built especially for trekkers. Chisapani is perched at a height of 2300 metres.
Day 2 – Trek to Kutumsang
Today, you’ll hike through beautiful terraced fields and villages packed with smiling kids. If you stop and join in for a quick kick around, they’ll beam and giggle in appreciation. You’ll spend the night in the friendly Tamang village of Kutumsang. It’s a traditional little place with a great atmosphere and wonderful views, at an altitude of 2130 metres.
Day 3 – Trek to Tharepati
Today, you’ll set off on the long climb to the highest point of your trek, at a whopping 3490 metres. As the greenery becomes more sparse, you’ll be rewarded with staggering views across the mountains and sweeping valleys below. At the top of Tharepati, you can catch your breath and soak up the snow-capped peaks all around you. You’ll spend the night in Tharepati in a completely unique lodge built into the rock face.
Day 4 – Trek to Tarke Gyang
At dawn, you’ll be treated to a spectacular view as the soft morning light slowly colours the mountains. Then, you’ll descend through a forest packed with giant trees where you can see the Himalayan peaks glistening through the branches. After crossing a couple of hanging bridges, the path heads steeply downhill and ends at the river flowing through this narrow valley. Take a breather here before starting the steep climb back up to the village of Tarke Gyang. You’ll be generously rewarded for all your hard work. Tarke Gyang is a pretty, historic settlement with narrow streets. Tonight, you’ll be the honourable guests of none other than the mayor himself. He speaks excellent English and if you’re lucky he may have time to share some fascinating stories about life in the villages.
Day 5 – Trek to Sermathang
Today, you’ll take things a little easier. The trail remains fairly level thoughout the journey, and on the way you can see local farmers working the fertile land. After passing a couple of streams and waterfalls, you’ll end up in the village of Sermathang at 2620m. There is an unusual monastery at the highest point of the village and in the evening you might hear meditative prayers echoing through the valley. You’ll stay in a homely mountain lodge run by a friendly family who whip up tasty traditional meals. Your hosts care for a Tibetan refugee child as well as a young girl from a neighbouring village. By staying here, you’ll be doing your bit for the family and the children that they’ve taken in.
Day 6 – Trek to Melamchi Pul
Today, you’ll say goodbye to your hosts and start trekking downhill. Don’t forget to look back on the way down. In the distance, you’ll see the majestic silhouette of the Himalayas and catch a glimpse of the river far below. Later, you’ll begin a short uphill climb before beginning your final descent. Once you reach the bottom, you’ll cross the river to Melamchi Bazaar, a lively trading town with real character. You’ll spend the last night of your trek in a friendly guesthouse with views across the river. The evenings are surprisingly warm here compared to the chilly nights up high in the mountains.
Day 7 – Transfer to Kathmandu
Today, you’ll be transferred back to Kathmandu, passing local farmers working with their bales of hay and rice mats. Tourists rarely visit this area. The road starts to ascend steeply and then via a bumpy route downhill, you’ll head back into the Kathmandu Valley.
This bite-sized trip can be combined well with
Old and new in Kathmandu
- Kathmandu
- 3 days / 2 nights (flexible)
- from £ 154.- per person (excluding flights)
Kings and Gods of the Valley
- Kathmandu - Patan - Bhaktapur - Kathmandu
- 4 days / 3 nights (flexible)
- from £ 255.- per person (excluding flights)
