Gosaikunda & Helambu Valley School Trek-13 days

The adventure kicks off with a long, scenic drive that offers a vivid lesson in Nepal’s changing geography and infrastructure. You will leave Kathmandu by road, heading west and then north up the wide Trisuli Valley to reach the large town of the same name. On a clear day, the panorama is superb: to your left, you can see Annapurna II, Manaslu, and directly in front of you, the vast Ganesh Himal massif.

After Trisuli Bazaar, where the road is mostly black-topped, you will ascend a winding dirt road to Sano Bharkhu. The roads have expanded over the years, and a trek that once took three hours is now a drive of about one hour, leading you to Thulo Syabru (2,240m). This beautiful village clings to a ridgeline that separates the Langtang Khola from the Trisuli River, and from here, the superb view of the majestic Langtang Lirung (7,225m) looms. Please note that the dirt road beyond Trisuli Bazaar can be tedious, especially after heavy rains.

Your first day of trekking begins with a challenging but rewarding ascent. The trail climbs steadily through beautiful rhododendron and pine forests, providing a perfect introduction to trekking and acclimatization. Along the way, students will learn about the region’s high-altitude flora and fauna and observe the traditional agricultural practices of the local communities. The day’s goal is to reach Chandan Bari, where a well-deserved rest awaits.

Today is a challenging day of sustained ascent to the high-altitude Gosaikunda lakes. The trail requires a slow and steady pace, demanding personal resilience and discipline. Upon arrival, you will find yourself at the sacred Gosaikunda lakes, a revered pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. This unique experience offers students an opportunity to learn about the spiritual significance of the lakes and the syncretism of local faiths.

This is a challenging, high-altitude day that builds confidence and strategic thinking. You will begin by crossing Lauribina La (4,647m), the highest point of this leg of the journey, before beginning a long descent. For students seeking an extra challenge, there is an optional excursion to Surya Peak (4,937m) from the pass, offering even more spectacular views before the descent to Phedi.

Leaving Phedi, you will embark on a day of mixed trekking with ascents and descents. The trail climbs and descends through beautiful forests and along stunning ridges, preparing students for the challenges ahead. As you trek, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Helambu peaks and the majestic Langtang Himal range, making the day's effort worthwhile.

Today marks a significant transition as you trek from the high-altitude alpine zone back into the heart of the Hyolmo cultural region. The trail involves a long and significant descent of over 1,000 meters, which requires careful footing and endurance. Melamchigaon is a beautiful and culturally rich village, and its traditional houses will be a welcome sight after a challenging and rewarding day on the trail.

Leaving the traditional village of Melamchigaon, you embark on a journey of deep cultural immersion as you make your way to the magnificent village of Tarkeghyang (2,590m). Your path first descends through lush forests to the riverbed, where the sound of the rushing water fills the air. Here, you'll cross the powerful Melamchi River, a vital artery for the region and a crucial source of drinking water for the residents of Kathmandu through the famous Melamchi Water Supply Project.

After crossing the river, the trail begins a steady ascent up the opposite bank, taking you through a landscape of terraced fields and traditional settlements. This beautiful hike leads you to the largest and most vibrant village in the Helambu region. Tarkeghyang is the very heart of the Hyolmo culture, known for its distinct architecture and spiritual devotion. Here, you will find a large, beautiful monastery—the most significant in the valley—along with homes adorned with intricate carvings and colorful prayer flags. The trek is not defined by altitude gain, but by the profound sense of arrival in a place rich with history, tradition, and warm hospitality.

Leaving the vibrant village of Tarkeghyang (2,590m), the journey to Ama Yangri Base Camp (3,037m) is a short and pleasant two-hour ascent. This gentle pace allows for a day of rest and profound spiritual immersion. As you climb, the beautiful landscape of dense rhododendron and pine forests surrounds you, offering a tranquil path to your destination.

Ama Yangri is the most revered peak in the region, considered by the local Hyolmo people to be the seat of a divine mother goddess. Your time at base camp is designed for you to relax, enjoy the serene atmosphere, and prepare for tomorrow's excursion. It also provides a unique opportunity for cultural engagement, as you'll be able to interact with the local community and deepen your understanding of the spiritual traditions that define this sacred region. This peaceful day serves as a perfect prelude to your visit to various monasteries and viewpoints later in the program.

This is the day your entire Helambu journey culminates. After days of trekking through lush valleys and remote villages, you now begin the final, exhilarating ascent to the summit of the sacred Ama Yangri (3,727m) - the highest point of the Helambu Valley School Trek. This final push to the highest point of your trek is not just a physical climb but a spiritual pilgrimage for both Hindus and Buddhists, who revere this peak as the seat of a divine mother goddess.

Upon reaching the summit, a breathtaking spectacle unfolds before you. On a clear day, you are rewarded with truly majestic 360-degree views that sweep across the Himalayas. The panorama includes iconic peaks like Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lhakpa, and Langshisha Ri. On exceptionally clear days, you may even catch a distant glimpse of Shishapangma in Tibet.

After soaking in the awe-inspiring views and the profound spiritual atmosphere, you will begin your long and rewarding descent. The trail takes you all the way down the mountain and back to the familiar comforts of Tarkeghyang. Arriving at the village, you can reflect on your incredible journey and the successful completion of the trek's ultimate goal. A well-deserved rest awaits, marking the end of your adventure in the high hills before your drive back to Kathmandu tomorrow.

Leaving the tranquil Helambu Valley behind, your journey back to Kathmandu begins with a scenic drive. The road descends through the heart of the valley, passing through key villages like Kiul and Sermathang, before reaching the busy market town of Melamchi Pul Bazaar. From there, you'll follow the road as it winds through hills and valleys, eventually entering the Kathmandu Valley from the northeast. Your drive concludes as you arrive back in the city, marking the end of your adventure.

This is a much-needed day for rest, recovery, and reflection. Students can explore the local markets for souvenirs, reflect on their journey, and enjoy a day of personal time in the city. This day provides a final opportunity to journal and process the incredible experiences and personal growth they have achieved.

It's bittersweet, but your amazing Annapurna Base Camp adventure officially wraps up today. After a last breakfast at your Kathmandu hotel, our representative will assist you with your transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight home. You'll leave with a heart full of incredible memories of towering peaks, wonderful people, and a massive sense of accomplishment!