Helambu Valley School Trek - 10 days

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu, weaving through the city before arriving at Sankhu, a historic Newari settlement on the north-eastern outskirts. Beyond Sankhu, the dense urban area gives way to terraced farms and rolling green hills. After a series of climbs and switchbacks, you will reach Jarsing Pauwa, a popular weekend getaway known for its beautiful mountain views, including the majestic Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges.

The track then continues along the contours above the valley floor, offering distant views of the hills. From Kaule Bazar, you'll follow the Pushpalal Highway—slated to be the longest highway in Nepal (1,776 km) after its completion—until Patibhanjyang. The final leg of the drive involves a short climb up a hill to Chipling, your starting point for the trek. From the village, you will be rewarded with your first clear glimpse of the magnificent Dorje Lhakpa (6,966m) mountain.

After a brief rest in Chipling, your Helambu Valley trek begins with an invigorating climb. You'll ascend a steep, 200-meter stone staircase to the top of the Jogini Danda ridge, where you are rewarded with excellent views of the surrounding mountains and a large chorten. From there, you'll descend through beautiful rhododendron forests to the delightful Tamang village of Gul Bhanjyang, a classic hill village with a pleasant main street.

After lunch, you will embark on what is arguably the most dramatic stage of the day's trek, with views that become increasingly epic as you progress. You'll climb uphill past lush meadows and follow a forested ridge, eventually reaching a small pass. From this vantage point and throughout your climb, the views of the Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges become even more spectacular. You'll head north, continuing to climb to the picturesque village of Kutumsang, which will be your home for the night.

Today offers a perfect balance of trekking and cultural immersion as you embark on a shorter and more relaxed hike to Magengoth. Leaving Kutumsang, the trail ascends steadily, and you'll find yourself weaving through beautiful and fragrant rhododendron and pine forests. The air grows cooler as you climb, and the majestic views of the Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges continue to captivate you with every step.

This hike is intentionally short, allowing you to arrive at Magengoth with a relaxed pace and plenty of time and energy. The primary focus of the afternoon is a unique opportunity to engage in community activities with the local Hyolmo people. This is your chance to step beyond the trail and into their lives, offering a rewarding experience of cross-cultural understanding and direct engagement with the traditions and genuine hospitality of the Helambu Valley.

A challenging and truly epic day of trekking with significant altitude changes awaits you today.

Your day begins with a steady ascent from Magengoth to the high pass of Thadepati. The climb is a rewarding one, taking you through an increasingly austere landscape of alpine scrub where the mountain views become even more expansive. Upon reaching the exposed high ridge of Thadepati, the coolness of the high-altitude air invigorates you as you are rewarded with spectacular, panoramic views of the Helambu peaks and the entire Langtang Himal range.

After soaking in the magnificent vistas, your journey shifts to a long and significant descent. As you drop over 1,000 meters in elevation, the open ridge gives way to the sheltering forest once more, and the air grows warmer. This demanding downhill trek eventually leads you to the beautiful and culturally rich village of Melamchigaon. The sight of the traditional stone and timber houses and the sound of village life is a welcome one after a challenging day.

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.

You've the full day at leisure to explore the sights and sounds of Kathmandu or just spend the day relaxing at your hotel. 

Your Helambu Circuit School Trek 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!