Helambu, Langtang and Gosainkund Treks

This area is very good area to trek in and is close to Kathmandu. There are many different ways that you can combine treks in this area. The Langtang area is a national park, whose southern border is just 20km north of Kathmandu and in the north is on the border with Tibet. You can leave Kathmandu and being on the trail of the Helambu trek within an hour

T he Helambu trek, the normal Langtang trek and the trek from Dhunche to Gosainkund can be done without a guide. Other treks, such as the Dhunche to Tharepati via Gosainkund trek and a trek over the Ganja La pass, and non-standard treks require a guide.

The two treks can be combined via Gosainkund lakes or by going over the 5105m high Ganja La pass.

The bank in Dhunche changes money, but usually only takes cash US dollars. Teahouses often take US dollars. Teahouses usually open all year, but sometimes the teahouses can be closed in the rainy season. It is best to check this in advance. Teahouses in the park have fixed prices.

Medical Facilities
The only medical facilities in the Helambu and Langtang area is the Dhunche dispensary.

Day 1: Sundarijal to Pati Bhanjyang
There is no direct bus to Sundarijal from Kathmandu. You can take a bus to Jorpati, a little past Bodhnath and then get a bus to Sundarijal at the road junction. You can also get a taxi to Sundarijal.

When you come to Sundarijal, you enter the Shivapuri Watershed & Wildlife Reserve, who administers the area.

The trail in Sundarijal begins by going up the steps next to the pipeline that brings water for the valley. The trail leaves the pipeline near the dam and then comes to Mulkharka at 1895m. It is 600m above Sundarijal. There are good views of the valley from here and some tea shops.
The trail keeps going up but not as steep to Chisopani at 2300m and then descends to Pati Bhanjyang at 1770m. There are good mountain views from Chisopani in the morning. There are places to stay at Chisopani and Pati Bhanjyang.

Day 2: Pati Bhanjyang to Khutumsang
The trail goes up and down pass Chipling at 2170m and then goes over a 2470m pass. It then goes down past a big chorten and gets to the village of Gul Bhanjyang at 2140m. The trail then goes up to a 2620m pass and then descends to Khutumsang at 2470m. If you have not already got your permit (advised) in Kathmandu for Langtang National Park, you pay the Rs 1000 entry fee here. There are places to stay at Gul Bhanjyang and Khutumsang. There is also the Dragon Lodge, next to a meadow about 40 minutes before Khutumsang.

Day 3: Khutumsang to Tharepati
The trails go along a ridge through some forest. Along the way there are views of the Langtang and Gosainkund peaks. You then reach Magen Goth, where there is an army checkpoint and then climb to Tharepati La pass at 3490m. There are several lodges here. Himaliya Lodge on the Khutumsang side of the pass has a good location.
There is a trail here that goes to Gosainkund to the northwest.

Day 4: Tharepati to Tarke Gyang
The pass then goes east and descends quickly to the nice Sherpa village of Malemchigaon at 2530m. There is a colorful gompa here and several lodges.

The trail keeps descending until it reaches a bridge that goes on the Malemchi Khola River at 1890m. The trail then makes a long climb up the other side of the valley to Tarke Gyang at 2600m. This Sherpa village is the largest one in Helambu. There are shops here selling supposed antiques. There are several lodges here. The Mount View Hotel is a good place. Tarke Gyang is a good place to take a day’s rest. You can also climb up to the peak at 3770m that overlooks the village.

Day 5: Tarke Gyang to Kiul
From Tarke Gyang you can take one of two routes.

You can descend through rhododendron forests going past Buddhist chortens and Mani walls to Kakani at 2070m, Thimbu at 1580m and then down to Kiul at 1280m, which is at a lower altitude than Kathmandu.

Day 6: Kiul to Pati Bhanjyang
The trail descends and goes along the river. It crosses the river at the second suspension bridge at 1190m. It then goes to Mahenkal and then to Talamarang at 940m. The trail then goes along the Talamarang Khola River for a while. Sometimes it can be hard to follow. It then climbs steeply to Batache and then Thakani at 1890m. The trail then goes along the ridge to Pati Bhanjyang at 1770m where the Helambu circuit ends.

Day 7: Pati Bhanjyang to Sundarijal to Kathmandu.
The last day go in the opposite direction of the first day.

Alternative Routs from Tarke Gyang
Another route go from Tarke Gyang past Sermathang and then on a long ridge pass Kakani and Dubhachaur to Malemchi Pul Bazaar, south of Talamarang. The route to Malemchli Pul is pleasant and not many people take this route. There are many lodges are Sermathang and Malemchi, but not at many other places.
From Malemchi the trail goes along a roadway that comes to the Kathmandu to Kodari road at the town of Panchkhal. From there it is a 55km ride back to Kathmandu via Dhulikhel.
You can also get a bus or truck ride back to Kathmandu from Malemchi and in this way you don’t have to redo the walk between Pati Bhanjyang and Sundarijal.

The Helambu trek can also start and finish at Malemchi Pul Bazaar (going via Panchkhal on the main road). This is a shorter trek that makes a loop going through Malemchi, Talamang, Kiul, Tarke Gyang, Sermathang and back to Malemchi.

Day 5: Tarke Gyang to Sermathang
The trail descends through a pleasant forest to Sermathang at 2620m, where apple are grown. There are good views of the valley of Malemchi Khola in the south. Trekking permits are checked at Sermathang. If you past through here in the opposite direction you pay the Rs 1000 entry fee to enter the Langtang National Park.

Day 6: Sermathang to Malemchi Pul Bazaar
From Sermathang the trail goes down to Dubhachaur at 1500m and then goes down steeply to Malemchi at 830m and comes to the road. There are a number of lodges here. From here you can get a bus or truck to Panchkhal on the Kodari road, and from there get a bus to Kathmandu.

Copyright ©2001 John Howley and Spiritual Guides