7 days · easy
Chisapani Helambu Trek
Seven days from Kathmandu through Shivapuri to Chisapani, Kutumsang, Thadepati, and Helambu’s Sherpa villages—rhododendron forests, Langtang and Ganesh Himal views, and a gentle loop north of the valley.
From US$1234 per person (indicative)
Best seasons: All year round
At a glance
- Distance
- 135 km
- Altitude (max · min)
- (↑) 3690 m · (↓) 870 m
- Days
- 7
- Route grade
- Grade A (an easy endeavour)
- Fitness
- Aerobic fitness · Stamina
Gallery
Route map
Overview of the trekking corridor (illustrative—not a substitute for navigation).
Trip overview
The Chisapani Helambu Trek is a short, scenic adventure just north of Kathmandu—ideal for beginners or anyone with limited time. Low-altitude walking offers views of Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Gauri Shankar, Dorje Lakpa, and Jugal Himal, alongside authentic Sherpa and Hyolmo village life. The trail winds through rhododendron and bamboo forest, meadows, waterfalls, and quiet settlements. Spring brings blooms; autumn delivers the clearest panoramas. With easy paths and fewer crowds than major routes, it is a fulfilling Himalayan sampler within hours of the capital. A drive to Sundarijal starts the trek through Shivapuri National Park to Chisapani, then onward via Kutumsang and Thadepati to Tarke Ghyang—the largest village in Helambu—Sermathang, and Melamchi Bazaar before returning to Kathmandu.
Indicative pricing
Per-person rates for the listed group sizes. For each traveller beyond the quoted group size, a supplementary charge of 30% may apply.
| Option | 2 travellers | 4 travellers | 8 travellers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | US$1450 | US$1354 | US$1234 |
| Deluxe | US$1543 | US$1447 | US$1327 |
Indicative per-person pricing for the services described in this offer. Cost varies with customization. International flights are not included.
Services
Included
- ✓Hotel pickup and international airport transfer
- ✓Six nights accommodation in mountain teahouses
- ✓Shivapuri National Park permit
- ✓Optional porter for seven days
- ✓Seven breakfasts, seven lunches, and six dinners on trek
- ✓Experienced trekking guide
- ✓Ground transportation by private vehicle
- ✓Airport drop-off at end of trip
Excluded
- -Bar bills, bottled water, cold drinks, cigarettes, and personal insurance
- -Single supplementary
- -Rescue expenses and natural calamities beyond our control
- -Travel and medical insurance
- -Meals not listed in the programme
- -Gratuity to staff
Optional
- +Porter service
- +Extra nights in Kathmandu
- +Farewell dinner in Kathmandu (as arranged locally)
Fees, bookings & tickets
- T-shirt
- Entrance fee
- Permit
Gear & equipment
- · Socks
- · Trekking shorts
- · T-shirts
- · Thermals
- · Quick-dry T-shirts
- · Rain jacket
- · Travel towels
- · Sunglasses / sun hat
- · First-aid kit
- · Sleeping bag
- · Sun block
- · Hiking boots
- · Backpack
Trekking grade
Grade A: moderate hill walking without extreme altitude. Stone steps on the Shivapuri approach can be tiring—pace yourself on day one.
Good to know
Is Nepal a safe destination for tourists?
Nepal is generally peaceful and welcoming. Use normal caution on trails and follow your guide’s advice, especially in forest sections near Shivapuri.
What about Nepal visa information?
Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu is Nepal’s main international gateway. Visa on arrival is available for most nationalities—confirm requirements before travel.
Itinerary
- 1
Drive Kathmandu to Sundarijal — trek to Chisapani
Chisapani
Shivapuri National Park
- Distance: 29 km
- Altitude: (↑) 2171 m · (↓) 1400 m
- Duration: 5 h
- Stay: Tea house / mountain lodge
- 2
Trek Chisapani to Kutumsang
Kutumsang
Sunrise and ridge villages
- Distance: 16 km
- Altitude: (↑) 2470 m · (↓) 2171 m
- Duration: 7 h
- Stay: Tea house / mountain lodge
- 3
Trek Kutumsang to Thadepati
Thadepati
Yurin Danda ridge
- Distance: 11 km
- Altitude: (↑) 3623 m · (↓) 2470 m
- Duration: 7 h
- Stay: Tea house / mountain lodge
- 4
Trek Thadepati to Tarke Ghyang
Tarke Ghyang
Heart of Helambu
- Distance: 10 km
- Altitude: (↑) 3690 m · (↓) 2560 m
- Duration: 6 h
- Stay: Tea house / mountain lodge
- 5
Trek Tarke Ghyang to Sermathang
Sermathang
Sherpa culture
- Distance: 10 km
- Altitude: (↑) 3690 m · (↓) 2560 m
- Duration: 7 h
- Stay: Tea house / mountain lodge
- 6
Trek Sermathang to Melamchi Bazaar
Melamchi Bazaar
Descent to the valley
- Distance: 14 km
- Altitude: (↑) 2590 m · (↓) 870 m
- Duration: 6 h
- Stay: Tea house / mountain lodge
- 7
Drive Melamchi Bazaar to Kathmandu
Kathmandu
Journey’s end
- Distance: 45 km
- Altitude: (↑) 1400 m · (↓) 870 m
- Duration: 3 h
- Stay: Hotel
Detailed itinerary
Day 1
Drive Kathmandu to Sundarijal — trek to Chisapani
Shivapuri National Park
- Distance: 29 km
- Altitude: (↑) 2171 m · (↓) 1400 m
- Duration: 5 h
- Stay: Tea house / mountain lodge
After breakfast, drive about 1.5 hours to Sundarijal and climb stone steps through Shivapuri’s oak, rhododendron, and pine forest past Mulkharka and Dhap Dam to Chisapani—one of the finest short viewpoints for Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and distant Everest range.
Lunch, dinner
Day 2
Trek Chisapani to Kutumsang
Sunrise and ridge villages
- Distance: 16 km
- Altitude: (↑) 2470 m · (↓) 2171 m
- Duration: 7 h
- Stay: Tea house / mountain lodge
Sunrise over Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Langtang precedes a day through Pati Bhanjyang, Gul Bhanjyang, and Chipling to Kutumsang—a Tamang and Sherpa village with terraced fields and rhododendron forest.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3
Trek Kutumsang to Thadepati
Yurin Danda ridge
- Distance: 11 km
- Altitude: (↑) 3623 m · (↓) 2470 m
- Duration: 7 h
- Stay: Tea house / mountain lodge
Climb through sal, oak, pine, and rhododendron to Yurin Danda and the pass area before a short final ascent to Thadepati, with views of Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, Gaurishankar, and Jugal Himal.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4
Trek Thadepati to Tarke Ghyang
Heart of Helambu
- Distance: 10 km
- Altitude: (↑) 3690 m · (↓) 2560 m
- Duration: 6 h
- Stay: Tea house / mountain lodge
Cross rhododendron and fir forest, shepherd huts, and the Melamchi River valley to Nakote and Tarke Ghyang—ancient monasteries, apple orchards, and the largest Sherpa village in Helambu.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5
Trek Tarke Ghyang to Sermathang
Sherpa culture
- Distance: 10 km
- Altitude: (↑) 3690 m · (↓) 2560 m
- Duration: 7 h
- Stay: Tea house / mountain lodge
A day of ups and downs for acclimatisation through terraced land and forest to Sermathang (about 2,610 m), with museum visits and possible first glimpses of Everest from the ridge near Tenzing Norgay’s memorial.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6
Trek Sermathang to Melamchi Bazaar
Descent to the valley
- Distance: 14 km
- Altitude: (↑) 2590 m · (↓) 870 m
- Duration: 6 h
- Stay: Tea house / mountain lodge
Forest trail downhill to Melamchi Bazaar at 870 m—a cultural mix of Brahmin, Chhetri, Tamang, and Newar communities at the edge of Langtang National Park’s southern slopes.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7
Drive Melamchi Bazaar to Kathmandu
Journey’s end
- Distance: 45 km
- Altitude: (↑) 1400 m · (↓) 870 m
- Duration: 3 h
- Stay: Hotel
Scenic drive back to Kathmandu (about three hours). Evening free for a farewell walk or dinner before overnight in the capital.
Breakfast, lunch
Traveler notes
Shortlisted guests who have travelled with partner operators (illustrative).
- Christopher · UK · 2026-04-20
- David · Australia · 2026-04-09
- Mathis & Ida · Germany · 2026-04-06
- Paul & Tim · Germany · 2026-03-25
- Claudia · Germany · 2026-03-18
Detail inspiration: https://himalayancircuit.com/tour/chisapani-helambu-trek-itinerary-cost