7 DAYS HELAMBU CIRCUIT TREK

TREK # 15
7 DAYS HELAMBU CIRCUIT TREK

This 7 day trek that makes a circuit of the Helambu region. The starting point is Sundarijal because of its proximity to Kathmandu. One can make the trek in either direction, because it closes a loop from Pati Bhanjyang, the first night halt of the trek.

Day 01:
Kathmandu-Sundarijal-Pati Bhanjyang.
Am: Drive for about an hour from Kathmandu to Sundarijal (1350m) where there is a large water project which supplies most of the drinking water to Kathmandu Valley. The unpaved road from Boudhanath turns into a trail near a small hydroelectric plant and starts up a concrete steps alongside the water pipe. Beyond Sundarijal the trail climbs contineously through forests (still following the water pipe) to a medieval-looking reservoir, dam and waterworks. Crossing the dam, the trail leaves the water supply system and climbs steeptly to a road at 1550m and climbs to the top of the Shivapuri ridge. The first village of the trail is Mulkharka. The trail now entered the Shivapuri Watershed & Wildlife Reserve. Portions of the trail are alomost level, but much of the climb is steep. After passing through an army camp where your Shivapuri entrance permit is checked. Shivapuri ridge forest is dense forest of pine, oak and rhododendron trees. Te trail heads down the ridge through a forest of oak and rhododendron to Chsopani at 2300m. The trail continues to drop from Chsopani on a good sometimes level, trail that crosses meadows and fields. The final descent to Pati Bhanjyang is on a trail that has eroded into a teep slippery slide.

Day 02:
Pati Bhanjyang-Khutumsang.
The trail heads north out of Pati Bhanjyang., bear leftand follow a long stretch of level trail to some lodges at the foot of a hill. Make a very steep ascent on switch back to Chipling at 2170m. From here the trail makes another steep, 200m climb on a stone staircase to the top of the Jhogin Danda ridge at 2470m. One can witness good mountain views along this stretch of trail. From the ridge the trail descends through forests to Thodang Betini village at 2250m. Continuing along the forested ridge, the trail descends to a large chorten overlooking the Tamang village of Gul Bhanjyang at 2140m. The trail climbs the ridge from Gul Bhanjyang to another pass at 2620m. Its downhill to Khutumsang at 2470m.

Day 03:
Khutumsang-Tharepati.
The trek proceeds due north up the Yurin Danda ridge and affords views of the peaks above Langtang and of the Gosainkund peaks. The trail climbs above Khutumsang on a steep, eroded trail, mostly through fir and rhododendron forests where there are only few shepherds' huts. The trail descends to Magen Goth at 3150m. From here it continue to climb, steeply at first, then more gradually, the trail makes some ups and downs passing through forests, across flower-strewn meadows and crossing streams. It finally reaches Tharepati at 3490m.

Day 04:
Tharepati-Take Gyang.
Today we turn east from the northern end of the settlement and descend steeply down a ravine. The vegetation changes to large firs, then to oaks and rhododendrons, as you rapidly lose all the altitude you gained during last two days. Crossing a stream on a suspension bridge, the trail makes a short final climb to reach the prosperous Sherpa village of Malemchigaon at 2530m. Malemchigaon has a very glossy gompa (monastery) with a line of prayer flags at the front and brightly painted walls and statues. From Malemchigaon, the trail continues to descend to the River Side Lodge and the Malemchi Khola, which is crossed on a sturdy suspension bridge at 1890m. Once across the river, the trail immediately begins the ascent towards Tarke Gyang. It is a long climb to this picturesque village on a self high above the river at 2600m. Thake Gyang `is the largest village in Helambu and the destination for most trekkers in this region. The stone houses are close together with narrow alleyways seperating them. Inside, the homes are large, clean and often elaborately furnished with elegant brassware and traditional Tibetan carpets on highly polished wooden floors. The gompa has huge brass prayer wheel.

Day 05:
Take Gyang-Kiul.
The circuit route back to Sundarijal leaves Take Gyang past the guesthouses and mani wall (walk to the left), then drops off the west side of the ridge in a rhododendron forest, along a broad, well-travelled path. The trail passes several chortens, mani walls and kanis. Passing through the serpa villages of Kakani at 2070m and Thimbu at 1550m, the trail enters the hot, rice-growing country of Malemchi and Indrawati valleys, and leaves the highland ethnic groups for the Brahman, Chhetri and Newar people who inhabit the lower regions. The steep descent continues to Kiul at 1280m, strung out on terraces above the Malemchi Khola. The trail is now in semi-tropical banana-and-monkey country at an elevation below that of Kathmandu.

Day 06:
Kiul - Pati Bhanjyang.
There is a large road under construction in this portion of the valley in preparation for the development of a tunnel that will take water from here to Kathmandu Valley. The route is likely to be continued and dusty while construction is under way. From Kiul, the trail follows the river, descending slightly, then crosses the river on a suspension bridge at 1190m. A short distance beyond the bridge, the trail reaches Mahenkal at 1130m and joins the road. As the road descends the valley, it passes through Gheltum, the site of an imposing two-storey schoolhouse and a post office. You can follow a trail that cuts across some large road switchbacks as you descend into Talamarang, a pleasant village on the banks of the river at 940m. Crossing the Talamarang Khola on a long, rather precarious suspension bridge, the trail leaves the road and proceeds west along the south bank of the stream through rice terraces and fields. The trail soon deteriorates into a boulder-strewn route up the river valley. After following the stream for a long distance, the trail starts climbing. The trail is hard to find, and is not used by many locals. It's a steep climb toward the top of the ridge on a wide, well-constructed trail. From the uninhabited valley floor, the trail soon enters a densely populated region, passing through Batache en route to the top of the ridge, which it reaches near Thakani at 1890m. Following the ridge through meadows and terraced fields, the trail crosses over to its south side and descends to Pati Bhanjyang at 1770m. completing the circuit through Helambu.

Day 07:
Pati Bhanjyang - Kathmandu.
Retrace the route back to Sundarijal. From here it is a drive back to Kathmandu of about an hour.