Helambu Trekking

Best Seasons for Helambu Trekking:

Trekking in the Helambu region is possible year round; however the ideal seasons to trek are in spring and autumn: from March to end of May, and from September to late November. In April and early May the rhododendron trees blossom and the landscape bursts into bloom. The views in the autumn, after the summer monsoons have cleared the atmosphere of dust, are splendid. In the Helambu region the days are sunny and warm all year round and the temperatures at night remain above freezing. In winter it is a little colder, though still not freezing, but trekking in the summertime can be slippery when the monsoon rains soak the trails.

Fitness Requirements:

We have categorized Helambu Village trekking as a medium grade trek, suitable for passionate trekkers of all ages. For those who are less fit, we do recommend that you start a regular exercise regime a few weeks prior to the trek to ensure you have the stamina to walk at least 4-6 hours each day.

Helumbu Trekking is a Tea House/Lodge Trek:

Accommodation is included in the cost of your package. Annapurna Foothills Treks takes great care to arrange the most comfortable accommodation possible throughout your stay.

During the trek, the nights will be spent in clean and comfortable tea houses with plenty of character and good food. The simple rooms usually have two narrow beds. The family run lodges are a great place to get to know the Nepalese people. In Nepalese culture, a guest is equal to god, and surely this has become even more of a reality since the tourism industry has improved their meager opportunities to earn. You will be made very welcome

Meals on the Helumbu Trekking:

Three meals a day are included during your Langtang Valley Trek. The menu will be fairly simple, but freshly cooked and hygienic. You can enjoy typical Nepali, Tibetan and Sherpa food, as well as all types of international cuisine. Dinners and breakfasts will be provided in the teahouse/lodge where you spend the night. Lunches will be eaten in a teashop on the way to the destination of the day.

Drinking Water on Helumbu Trekking:

We suggest that you drink boiled water or bring chlorine tablets to purify the normal water available in the guest houses along the way. There is a small fee charged for the boiled water. Although mineral water is available in most places, there is no provision to dispose of the plastic bottles, so we encourage the guests to do what they can to protect the environment.

Fitness/Health:

If you have a reasonable level of fitness, this trek should be more than manageable. The altitude becomes more noticeable the higher we go, so we walk at a slow pace and take plenty of breaks to rest and acclimatize.

Local Customs You Should Know About for Helumbu Trekking:

Ethnic groups of the hilly and mountain regions are predominantly Buddhist, and you will see many mani stones, stupas, gumbas and prayer wheels. It is respectful to pass these objects with your right side nearest to the object, in a clockwise direction. Avoid sitting or standing on mani stones, stupas, tables used for worship or anything that is a religious symbol, as that is considered disrespectful.

Safety:

When travelling in remote mountain regions, uncertainties such as weather, health problems and natural disasters require a certain amount of flexibility. While our goal is to follow the itinerary, that is not our first priority; your safety is always our first priority. Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions request your cooperation to accept the decisions and advice of our trusted and experienced guides if they deem it necessary to change or cancel any part of the itinerary due to safety concerns.

Travel Insurance for Helumbu Trekking:

It is strongly recommended to be sufficiently protected when you go into remote areas. You need specialized travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation, injury, lost baggage, liability and medical treatment. Make sure the insurance covers all the activities that you will be undertaking during your stay in Nepal. Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions Pvt. Ltd. can organize the appropriate medical response based on your policy.

Packing List:

The following information will give some idea about what you need to bring for the trek as the backpack for the Helambu Trekking.

Upper Body:

• Warm beanie hat
• Sun Hat or Cap (cap and buff all fit under your hood)
• Polarized Sunglasses with UV protection
• Headlamp (Black Diamond / Petzl) with spare batteries
• Sunscreen with factor 50+

Upper Body (Core body):

• 1 Light and trekking weight thermal tops
• 2 T-shirts or cool-max trekking shirts
• 1 Fleece Jacket or pull over (Merino, soft shell)
• 1 Warm Jacket

Lower Body:

• 1 Thermal base layers (merino or polartec power dry)
• 1 Pairs trekking pants, preferably that zip on/off at the knees so they double as shorts.
• 1 Waterproof/ Rain pants
• 3 Under wears (merino)

Hands:

• 1 Liner gloves

Feet:

• 2 Pairs of liner socks
• 1 Pairs of thick/ warm socks
• Trekking Boots (waterproof, ankle support with rigid sole)
• Lightweight Rubber Shoes / Trainers / Trail Runner to wear at the Tea Houses

Accessories:

• 1 Daypack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches) 40 - 50 Liters
• 2 Water bottle or camel bag, 1-liter (one with an insulated cover is recommended)
• Large duffle bag (and a lock as the porters will carry this), if you hire a porter
• A pair of adjustable Trekking Pole
• Camera with extra battery
• Sleeping bag (- 15 C depending upon trips)
• Sleeping Bag liner
• Raincoat
• Ear Plugs
• Smart Trekking Watch

Personal First Aid Kit:

Please do note that our trekking guides will be too carrying the first aid kit with them especially for the guests and the entire team as a whole. Still, we suggest the following items to be carried with you while trekking in the Himalaya of Nepal.

Personal Medication

• Diarrhea Stopper (e.g. Imodium)
• Paracetamol Tablets
• Small Swiss Army knife (which has knife, scissors and tweezers)
• Diamox for altitude (consult your doctor about this)
• Water Purification tablets or drops
• Blister kit / Zinc Tape
• Hand Sanitizer
• Dressing Gauze
• Antibiotic Cream