Helambu Valley Trek

Useful Information

• Itinerary Disclaimer
  The Helambu Valley Trek operated by the Mountain Ram Adventures moves according to the itinerary presented to their clients where all the reservations and bookings of accommodation and stops are made before the starting of the trip to ensure there is no error during the operation of the trip. During the trip any unseen events outside of the power of the team can arise which leads the team to make quick decisions which might alter the itinerary during these circumstances we request for coordination and understanding of the clients. The team ledgers and guides will inform their group about the changes after deciding on the next course of action.
  
  
• Airport pickup and Drop
  The Airport transfers provided by the Mountain Ram Adventures team is a complementary service provided by the team where the clients will be transferred from/to the Tribhuvan International Airport via a private transportation. The team will be assisting the clients with the luggages and the hotel formalities. During the transfers the clients request for detour or change in routes will incur some additional charges which are not covered by the Mountain Ram Adventures. 
      
• Safety and Security
  The route of the Helambu Valley Trek is a relatively safe and comfortable trek filled with easy ascents and descents. The Helambu Valley Trek is one of the shortest treks near Kathmandu and the route of the trek takes us to an elevation of just around 3610M due to which the chances of altitude sickness is also quite low. The trekkers will be accompanied by the guides and porters throughout the entirety of the trek and will be lending their hand to the clients during any difficulty. The routes of the Helambu Valley Trek are well established with small settlements scattered throughout the routes making it one of the safest destinations for trekking in Nepal.  The clients do not need to worry much about the safety as they will be accompanied by the guides and porters but we request awareness from the trekkers side as well during all times so that any complications won’t arise during the trek.
       
• Minimum Age
  To participate in the Helambu Valley Trek there are no age restrictions and can be done comfortably by adventure seekers of all the ages. However trekkers below the age of 16 (Minors) are to be accompanied by their guardian for the entirety of the trip. The trekkers should be prepared for the trip ensuring their physical and mental preparation during the trip. The trekkers are suggested to have a full body regular checkup before the trip ensuring they are able to participate in the trek with the Mountain Ram Adventures team.
  
  
• Solo Trekking
  As of 2023 solo trekking is prohibited in Nepal due to the increase in death of solo trekkers. So as per the amendment of the rules by the concerned authority the solo trekkers can enjoy the trek while being accompanied by licensed guides and porters(if necessary). The assistance of the guides will make the journey much more comfortable and enjoyable. The solo trekkers can also join a departure group where they can meet with adventure enthusiasts from all around the world. The Mountain Ram Adventures team will welcome solo trekkers with wide open arms and can also  custom make packages facilitating the trekkers choice and preference.
  
  
• Total cost
  The itinerary of the Helambu Valley Trek presented by the Mountain Ram Adventures team is a value for money deal as the team makes sure that the service and facilities provided during the trip meets the standard and the clients are satisfied. The Helambu Circuit Trek price with the team begins as low as 790 USD per person for a group of seven and above trekkers and increases to 810 USD per person for a group of 2-6 clients and for solo trekkers the rate increases to 960 USD. The clients can visit the cost include and exclude section of the package to see what is included and excluded. All the necessary facilities to ensure the smooth operations for the trip are included in the package so the additional expenses of the clients will mostly be for personal expenses or incase of emergency.
  
  
• Accommodation and Meals available during the Trek
  During the trip the trekkers will  be staying in the local tea house/ Guest house operated by the hospitable locals of the tamang and Sherpa community of the region. The trekkers will be provided with a twin sharing room with basic facilities. If the trekkers want a single room then make sure to inform the team before the trip begins so that the teams can make necessary arrangements for the accommodations as per the request. The clients will be staying in 3 star hotels or similar accommodation during their stay in Kathmandu. 
  
  During the trek the Mountain Ram Adventures will be providing breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek. The trekkers can choose from multiple cuisines during the trek including Indian, Nepali, Chinese/Tibetan, Local cuisines and meals from western cuisine are also available during the trek. Improper diet can lead to indigestion which can cause a lot of trouble while trekking so the trekkers are suggested to have a proper balanced meal to fuel them up for their journey ahead. If the trekkers are allergic to anything or have any medical conditions they are requested to inform the team before beginning the trekking to avoid any health complications which might arise during the trek.
  
  
• Permits for the Helambu Valley Trek
  Inorder to participate in the Helambu Circuit Trek the clients are needed to have the Langtang National Park permit and the Trekking Information Management Card (TIMS Card). The permits can be collected from the Department of Immigration in Kalikasthan, Kathmandu or other NTB (Nepal Tourism Board) offices outside Kathmandu. The permits of the clients are collected by the members of the Mountain Ram Adventures team before the beginning of the trip to ensure the trekkers have a hassle free journey. We will require details of the clients participating in the trek in order to apply for the permit during which we request coordination from the clients.
  
  TIMS Card
  • TIMS Card is not required for Nepali citizens
  • TIMS Card cost: NPR 2,000 per trekker.   
    
    Langtang National Park Permits:
  • Langtang National Park permit cost for other nationals: Rs 3000
  • Langtang National Park permit cost for SAARC nationals: Rs 1500
  • Langtang National Park permit cost for Nepali citizen Rs 100
    
    
• Helambu Valley Trek Difficulty
  The Helambu Valley Trek is one of the most comfortable trekking routes of Nepal offering the onlookers majestic views of the High Himalayas. The trek takes us to the Helambu region within Sindhupalchowk District which is around 80 KM North-East of Kathmandu. The Helambu Circuit Trek is a short yet enjoyable trek with steady inclines and maximum altitude of just 3640 M. The trek falls under the Comfortable/ Easy trekking grade which demands less of the trekkers physical and mental endurance. The trek even though easy with the assistance of the guides and porters the trekkers will have a smooth comfortable journey.
  
  
• Best Time for the Helambu Valley Trek
  The Helambu Valley Trek is one of the most comfortable treks which can be done throughout the year but the Spring Season and the Autumn Season is considered to be the best time for trekking in the high Himalayas due to being an overall better time to trek with pleasant weather and spectacular mountain views.           
  
  Helambu Valley Trek during the Spring Season
  As the snow of the winter season starts to melt the weather turns pleasant marking the beginning of Spring season in the Himalayas. The trekkers can experience the Spring season during the months of March, April and May. During the Spring season the weather is quite pleasant and the temperature does not show any rapid fluctuations. The pristine views of the high Himalayas and the surrounding vista without being obstructed by the gloomy clouds. The temperature is perfect for trekking as days will be sunny while the temperature drops gradually at the night time. During the Spring season the wild flowers and Rhododendron flowers start to bloom making the trek even more vibrant and beautiful. During the Spring season the trail is also filled with the aromatic smell of the wild flowers making the trek even more appealing and majestic.   
  
  Helambu Valley Trek during the Autumn Season
  The trekkers can experience the Autumn season during the months of September to November which is considered to be the best time frame to trek as the Himalayas are seen majestic and intimidating with less to no disturbance of the clouds. The Autumn season starts after the end of Monsoon season which leaves behind a lingering feeling of freshness. The trekkers can experience pleasant weather perfect for trekking. The temperature doesn't spike much and gradually decreases during the night time. The trekkers can also experience light snowfall during the Autumn season which turns the trek even more beautiful. As the month of November starts to begin the temperature begins to drop as the Winter season begins in December.
  
  Helambu Valley Trek during the Summer/ Monsoon Season
  The trekkers can experience the Summer/ Monsoon Season in Nepal at the same time. The months of June, July and August fall in the Monsoon season during which the weather is not favorable as the Himlayas are tucked behind a thick layer of gloomy monsoon clouds. As we will be trekking through offbeat paths for most of the trek during the monsoon season the trail turns into a slippery muddy path which is difficult to navigate through. The problem of bugs and insects is also there so the trekkers are suggested to carry insect repellent with them for the trek. Without proper gear including raincoats, waterproof clothes the trekking might become unbearable at times. The threat of landslides and thunderstorms is also at its highest during the Monsoon time. Overall the Monsoon/ Summer season is considered to be not a favorable time for trekking.
  
  Helambu Valley Trek during the Winter Season
  The trekkers can experience the Winter season during the months of December, January and February during which the weather drops considerably and is covered by snow during peak winter season. The fresh layer of snow makes the views majestic yet due to the snow navigating through the paths will be difficult. The trekkers are strongly suggested to pack warm clothes for the Helambu Circuit Trek during the winter season as the temperature drops during the night time which can make it unbearable if there are no proper gears. The trek during the winter season is majestic as the Himalayas and the surrounding vista is covered in snow making it much more appealing for trekkers.

• Cultural experience during the Helambu Valley Trek
  Within the Helambu Region the trekkers can experience the authentic culture and tradition of the Yolmo community. The word Yolmo comes from two ancient Tibetan words “Yul” and “Mo”which means A high place surrounded by mountains and Goddess. The meaning behind the word means an area amidst the Mountains protected by a female deity. The locals refer themself as Yolmuwa and Yolmopa and also have their indigenous Yolmo Language of the Kyi Rong which is a branch of the Sino-Tibetan language. The Yolmo community is also found in Bhutan, South West Tibet, Sikkim and Darjeeling.
  
  The main festival celebrated in the Helambu region is the Tshechu Festival which is celebrated to mark the new year for the Hyolmo community and the birth of Maha Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rimpoche). It is also believed that Guru Rimpoche meditated inside a cave in the Helambu Region when he was traveling from Tibet spreading the teachings of Buddhism. The Tshechu Festival is also celebrated widely in Bhutan celebrating the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan by Guru Pimpoche and who was also born on the tenth day of the 6th lunar month (usually late March- April).
             
• Tips for the Helambu Valley Trek
  Internet: During the Helambu Valley Trek internet will be available during the entirety of the trip. The accommodations throughout the route will provide the trekkers with internet facility. The accommodations might charge a certain fee for Internet access which will be around 100-300 NPR and will not be covered by the Mountain Ram Adventures Team. Trekkers can use cellular data for the internet during the trek as well. The trekkers first need a Nepali sim card from either NTC or NCell to purchase the data packs for the trip. The cellular data might fluctuate during the trip but will be relatively cheap for the trekkers.
  
  Hot Shower: Hot showers are available during the trek at the accommodations throughout the routes but we suggest the trekkers take showers if it is absolutely necessary as if the trekkers don’t dry their body properly then they might suffer from health complications. The hot shower in the accommodations  can cost some additional charges which are not covered by the team and is covered by the clients themselves.
  
  Charging: The facility of charging your electronics during the trip is there in the accommodations yet the trekkers are suggested to carry a charged power bank with them for the trip which can come in handy during any emergency. At the higher elevations charging your devices might incur in some additional charges which are counted towards the personal expenses of the clients and not covered by the team.
  
  ATMs: The ATM facility is not there during the trek and the trekkers are requested to withdraw the required sum from the ATMs in Kathmandu. The trekkers are requested to withdraw for their personal expenses and Emergency fund for the trek. The bank will charge around 2-5% for each transaction as international withdrawal fees.
  
  Luggage Storage: During the Helambu Valley Trek the clients can store their extra luggages in their designated hotel in Kathmandu or at the head office of the Mountain Ram Adventures team and can collect their luggage after completing the trek.
  
  Snacks: The trekkers can purchase some sweets and protein bars for the trek as they will be hiking for 4-5 hours and to rejuvenate and replenish their energy. The trekkers are strongly advised to dispose of the wrappers properly as we will be trekking through the National park area and its conservation is the visitors duty as well.

• Guides and porters during the Helambu Valley Trek
  During the Helambu Valley Trek the Mountain Ram Adventures team will assign the clients with porters and guides who will be assisting with them for the entirety of the trek. The guides assigned by the team are well skilled and can communicate with the clients in English. The guides and porters are the pillars of trekking in Nepal and for their dedication and hardwork the Mountain Ram Adventures treat them with high respect and love and we request the clients to treat them with the same level of respect and love for their contribution as without their assistance trekking and expeditions will be near to impossible in the Himalayan region. The guides assigned by the team are licensed by the government and are given brief training about the medical emergencies which might arise during the trek so the trekkers will be assisted by the guides who are equipped with first aid kit during any emergencies which might arise during the trek. If the clients are solo then the Mountain Ram Adventures team will assign the trekker with a guide or a gide/porter according to the trip plan.
  
  As for their assistance the trekkers show their appreciation towards their team by providing them with gratitudes in the form of tips. Even though not mandatory trekkers provide their team with handsome tips for their assistance and guidance throughout the journey making it much more comfortable and enjoyable.

• Insurance for the Helambu Valley Trek
  For the Helambu Valley Trek the trekkers must have a travel insurance package to participate with the Mountain Ram Adventures team as it acts as a safety net during any emergencies which might arise during the trek. The travelers insurance packages are not yet made compulsory by the concerned authority but due to its significance it is deemed compulsory by the Mountain Ram Adventures team as it significantly reduces the cost or completely covers the medical fees or evacuation fees which might be absolutely necessary for the trip. The insurance also helps the team to make necessary decisions without hesitation of any financial or other restraints.

• Risk during Helambu Valley Trek
  During the Healmbu trek the trekkers might face some challenges which might arise during the trek affecting their physical and mental capacity, restricting them from enjoying their trek and making it much more challenging and even unbearable to trek. 
  
  Altitude sickness: During the Helambu Valley Trek the chances of getting ill due to altitude is quite low as we will be trekking to an altitude of just 3640 M. Even though the chances of getting sick due to altitude is extremely low the chances are still there so the trekkers are requested to inform their guides and team if they face any discomfort during the trek. The symptoms of altitude sickness are shortness of breath, Headache, loss of body coordination, Dizziness, Nauseous.
  
  Ways to prevent suffering from altitude sickness.

• Have proper balanced nutritious meals
• Drink at least 3-4 liters of water per day.
• Avoid the consumption of Alcohol, Cigarettes and Caffeine products.
• Walk according to your own pace
• Listen to your body and don’t overdo it. 
  
  Indigestion: During the trek the trekkers are suggested to have a balanced nutritious diet to ensure they don’t get ill as it can be punishable during the trek. The trekkers will be having the meals prepared by the locals operating the accommodations throughout the route. The trekkers are suggested to not consume any meals or dishes which they are not familiar or not used to as it can cause indigestion leading to rise of other health concerns.         

• Contact Details of the Team
  Before beginning the trip the trekkers might have some concerns or want to change the itinerary of the trip during these to contact the Mountain Ram Adventures the clients can reach us at +977 9851074270 directly or through Whatsapp or Viber. To contact the head office of the Mountain Ram Adventures in Z Street, Thamel the clients can contact us on  +977 014701168 which will be in operation during the office hours of 10 AM to 6 PM NPT(+5:45). The clients can also contact the team via mail at info@mountainramadventures.com where we will respond to the clients with the information as soon as possible. During the trip the trekkers will be provided with the cell phone numbers of their team representatives just incase.  

• Visa Formalities
  The clients are required to obtain a valid visa of Nepal to participate in the Helambu Valley Trek. To obtain the Nepalese visa the procedure is quite simple and hassle free, the clients can visit or contact the Embassy of Nepal or the Consultant Office of Nepal in their own country. Nepal also offers visa on arrival at multiple entry points of the country including the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. The clients can see whether they are eligible for the visa on arrival at the official website of the Immigration Department of Nepal’s official website (Department of Immigration)

• Entry points of Nepal
• Tribhuvan International airport (Kathmandu)
• Birgunj, Parsa ( Central Nepal)
• Gaddachauki, Mahendranagar ( Far western Nepal)
• Jamuna, Nepalgunj (Mid-western Nepal)
• Kakarvitta, Jhapa (Eastern Nepal)
• Belhiya, Bhairahawa (Western Nepal)
• Kodari, Sindhupalchowk (Northern border of Nepal)
• Mohana, Dhangadhi (Far western Nepal)
• Pashupatinagar, Illam(Eastern Nepal)

• Packing for the trip and Laundry
  The Mountain Ram Adventures will provide the clients with a checklist of all the essentials required for the smooth sailing of the trip. The trekkers will need to cover all the aspects of the essentials and if they are short in any essentials they can purchase the required gears from the local vendors of the Thamel area where the clients will find high quality gears at a reasonable and fair price.

• Money Exchange
  During the Helambu Valley Trek for personal expenses the trekkers need to exchange their respective currency into the local Nepalese currency (NPR) as the vendors and operators only accept NPR as payment. The trekkers can exchange their money at the local money exchange vendors in Thamel area but make sure to be updated on the fluctuation of the exchange rate to get the best possible offer.

• Personal Expenses and Emergency Fund
  During the Helambu Valley Trek the clients are required to carry around 1500 NPR (around 15 USD) per day and 15000 NPR (around 150 USD) for personal expenses and emergency fund respectively. During the trek the clients can purchase drinks, snacks and other services on their personal expenses and during the trip any unfortunate events can arise as the condition of the Himalayan region is unpredictable which can lead the team to extend the trip for a couple of days.

• Clients Courtesies while visiting Nepal
  • Always Dress modestly.
  • Do Not show any form of affection in Public areas specially religious sites as it is considered to be a private matter.
  • While entering inside any religious sites or someone's house make sure to take off your shoes
  • Never point at someone or something using your feet as it is considered to be disrespectful.
  • Always go around the religious monuments in clockwise direction as it is widely believed that going anti-clockwise will attract negative vibration and energy.   
  • Do Not touch any monuments, statues, Symbols without permission.
  • While exploring make sure to search for notice boards to see whether tourist are allowed in the vicinity or not.