Helambu lies 72 km north-east of Kathmandu and is known for its fascinating landscapes. Helambu trek is also one of the shorter treks one can make in Nepal. But it can be combined with the Langtang trek making it a much longer, tough and interesting trek.

To go to Helambu, catch a bus or taxi to Sundarijal, which is 11 km from Kathmandu. You will pass through Boudha on the way and turn left after Jorpati. From Sundarijal the trail climbs up and after a few hours hike you cross over to the other side of the ridge from where an impressive panoramic view of the Himalayas can be had.

Helambu has many lovely Buddhist monasteries and the cultural experience makes the trip worthwhile. You will come across the Yalmo people with mongoloid features. The trek goes through light forests and provides great mountain views. It goes through Melamchigaon, a delightful little town with orchards and fields. The next place of importance is Tarkegyang, which is across the Melamchi river. You can go on to the five sacred lakes called Panch Pokhari (panch=five and pokhari=lake) but proper provisions are needed. It is also possible to cross the pass called Ganja La and enter the Langtang area.

The trail leads down to warmer regions where there are more Hindus unlike the higher regions. You will then reach the roadhead at Melamchi Bazaar from where buses are available to Banepa and back to Kathmandu. The Helambu trek has the closest starting point as Sundarijal is only about an hour's drive away. The normal trek from Kathmandu to Helambu and back takes eight days. A combined Helambu-Langtang trek takes about two weeks.