Helambu is a region of highland villages in Nepal, close to Kathmandu. It is the home of the Hyolmo. The word Helambu derives from the word Yolmo or Hyolmo. The Helambu region begins at the Lauribina La pass and descends to the Melamchi valley. Helambu is famous for its sweet apples and artistic Buddhist monasteries and it is a Buddhist pilgrimage site.
Several trekking routes visit Helambu, one of them being known as Helambu Trek.
This is a good trek for people who don't have much time in Nepal. It is an 8-day long trek which starts in Kathmandu itself, but can be completed in as little as 5–6 days. The normal trailhead starts off at Sundarijal and goes past Chisopani,Yolmo, Kutumsang, Magin Goth, Tharepati, Malemchigaun and Yolmo, Tarke Gyang. After which you have the option of two roads one is the footpath via Sermathang or the bus routh via Kiul Takpa Kharka. Kashye Both ways ultimately meet at Melemchi where you can take a bus back to Kathmandu. Another variation is the reverse of this trek. The maximum height reached during the trek is about 3650m.
The trek takes place in the Sherpa Helambu region, around 72 kilometers Northeast of Kathmandu. A roundabout circuit is used, most often starting at Sundarijal, although other starting positions include Nagarkot, Kakani or Sankhu. Pati Bhanjyan, Chipling, Khutumsang and Tharepati are amongst the first villages to be passed, followed by Malemchigaon and Tarke Gyang. Two possible routes are available from Tarke Gyang, one to complete the trek and another that leads to the Arniko Highway, the main thoroughfare out of Kathmandu leading to Tibet. To complete the trek one would proceed to Taramarang following on to Pati Bhanjyan. From Pati Bhanjyan the trek returns to the starting point of Sundarijal, a route that takes around seven days.[1]