Lying to the north east of Kathmandu, Helambu
is the exotic place for its landscape, beautiful river valleys
and panoramic views of the Himalayas, bio-diversity and
diverse culture. Ancient monasteries, chortens, meditation
huts, ethnic group people tradition and clay decorated thatched
roof house settlement, nice cultivated fields and warm hospitality
of local people are the unique things to see. Tarkyaghyang
and Sermathang are good places to visit in Helambu trek.
It is said that Helambu is the "TREKKERS' PARADISE"
due to its unique features.
There are many sacred lakes in Gosain Kund
area. It is believed that a terrible poison was spreading
all over the universe in Golden Era and that was destroying
almost all living things, human beings, gods and goddesses.
But the god of fate and destruction Lord Shiv, one of 3
major gods swallowed all poison to pacify the universe and
to quench his thrust he created the big lake by piercing
a glacier moraine with his magic trident. Nowadays people
see the shadow of Lord Shiv in the level of the lake Gosain
Kund. Trident is called Trishool in Nepali. Originated from
Gosain Kund, Trisuli River, a famous river of Nepal for
rafting is named by the trident/Trishool. Similarly other
gods and goddesses created lakes to quench their thrust
from the effect of poison around Gosain Kund.
Very recently, it is proposed to join the
cable car service from Dhunche to Gosainkund via Bhairabkund
and Saraswotikund that will be 30km distance. Over 40000
Hindu pilgrims visit this area every year. After linked
the cable car service, it will be very easy and pleasant
to get Gosainkund.
Detailed itinerary
Day 01 : Arrive Kathmandu (1310m).
Day 02 : Drive to Melamchi, Pulbazaar (846m).
Day 03 : Hike to Kakani(1500m)
Day 04 : Hike to Sermathang(2693m),
a interesting and important place to see in this region.
Take time to explore monasteries, chortens and nice village
settlement.
Day 05-06 : Sermathang to Tarkeghyang(2550m),
one of the best places to explore the region that covers
the unique features of the region. The Helambu area is very
famous for the ancient Buddhist monasteries, Tibetan culture
and the tradition of ethnic group people. Tarkeghyang is
the most interesting place for the trekkers. Meditation
Huts, monasteries, chortens and local people's warm hospitality
attract the trekkers. There are so many opportunities to
learn about Buddhist religion, culture and tradition. Side
trips to Panch Pokhari and Keldang Kharka can be made from
here. Blooming rhododendron forests add the more attraction
in nature.
Day 07-08 : Hike to Melamchi gaon(2550m),
trail heads up and down. Few days side trip to Ganesh Kund(5100m),
a holy lake can be made from here.
Day 09 : Melamchi Gaon to Ghopte(3430m),
there is a way back to Kathmandu from Tharepati via Chisapani
and Sundarijal. That is the pleasant and interesting way
going back Kathmandu and takes about 5 days. But the interesting
and unique place for excellent views of Himalayas, crystal
mountains, lakes, valleys and sub-alpine forest with high
country animals is further ahead.
Day 10-11 : Ghopte to Gosain Kund(4381m),
located in the highest elevation of entire trip, this is
the best place to explore the Himalayas like Ganesh Himal(7406m),
Langtang(6581m), Lirung(7246m) and Manaslu Himal(8163m),
tranquil lakes like Gosain Kund, Bhairab Kund, Saraswoti
Kund, Surya Kund and Nau Kund and the river valleys. Many
Hindu pilgrimages from different parts of the world, mainly
from India visit this area during spring. Over 6000 western
people visit this area every year.
Day 12 : Hike down to Shing Gompa(3584m)
Day 13 : Shing Gompa to Dhunche(1950m), the headquarter
of the Rasuwa district by the road.
Day 14 : Drive back to Kathmandu.
Day 15 : Sightseeing and shopping in Kathmandu.
Day 16 : Fly back home.
