Helembu Trek

The most easily accessible of all trekking regions is the upper valley of the Melamchi Khola, called Yolmu, Helmu, or Helambu by its Sherpa residence. It’s temptingly close to the valley, just three das walk northeast over the forested ridge. Helambu is below 3000 m and creates few altitude problems; its short (a week) and so close we can take off a whim. The monsoon is quite heavy here at monsoon. This is a ramble rather than a distinct trek. There is no real destination besides the higher ridges with their pleasant forests, occasional mountain views and interesting Sherpa village. The lower valley is comparatively dull and depressingly hot most of the year. So plan to spend most of our time up high. 

The trek provides a sudden, dramatic contrast between high and low regions and their characteristic cultures. The comparison isn’t favorable for lowland village, which seem hot, fly–ridden and unfriendly compared to the neat Sherpa village above.