Located north of Kathmandu, Helambu area is preferred for less touristic, scenic view places and cultural experience and little tough trek. Being closest to Kathmandu Helambu Trek is very quiet, peaceful and you explore more by saving less drive hours than other treks. The trek starts from Sundarijal passes by the newest National Park “Shivapuri” which is famous for different species of birds and wild animals.
Most of trail of Helambu trek passes by beautiful local villages, temples, an opportunity observe the daily life of the local sold monasteries and some beautiful rhododendron and pine forests, paddy fields. See the majestic views of Dorje Lakpa Himalayan ranges having sweet local butter tea (local people drink it because it is rich in energy) Helambu area. The majority of people leaving in here are called Tamangs also called as Hyolmo who crossed over the Ganja-La from Langtang valley but there are also other ethnic group like Lamas, Bhotia and Chhetri living in this area.
So Helambu Trek is a mix of culture and nature and adventures though it is little tough while going up and down but it will be a great memorable trip once you complete it.
Before Booking with Devo Adventure:
Devo adventure is an Adventure company and it is important for people/ clients to know in details about the booking agreements. While booking it should clear to both the parties that there should be flexibility. We plan and make an itinerary on day to day basis and in case there is any delay caused by International or domestic flights, strikes, Government regulations, weather or natural casualties etc. We will help to plan a different trip with different itinerary or an alternative program that will be decided by both the parties agreement. If an agreement cannot be made, Devo Adventure shall be only responsible for refund after deducting expenses already incurred.
01: Is Nepal safe? Do I need to worry about earthquakes or aftershocks?
The trek is perfectly safe. The route has been checked and validated by the people of geological department of Nepal government. We have also taken measures to ensure your safety. Few places got affected but that wont has any effect in the trek.
02: How can I get to Nepal?
You get to Nepal by air or by land. If you are flying then you will be entering from Tribhuwan International airport, which is the only international airport in Nepal, if you are entering by land then from north it will be from Kathmandu-Lhasa border and if you entering by land then you will be entering from,
03: Do I need a visa to enter Nepal?
All foreign nationals, except Indians, need visas to enter Nepal. Multiple entry visas for 15 days (US$ 25 or equivalent convertible currency), 30 days (US$ 40) or 90 days (US$ 100) can be obtained from any Nepalese embassy or consulate.
You can also get a visa on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu or at the Immigration Office at the entry points of Nepal.
Tourist visas can be extended for a period of 120 days at the Immigration Department in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
04: Do I get visa on arrival?
Yes you can, please bring 5 passport size photos and 40 $ for 30 Days Visa.
05: Are there power supplies in main cities of Nepal?
Yes there electricity supplies in Kathmandu but there are also frequent power cuts in a day. Standard hotels do have generators as backup power.
06: Can anyone join the trip?
Anyone can join this trip; Age is not a barrier too provided you possess a basic level of mental fortitude and physical fitness. A regular jogging for two months before trekking is advised for little comfort during the trek.
07: What is the basic level of fitness required (Early preparations, mental and physical fitness)?
The trip will cover an average of 5-6 hours of high altitude trekking each day. The higher we go, thinner the air gets. But that is what makes it fun (Some might call this challenging!) For those who aren’t used to this, the first few days will be difficult. The trek is designed in the way to let your body acclimatize slowly so we advise number 2 should be followed to enjoy the trek.
Do note: All you guys need to attain a basic level of fitness. We would suggest warming up for the trip at least two months before the trip by jogging for an hour or hitting some weights.
08: Are the flights to Lukla regular and what happens if the flight gets delayed?
No flights are there for Helambu Trekking area, trekking starting points are reachable by driving only. Option of taking helicopters are available for private flights. The drive from Malamchi to Kathmandu takes around 4-5 hours.
09: Insurance?
We highly recommend you get yourself insured for the trip. We recommend “world nomads”. Do ensure your insurance policy that applies at an altitude of 6300 meters above sea level, and covers accidents, emergency medical costs and evacuation including helicopter evacuation and theft or loos of belonging, The reason we advise this is because if something untoward happens sometimes the best way to get out quick is in a helicopter which can be very expensive if you are not insured.
10: Food provisions and accommodation?
Accommodation: In Kathmandu, pokhara or any big cities we will stay in a standard category hotel. During the trek, we shall stay in local basic lodges and tea houses as they are called locally.
Food: Kathmandu has good options. While on a trek, access to fancy food is limited. However, the meals will be nutritious, wholesome and soul strengthening.
11: Preexisting medical conditions or allergies?
Do let us know if you have any allergies or medical conditions, when you sign up. Access to medical facilities and hospitals will be limited during the trek, however during a life threatening contingency when aid is required, an evacuation can be arranged for to transport you to the nearest hospital. Please make sure that are insured.
12: How to reach Kathmandu?
International flights operate regularly everyday to Kathmandu. By road from India we do have open borders in east west and south and from China the border from Zangmu or Khasa.
13: Do I need to worry about altitude acclimatization?
We will be ascending gradually towards the base camp and the ascent is spread over a long period. So acclimatization shouldn’t be a problem. However for those who do feel difficult to acclimatize we suggest the drug Diamox that helps in acclimatizing, if you are allergic to sulpha-based drugs then do consult your doctor for alternatives. Drinking more water or at least 4 liters a day is advised.
14: How many people will be accompanying me on the trip?
A maximum of 15 and a minimum of 2 people are advised. For more than 6 people we provide two guides and for more than 12 people in a group 3 guides are provided.
15: What kind of bag should I bring?
Do I need to carry my luggage myself or will there be porters to carry my bag for me during the trekking days? We would recommend a haversack or a trekking bag and we provide 1 porter for two people.
16: What will be the weather in Kathmandu, and in the trek?
During spring and summer (March- June the temperature in the trek from 0 to 28 Degree at day time depending on the heights and 0 to -10 at night depending on heights.
17: What safety measures will be taken?
Precautions have been taken for your safety and enjoyable trek. We advise you to fully do the check up before planning so that we know about our clients. We take our time for the trek and the staffs will have first aid medical kit depending on the seriousness of the client, we take rest or also make helicopters available, which will be provided by your Insurance. We will take notes about the trail as we start our trek.
Also: You agree to be part of the group and the leader. The tour leader has the authority of making decisions for the groups benefit and if there are any problems that could affect the trip so by signing the booking form you accept the leader decision. The tour leader will give you a complete briefing at your arrival about your journey with Devo Adventure.
18: What will the return journey be like?
The trip ends in Kathmandu where you can fly out. However we highly recommend you keep a buffer day. We can arrange an extra night stay for you in Kathmandu. Going down will be quick and as you have already acclimatized. Lots of up hill and long down hill is frequently done.
19: What is your experience level in doing such treks?
A trekking company who have people working in this field for 10- 15 years) who have a great amount of experience doing such treks, as well as trekking to the summit from the base camp. The local guide knows the route thoroughly, hence any issues will also join us and help will be right around!
20: What is the paper work, documentation I need?
We will arrange all the paper work. All you need is the passport, visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport. Non- Indian passport holders, we shall arrange all permits inside Nepal. Visa for western clients are available on arrival in airport but this takes quite some time so if you already have visa from your own country you wont have to line up in queue for long. To Indian nationals visa is not needed.
21: How does the payment work- Installments/ down payments?
Payment for flight, permits and hotel should be paid in advance 1and half or a month before to insure the bookings so we suggest you to pay 20% advance while doing the booking for trek. Please ask if the bank charges for the transfer and in such charges the clients should the liable charges.
22: How much money to carry on the trip?
Access to ATM’s is limited once outside Kathmandu. Indian currency is accepted everywhere except in trekking area. You will not be spending much money on the trek anyway, as we will arrange everything. We don’t recommend carrying lot of money or valuables. 300 $ would be a good amount to keep with you. The only thing we will be spending on will be munchies, chips, biscuits, juices, water, battery charging and shower etc. All you shopping fanatics can find heaven in Kathmandu, where you will have option of spending for shopping.
Also note due to the agreement between Indian and Nepalese governments it is illegal to carry 500 and 1000 rupee notes in Nepal for an Indian citizen if the amount of cash you are carrying exceeds Rs 25,000.
23: Will I have mobile network and electricity?
Yes mobile networks is available almost in Popular trekking areas but some time if there is any problem it will take few weeks before it works again. The mobile outside the capital will be patchy and non-existent, especially during certain parts of the trek. Electricity or solar lights will be available at most places; some places on the trek will not have it and will rely on solar charged batteries only.
24: How do I charge my phone or camera battery?
We recommend carrying back up batteries for your camera and a solar charger to avoid paying for charging your devices at tea houses on the route (they will charge about Rs 150-400 per battery one device.
25: What if I get really sick or injure myself and cannot continue the trip, will I get a refund for the days of the trip remaining?
If due to unforeseen circumstances, you get injured or really sick and cannot continue the trip the money paid to us will be forfeit in such a scenario.
26: I am a single, solo woman traveler. Is it safe?
Yes. The trip is designed to accommodate single solo women travelers. Accommodation shall be on a twin-sharing basis everywhere and all females shall bunk together.
27: Why do I need an extra buffer day on the trip?
If you are flying starting your trip by flights then we recommend a day or two as a spare day so that you don’t get panic or miss the International flight.
29 Do I need vaccination before arriving Nepal?
Yes, it is better to have vaccination for Rabies, Malaria, or seek help from http://ciwec-clinic.com/health-information/immunizations-recommended-for-travel-in-nepal/
30: List of Clothing/ Gears:
28: When you book any adventure and holiday trip with us we assume that you have read the full detail of booking term and conditions mentioned in our website and you are full aware of it and you have agreed with the agreement.