The Helambu region is home to one of Nepal's most famous ethnic groups, the Sherpas. As we will find, their hospitality and friendliness is unparalleled and their home the Helambu is a place of amazing beauty and spendor.

Oct 6-11 - On October 6th, we departed for the trekking portion of our trip. Here is the breakdown of the trip
Oct 6 - Arrive in Sundarijal and set out on the trail. We travel through the Shivapuri National Park, have lunch in Mulkharna and end for the day in Chisapani.
Oct 7 - Depart Chisapani in the rain, tea break near Pati Banjyang, lunch in Chipling and end in Gul Bhanjang. It rains all day but we are in good spirits.
Oct 8 - Depart Gul Bhanjang in the rain, lunch at Kutumsang and end the day in Mangengoth. The weather finally starts to break for us after our second day of very wet travel. On this day, we did a lot of uphill and we are exhausted when we reach our tea house. LEECHES are everywhere!
Oct 9 - We depart Magengoth for Therapati which is the shortest segment of our trek. This takes the group up to 11,220 ft (3420m). I continue on with our guide, Rabin later in the day to 13,125 ft (4000m) to the tip of Soli Danda which is strewn with prayer flags. The views are spectacular, even if the clouds are interfering. This would not be the case the following morning when we are treated to a wonderful view of the Himal.
Oct 10 - Leave Therapati for lunch in Melamchigaon, ending in Tarkeghyang. This is easily our toughest day. We start out at 11,220 ft (3420m), descend to 6561 ft (2000m) and climb back up to 8860 ft (2700m). After that day, we are all wiped but enjoy our stay in Tarkeghang very much.
Oct 11 - Tarkeghyang to Sermathang for lunch, ending in Kakani. We wind our way down through the valley past many small settlements, stupas and gompas. It is still a little chilly but at least it's not raining and the trail is good.
Oct 12 - Or last day on the trail starts in Kakani and ends in Melamchipul Bazar where we have lunch and board a local bus (4 hour ride) to get to Bhaktapur. I find myself very sad to be leaving the trail. This trek has cemented my resolve to return and do a much longer trek.