Helambu

Helambu is a scenic trekking region in Sindhupalchok District, lying north of Kathmandu in the Melamchi River valley. Known for its Sherpa and Hyolmo communities, Buddhist monasteries, and apple orchards, it offers one of Nepal's most culturally rich short treks accessible without internal flights.The Helambu circuit passes through traditional villages, ancient gompas, and rhododendron forests at elevations between 1,800 and 3,600 metres, making it suitable for trekkers of all experience levels.

Helambu is the Hyolmo homeland, and Hyolmo is recognised as a language of its own rather than a dialect of Sherpa or Tamang. The valley was among the worst affected areas in the 2015 earthquake and most of its gompas and lodges have been rebuilt since. It is reached by road to Melamchi, and can be linked over the Laurebina pass to Gosaikunda and Langtang.