By Ingita Dangol, EH Sales Department , Helambu Circuit Trek “When you leave the comfort of your home and home country to engage in volunteer project in Nepal where your help is greatly needed, it will have a deep impact on you as well as the local people life also. Sometimes we forget how privileged we really are. We complain about our daily lives, health, education, work but when you spend time in a local community of Nepal that has significantly less than you do and is struggling in different ways, you might realize that your problems aren’t all that bad.” –  CKY Student Group, Helambu Circuit Trek  

Helambu Circuit Trek

As previous year, Explore Himalaya Travel & Adventure of Nepal in partnership with Travel Adviser (Hongkong) once again operated 6 nights/7 days Full Camping Trek of Helambu Circuit from 25^th Nov to 01st Dec 2018. The trek which included 16 students and 3 teachers of CKY School of Hong Kong had the objective to explore the rural communities and discover the natural beauty of Nepal. The group had a whole week of fun and adventure. However, the students also wanted to make the trek purposeful. They donated medicine to the local health post and educational equipment to the local schools. At every donation point, the group was warmly welcomed and cheered by teachers, students, health practitioners and local people. The trek started their Helambu Circuit Trek from Sundarijal, north of Kathmandu valley and ended at Kiul.

On the way to Tharepati

A photo moment while on the way to Golfu Bhanjyang

Bhumeswori Secondary School at Kuil

A brief outlook on the group’s daily activities is as follows:

Day 1: Drive to Sundarijal and Trek to Chisapani (2054 m) – around 5 hours

At around 8:30 am, the group departed from Hotel Shangrila to Sundarijal. The groups reached Sundarijal, their trek starting point at 10 am. The first two hours was a bit strenuous due to a steep uphill path which looked like never ending. Everybody took lots of short rests during the first few hours. On the way, they passed through Shivapuri National Park. It took them around 5 hours to reach at Chisapani.

Day 2: Trek to Golfu Bhanjyang (2142m) – 6/7 hours

The trek continued through the refreshing forested area and beautiful settlements to Chipling village for lunch. After lunch, it continued to Golfu Bhanjyang for overnight camp.

Day 3: Trek to Manginggoth (3285m) – 8 hours

Early in the morning after breakfast, the trek started. Before lunch which they had at Khutumsang, there was a short program held at Khutumsang Health Post where the group donated medical supplies and had short briefing about health post. Later on, the group visited Himalayan Primary School where they conducted events like Hungry Hippo, football and paper airplane. During these event, the group got mixed with local students and enjoyed their moment together.

At Khutumsang Health Post

On the way to Chisapani

Painting Activity at Himalaya Primary School at Khutumsang

Himalaya Primary School at Khutumsang

Day 4: Trek to Melamchi Gynag (3300m) via Tharepati (3685m) – 7 hours

Early morning, the group went for a 3 hours’ trek to Tharepati from where the magnificent mountain ranges could be seen. After lunch at Tharepati, they hiked down to Melamchi Gyang where they stayed for overnight.

Day 5: Trek to Malerepo – 4 hours

Before they moved towards Malerepo, the student group visited Melamchi Gyang Secondary School and donated stationery, sports materials and medicine to the Headmaster of the school.  After lunch, they headed to Melerepo.

Camping at Golfy Bhanjyang

Medicine and Stationery materials donation at Melamchi School

Lunch at Melamchi Ghyang

Day 6: Trek to Kiul – 5 hours

After breakfast, the group trekked to Kiul where they had a short program at Shree Bhumeshori Secondary School. They donated stationary and sports materials to the students and had a short briefing about their goals.  Later on, the group spent some moments together with the local students by playing and dancing.

Day 7: Drive back to Kathmandu from Kiul – 4 hours and International Departure

After early morning breakfast, the group headed towards Kathmandu by bus. On reaching Kathmandu, the group had a sightseeing tour to Kathmandu Durbar Square. They also had refreshment and lunch program at Hotel Marshyangdi.  After lunch the group explored Thamel Bazaar for shopping and hunting souvenir and gifts to their friends and family. Finally, a week of adventure was wrapped up with a candle light dinner at Hotel Shangrila, where the group had a short review session with the members and the staffs of Explore Himalaya. This was one of the best parts of their trip, where they got to share their words and daily experiences. All of them expressed their gratitude to Explore Himalaya for arranging such a meaningful trek for them  and expressed their hope to get such opportunities in upcoming days.

On the way to Malerepo

Himalaya School at Khutumsang

Farewell dinner at Hotel Shangrila