The Helambu trek leads from the village of Sundarijal, 26 kilometres northeast of Kathmandu, through beautiful countryside and many communities to the Sherpa village of Tarke Ghyang. Along the way, there are many places to stay or stop for tea. The local people are friendly and hospitable, and accommodating foreign trekkers is a source of income in addition to their farming life.
From Sundarijal, the trail offers excellent views of the Kathmandu Valley. Then, it climbs to Borlang Bhanyjang, a pass at 2,348 metres above sea level. It continues to the villages of Thakani, Bhatache, and Talamarang Bazaar on the Melamchi-Helambu track.
Following the Melamchi Khola River, one passes the villages of Mahankal and Kiul. From there, the trail leads north to the Buddhist Sherpa villages, ending in Tarke Ghyang.