Helambuथारेपाटी
A high ridge stop at about 3,650 m where the Helambu and Gosaikunda trails meet.
Higher seasonal exposure: snow (Dec-Apr), cold (Dec-Feb).
Tharepati is a small group of lodges on a high, open shoulder of the ridge between the Melamchi valley and the upper Trishuli catchment, at about 3,650 m. It is the highest point of the classic Helambu trek and the junction where the trail from Gosaikunda and the Lauribina La comes in from the north-west via Ghopte.
On clear mornings the ridge gives wide views of the Langtang, Jugal and Dorje Lakpa ranges, and back towards Gosaikunda's pass. From here the Helambu trail drops steeply east to Melamchi Gaon, while the high route heads north-west to the lakes.
Tharepati lies inside Langtang National Park, in the high forest and pasture zone used by herders in summer. The slopes between Ghopte and Tharepati are the site of the 1992 crash of a Thai Airways flight approaching Kathmandu, a reminder of how often cloud covers this ridge. The name is also written Thadepati.
Descend to Melamchi Gaon
A steep descent of about 1,000 m in 3-4 hours to the Hyolmo village and gompa.
Head for Gosaikunda
North-west via Ghopte and the Lauribina La, about 2 days; only in good weather and with a guide.
Forecast for 3,650 m. Conditions change fast in the mountains.
Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.
Mar-Apr, Oct-Dec
A few basic lodges; some may close in deep winter.
No partner stays are listed here yet. List a property.
On foot only: from Kutumsang in about 5-6 hours, or from Gosaikunda via the Lauribina La and Ghopte in about 2 days.
Nearest hub: Kathmandu
Nearest hub: Kathmandu. Times are typical ranges, not schedules, and vary with roadworks, weather and the season.
On footfrom Kutumsangabout 5-6 hAbout 5-6 h from Kutumsang, climbing roughly 1,200 m to the open ridge
On foot via Mangengoth, roughly 10 km. The other approach is from Gosaikunda over the Lauribina La with a night at Ghopte.
When to set off: Start early from Kutumsang: the climb is about 1,200 m and the ridge clouds over in the afternoon.
Permit required
The Helambu trek crosses Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park near Sundarijal and Langtang National Park on the higher ridge; both charge entry. The route is on the Nepal Tourism Board's list of treks requiring a licensed guide and an agency-issued TIMS card.
Verify before travel: permit rules and fees change. Checked 2026-10-06 against Nepal Tourism Board: Park entry fees.
On the Helambu Trek, Langtang Gosaikunda Trek (Helambu variant).
What this place is typically exposed to, and when. These are seasonal patterns, not a report on conditions now.
Snowhigh in a typical yearDec-Apr
The ridge around Tharepati takes snow in late winter and early spring, when the traverse and the Lauribina La link can be slow or impractical.
Coldhigh in a typical yearDec-Feb
December to February brings hard frost and deep cold at this height, with short days and lightly heated lodges; a four-season sleeping bag and down layers are normal kit.
Altitudemoderate in a typical yearAll year
General information, not medical advice: above about 3,000 m altitude illness becomes a real risk. Gain sleeping height slowly, learn the symptoms of headache with nausea, breathlessness or unsteady walking, and go down if they get worse. See a doctor before travelling and carry insurance that covers helicopter evacuation. Tharepati is the high point of the Helambu ridge at about 3,650 m, and the Lauribina La route from Gosaikunda crosses roughly 4,610 m.
Landslidesmoderate in a typical yearJun-Sep
Steep forested hillsides on these ridges shed small slides and washed-out trail sections during monsoon rain; rocky trails stay slippery after rain or frost.
Othermoderate in a typical yearJun-Sep
From June to August the forest trails are slippery after rain, leeches are common and the mountains are usually hidden by cloud.
Check current conditions before you travel
Roads, trails, passes and flights change with the weather and with roadworks, and nothing on this page describes conditions today. Before you set off, check the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology for weather and flood warnings, the Nepal Disaster Risk Reduction Portal for incidents, and the local authority, police or your licensed operator for road, trail and flight status.
A short trek that starts on the edge of Kathmandu at Sundarijal and follows forested ridges to Tharepati (about 3,650 m), then visits the Hyolmo villages of Melamchi Gaon, Tarkeghyang and Sermathang before a drive back.
About 3,650 m, the highest point of the classic Helambu trek; sources range from about 3,490 to 3,690 m.
Yes, via Ghopte and the Lauribina La (about 4,610 m), usually in 2 days. It is a high, exposed route best done with a guide.
Yes, some people feel symptoms at this height. Climb slowly and go down if symptoms get worse.
Trek stop · 2,215 m
A ridge-top lodge village above Kathmandu, the first night of the Helambu trek.
Trek stop · 2,470 m
A ridge village on the Helambu trek, a day below the high point at Tharepati.
Trek stop · 2,590 m
A Hyolmo village with a gompa below Tharepati on the Helambu trek.
Trek stop · 2,625 m
A Hyolmo village at the southern end of the Helambu trek, linked by road to Melamchi.
Trek stop · 2,600 m
The largest Hyolmo village in Helambu, with closely built stone houses and a gompa.
Valley or region
Hyolmo villages, monasteries and apple orchards in the hills north-east of Kathmandu, on a trek that can start from the city's edge.
Lake · 4,380 m
A sacred alpine lake at about 4,380 m in Langtang National Park, a Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site and a high point between Langtang and Helambu.
Valley or region
The trekking region closest to Kathmandu: glacier valleys, holy lakes and Hyolmo villages across Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Sindhupalchok.