Melamchigaon: The Hyolmo Village After Tharepati

Last updated 10 October 2026.

Melamchigaon is a Hyolmo village at about 2,550 m on the Helambu trek, and it is the night after the high point of the route. You climb to Tharepati in the morning, cross it by day, and then walk down about 750 m to sleep here. On our Helambu Trek, 6 days from Kathmandu, Melamchigaon is the night of day 4, and it is the longest day of the trek.

Short answer: Melamchigaon is at about 2,550 m (8,366 ft). The day starts at Magen Goth (about 3,300 m), climbs over Tharepati (about 3,650 m, the high point, crossed by day) and drops to the village. Next morning you walk on to Tarkeghyang (2,600 m) in 4 to 5 hours. You never sleep at the high point.

Melamchigaon at a glance

Where does Melamchigaon sit on our Helambu trek?

It is the fourth night of the six-day route on the Helambu Trek. Day 1 is the drive to Sundarijal and the trek to Chisapani. Day 2 goes to Kutumsang, and day 3 to Magen Goth, the first night above 3,000 m. Day 4 is Tharepati and Melamchigaon. Day 5 is Tarkeghyang, and day 6 comes down to Sermathang and Melamchi Pul Bazar, with the drive back to Kathmandu.

The neighbouring stops each have their own guide: Sundarijal, Kutumsang, Tarkeghyang and Melamchi Pul Bazar. For the region as a whole, start with my Helambu region guide.

What is the day from Magen Goth to Melamchigaon like?

It is the longest day of the trek, so we start early. You climb to Tharepati, the highest point of the route, and cross it by day. That is why we never sleep there. On a clear morning you see the Langtang range from the ridge. Then you descend to Melamchigaon, a Hyolmo village, and sleep about 750 m lower than the night before. The legs feel the climb in the morning and the knees feel the descent in the afternoon, so I suggest poles, a full breakfast and a packed lunch.

Who are the Hyolmo?

The Hyolmo are a Buddhist people of this region, and Melamchigaon is one of their villages. Across Helambu the Hyolmo have a long tradition of home stays and local food. The village is far lower than the ridge, and it is a good place to feel the culture of Helambu rather than only its views. My Hyolmo guide explains who they are and how they came to be here.

What are the lodge and food like in Melamchigaon?

You sleep in a village lodge, with meals cooked for you in the lodge kitchen. Your tier decides the rest. Budget means shared rooms, no meals included and no porter. Standard means private rooms, trek meals included and one porter for every two trekkers. Luxury means private deluxe rooms, all meals plus fruit and nuts and unlimited soft drinks, and a dedicated porter for each trekker. A guide is with you on every day.

Is altitude a problem in Melamchigaon?

Not at the village. At 2,550 m most people sleep well, and the night is lower than the one at Magen Goth. The altitude question on this trek is the night before, at about 3,300 m, which is the first above 3,000 m, and the day over Tharepati at about 3,650 m. Walk slowly, drink plenty of water and tell your guide at once about a headache or unusual tiredness. Buy travel insurance at home with helicopter evacuation cover. Read whether Helambu is a good first trek for the honest answer on difficulty.

What permits do you need?

Helambu routes north of Chisapani need the Langtang National Park permit as well as the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park permit and a TIMS card. We arrange all of them and include them in the price. It is not a restricted area.

When is the best time to be in Melamchigaon?

For 2027, October and November are the most reliable months, with clear air after the monsoon and the best chance of seeing the Langtang range from Tharepati. March and April are the second window, because the rhododendron forests flower between Chisapani and Tharepati. December to February is cold at night but often clear, and the trail is very quiet. May is warmer and hazier. June to mid-September is monsoon, and I would leave it alone. The month-by-month view is in my Helambu best time guide.

Questions people ask

How high is Melamchigaon? Our itinerary gives about 2,550 m, which is 8,366 ft.

How high is Tharepati? About 3,650 m, the highest point of the trek. We cross it by day and do not sleep there.

Is the day to Melamchigaon hard? It is the longest day of the six, so we start early. It has a climb to Tharepati and a long descent after.

What is the next stop after Melamchigaon? Tarkeghyang, at 2,600 m, in 4 to 5 hours.

Is Melamchigaon a Hyolmo village? Yes. The Hyolmo are a Buddhist people of Helambu.

Do I need a permit for Helambu? Yes: Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, Langtang National Park and a TIMS card. We arrange them.

Can I do the Helambu trek in a different number of days? The six-day route is built so that the Tharepati crossing is not rushed. If you want to change it, tell me.

How are the terms for this trek?

Group size is 2 to 20, and you can also trek solo. The deposit is 10 per cent and it is non-refundable, with no refund if you cancel. You can reschedule free of charge with at least 72 hours notice to any date within one year. The balance is paid on arrival in Kathmandu in USD or EUR, cash or by card. Card carries 3.5 per cent and cash in Kathmandu carries none. We do not take Nepali rupees from foreign clients.

How do you plan this with us?

Message me on WhatsApp on +977 9810351300 with your dates, how many of you there are and the month you have in mind and whether Helambu is your first trek. I will tell you which tier and which route I would choose, and send you the exact quote.

Written by Shreejan Simkhada, CEO of The Everest Holiday, from a family of three generations of family guides. TAAN Member #1586. WhatsApp +977 9810351300.