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    The Helipad

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Very Hard
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    3-4h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    17.9 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    423 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Be the first to add a review!
    Directions to Trailhead
    The Helipad

    The Helipad Trail within Shivapuri National Park is probably one of the most interesting and winding trails around Kathmandu Valley. This is a technical, gnarly trail that follows a narrow ridge all the way to Kopan Monastery in the northern part of Kathmandu.

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    Route Description for The Helipad

    Head to the northwest of Kathmandu Valley to get to Narayan Gopal Chowk, a major road junction of the ring road. Narayan Gopal Chowk is popularly known as Chakrapath. If you’re coming from Thamel, it is about 5.0 km to reach Chakrapath. Ride through Bansbari, Hattigauda and Golfutar.

    Just before reaching the gate of Budhanilkantha Temple, turn right and head southeast on the gravelled path. After riding for almost 1.6 km, you’ll come across several small teashops where you can stop for a quick, local snack of chickpeas and eggs.

    The next part of the trail is a steep incline followed by a technical, yet thrilling downhill ride, also one of the most exhilarating sections of the whole route. Pedal steadily, taking frequent breaks as you ride another 2.3 km, gaining an elevation of about 33 m. The trail is dusty and full of small stones. Approaching the top, you’ll see a small helipad on your right and the source of the trail’s name. From the helipad, spend some time admiring the sweeping vista of the Kathmandu Valley before taking in the view of the exciting drops ahead.

    The next section is a weaving descent with a few technical drops. Due to the steep switchbacks and gnarly paths, only experienced riders are recommended to ride this trail. You’ll ride down for about 4.9 km to arrive at a fork in the trail. Taking a right from this junction will lead you to Kopan Monastery, a Tibetan Buddhist Monastery set atop a hill. If there’s interest, follow the main trail into central Kopan. The route is straightforward from here. Ride for approximately 2.9 km to reach Sukedhara Chowk. From here, you’ll begin to see heavy traffic. Take a right from Sukedhara Chowk to get to Chakrapath. Head southwest from Chakrapath to get off the main ring road and arrive back in Thamel where you’ll be in time to enjoy a late lunch in a restaurant of your choice.

    Insider Hints for The Helipad

    • Fuel up on local eats before pacing yourself as you climb the steep incline up to the helipad and the reason for the trail’s name.
    • Check out the colorful Kopan Monastery, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery perched on a hill just outside Kopan.

    Getting to the The Helipad Trailhead

    Head northwest of Kathmandu Valley to get to Narayan Gopal Chowk, a major road junction of the ring road.

    Route Information

    • When to do

      March to May and September to October

    • Pets allowed

      Yes

    • Family friendly

      Older Children only

    • Route Signage

      Good

    • Crowd Levels

      Moderate

    • Route Type

      One Way

    The Helipad Elevation Graph

    Weather Forecast

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    The Helipad Reviews

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