Bearing in mind I'm a complete novice, even though the Helamba trek is considered to be the easiest and safest trail in Nepal, you'll still find that every stage has a never-ending ascent and long descent.
My first stop was at Chisapani, but you can choose to go as far as Chipling, if the 5 hour walk through this stunning countryside has not worn you out.
Perched at 2,215m altitude, Chisapani greets you with an amazing view that's even more impressive at sunset! Here, you're in rural Nepal, where locals will welcome you with broad smiles and a piping hot bowl of dahl baat - a traditional dish of lentils, spinach and rice. It's the perfect fodder for building up your strength if you've just climbed the mountain by foot, burdened by heavy loads. Even kids do this climb, sometimes for several hours to reach a school in a neighbouring village! Our next stage was set for the following morning and would take us to Kutumsang.