Ama Yangri is a famous tourist destination for short-term trekking located about 90 km north of Kathmandu. It is in the Helambu area of ​​Sindhupalchok district. It is also known as the hidden gem of Helambu. Ama Yangri is a desirable destination on Helambu trekking circuit. From this place, which is about 3771 meters above sea level, you can see the mountains of Jugal glacier, Rowaling glacier, beautiful villages, and an excellent natural environment. Most of the Hyolmo communities live in Helambu trekking circuit area.

Hyolmo art, language, culture, and lifestyle, is the main attraction of this area. Of course, the Helambu area is full of "Hyolmo heritage". In the same way, Ama Yangri is the centre of the main faith and belief of the Hyolmo community. It is a religious, cultural, art, faith, and tourist centre. And, Ama Yangri is the patron deity of Hyolmo Valley. It is also said that Padmasambhava meditated at this place.

Ama Yangri is one of the highest peaks near Kathmandu Valley. At its peak, there is an original monastery or temple. Being in a high place, Ama Yangri is covered with snow in winter. Every year, many tourists visit various places in Helambu and trek up to Ama Yangri because of the distance, weather, budget, time, accessibility etc. Aama Yangri is such a wonderful and beautiful destination, where one can enjoy the immense entertainment and enjoyment of trekking within a short time, easily.

It snows in Ama Yangri in winter. It is a great destination for those who want to go snow sports a little away from the capital Kathmandu during winter. Of course, Ama Yangri is a place where you can have unlimited fun in a short time around Kathmandu.

Ama Yangri – The Protector of the Hyolmo Valley “Helambu”

The Helambu area is the Origin of the Hyolmos. The Hyolmo believe that Ama Yangri is their clan goddess, who protects them from birth to death. Locals (Hyolmo) here grow up in the womb of Amayangri. And, they grow ahead in the path and blessings of that goddess. It was historically known as Ama Chyomu Yangri. According to legend, AmaYangri had seated on this peak to protect the entire Helambu area. It is assumed that Ama Yangri may have lived in this place because it is located in a high place and the entire Hyolmo area can be seen from one place.

Ama Yangri unquestionably deserves its well-earned title as the hidden gem of Helambu. Positioned far away from the bustling trails of the Everest and Annapurna regions, Ama Yangri offers an exceptionally serene and less-explored trekking experience. Moreover, its pristine beauty, cultural significance, and warm hospitality further enhance its allure.

Location and Accessibility

Ama Yangri is a beautiful hilltop in Sindhupalchowk, near Kathmandu, Nepal. It stands at an altitude of 3,800 meters and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan range, including Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and Gaurishankar. The name "Ama Yangri" means "Mother's Necklace" in the local language, representing its sacredness to both Buddhists and Hindus.

Located in the Helambu region, Ama Yangri is easily accessible from Kathmandu. It takes around 3 hours to drive from the capital city to the starting point of the trek, the village of Melamchi. You can reach Melamchi by road or public transportation. The trail from Melamchi takes you through lush forests, picturesque villages, and terraced farmlands, allowing you to experience the rural lifestyle and cultural heritage of the region.

Cultural Significance

Apart from its natural splendor, Ama Yangri holds immense cultural significance for the local communities. Additionally, the hilltop is adorned with prayer flags and small stupas, adding a spiritual ambiance to the surroundings. Moreover, Buddhists believe that Ama Yangri is the dwelling place of the protecting deity of the region, while Hindus consider it sacred as a manifestation of the goddess Tara. Furthermore, trekkers often encounter monasteries, chortens, and welcoming tea houses along the trail, providing glimpses into the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Trekking Routes

There are many trekking routes to reach Ama Yangri. Each route has its own charm and attractions. The most popular route starts from Melamchi. This route goes through beautiful villages like Tarkeghyang, Sermathang, and Gyangyul. Trekkers can enjoy stunning views of the Himalayas, sparkling waterfalls, and colorful rhododendron forests during the spring season.

Ama Yangri Route

You can use Sakhu road from Kathmandu to reach the Melamchi market. Similarly, Melamchi can also be reached via Dhulikhel-Jirokilo. From Melamchi, one has to reach Tarkedhyang via Timbu in Helambu. After that, Ama Yangri's walk begins. You can also reach here with your private vehicle. Also, the Route bus leaves for Timbu and Tarkedhyang at different times from Kathmandu. The road up from Timbu is not very good.

Therefore, during the rainy season, the queue bus does not leave for Tarkedhyang. You can reach at Ama Yangri after about 3-4 hours of walking from Tarkegyang. Beautiful villages, the natural environment, a forest of Laliguras, birds, animals etc. are the main attractions of this trip.

Route: Kathmandu - Sankhu - Melamchi - Timbu - Tarkegyang - Ama Yangri

Day 1: Kathmandu - Melamchi - Timbu - Tarkegyang

Day 2: Takregyang to Ama Yangri ( 4 hours Trek)

Day 3: Return ( also explore Sermathang - Melamchi Gaun)

Popular Attractions Nearby

If you have extra time, there are several popular attractions near Ama Yangri that are worth exploring. The nearby village of Helambu offers a chance to witness the traditional lifestyle of the Sherpa people and visit ancient monasteries. The Melamchi Gaon and Melamchi Kundan areas are renowned for their natural beauty and tranquil ambiance, providing opportunities for scenic walks and interaction with the local communities.

Ama Yangri Peak

Best Time to Visit

Ama Yangri ranks a little higher than usual. From here one can observe the wonderful charisma of nature. Spring season can be considered the main time to go here. During this season, the forests around Ama Yangri are adorned with the beaks of the Laliguras (Rhodendron). Nature is full of beauty in its own form.
Apart from that, more tourists visit Ama Yangri during the winter months. The Helambu region is one of the major choices of tourists for snow sports at a very close distance from Kathmandu. At this time, Ama Yangri is white with the glitter of snow. Even after the rainy season is over, it is a good time to visit Ama Yangri.

The best time to trek to Ama Yangri is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer pleasant weather, clear skies, and favourable trekking conditions. Moreover, during the springtime, the hillsides are blanketed with an explosion of colours as rhododendrons and wildflowers come alive. Additionally, in autumn, trekkers are treated to stunning views of the Himalayan peaks set against the backdrop of clear blue skies.

Weather

Ama Yangri is at a distance of 3371 meters from the sea level. In front of it are the mountains of the Jugal glacier. Because of this, cold mountain air is found in this place. Rainfall in monsoon, snowfall in winter and various types of climate are found here.

Dining facilities

Helambu region is one of the major tourism hubs of Nepal, which is located at Sindhupalchowk near Kathmandu. So, there are many types of hotels, resorts and homestays in Helambu. During the journey to Ama Yangri, Tarkegyang is the best place to stay at night. In this place, various types of hotels and homestays are providing standard facilities to tourists with unique Hyolmo culture. Apart from that, you can do camping at Ama Yangri.

Many travel agencies offer attractive packages for visiting Ama Yangri at a reasonable price. You can go through a travel agency. During the Season, there are a lot of tourists. So, you should book a hotel before you go to Ama Yangri.

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Safety Considerations

While trekking to Ama Yangri, it is crucial to prioritize safety. Trekkers should ensure they are adequately prepared with the proper gear, including sturdy footwear, warm clothing, and a reliable backpack. It is advisable to trek with an experienced guide who is familiar with the terrain and can provide assistance if needed. Additionally, trekkers should acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness and stay hydrated throughout the journey.

Things to do

  • Camping
  • Meditation
  • Trekking & Hiking
  • Sight Seeing

Tips for Trekking Ama Yangri

  • Start your trek early in the day to make the most of the scenic views and avoid afternoon cloud cover.
  • Pack essential items such as sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a water bottle.
  • Take regular breaks during the trek to rest and appreciate the surrounding beauty.
  • Engage with the locals and learn about their culture and traditions.
  • Capture unforgettable memories with your camera but remember to respect the local customs and seek permission before photographing people.