Short trek from Kathmandu

Trip cost280 USD Book this Trip
Trip Duration 3 Days
Destination Nepal
Trip Grade Moderate
Activity Trekking
Transportation Private Vehicle
Accomodation Safari Lodge
Meals Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Max. Altitude 3,770 m
More Facts Less Facts

This short trek from Kathmandu starts with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Helambu. Helambu is like a sampler tour of Bhutan with its strong Tibetan Buddhist culture and pristine nature. The trek starts in lush and scenic alpine zone with cool temperature and fresh air offering view of snow peaks. The Ama Yangri base camp at 3,200 m is also a best place to watch sunset over the eastern peaks of Dorje Lakpa and Gauri Shaker and the layers of lush mountains and deep valley. Ama Yangri is the protector mother goddess of the sacred Helambu valley which was one of the Beyul valley where Guru Rinpoche hid scriptures to be revealed in future during the time of crisis. Thus it is also a must visit pilgrimage for Buddhists. 

Short and scenic drive to Helambu

A trek to Ama Yangri Peak in Helambu is the best short and scenic trek from Kathmandu. The trail head is just about 50 km northeast of Kathmandu. A scenic road trip passes through the historical town of Sankhu and then traverses Kathmandu valley rim from Gurje Bhanjyang (2,030 m) pass in Shivapuri national park. The road then winds down to the Melamchi River valley upstream. The crystal clear river forms natural pools at several points enticing  travellers to wallow in. A private vehicle takes you to altitude with cool temperature, lush vegetation and charming Buddhist villages to start a short trek to Choyomuthang, known as Ama Yangri Base camp (3,200 m). 

Climbing Ama Yangri Peak (3,770 m) 

The climb to Ama Yangri Peak takes about 2 to 2.5 hours from the base. The trail first climbs more gradually and then steeply on a rocky path above the treeline. The 3,770 m mountain top is looking at wide stretch of the Himalayan peaks including Langtang Lirung (7,230 m) and Gaurishanker. 

A walk to Sermathang village

The trail from Ama Yangri base camp to Sermathang follows the scenic ridge gradually descending to the elevation of 2,590 m. The trail passes through the beautiful forest of rhododendrons, Oaks, Firs and pines with Yak grazings and Chortens. Sermathang village is a typical Himalayan Buddhist village lived by Sherpa people.

Ama Yngri Base camp

Trip Highlights

  • Short yet scenic trek from Kathmandu. 
  • Highly rewarding Sherpa cultural experience. 
  • Intact and strong Tibetan Buddhist practices, preserved as the must visit pilgrimage site of Guru Rinpoche. 
  • Rich Himalayan flora and fauna kept highly untouched. 
  • Adventure of climbing to Ama Yngri (3,770 m) within 3 days from Kathmandu. 
  • Up Close view of wide range of the central Himalayas including Langtang Lirung (7,234 m) 

Outline Day to Day Itinerary:

  • Day 01:Drive to Tarkeyghyang | Hike to Ama Yangri base camp ( 3,200 m)
  • Day 02:Climb Ama Yangri peak (3,770 m / 5 hours)
  • Day 03:Trek 3 hours to Sermathang village (2,590 m ) | Drive back to Kathmandu after lunch

Detail Itinerary

  • Day 01:Drive to Tarkeyghyang | Hike to Ama Yangri base camp ( 3,200 m) Drive out of Kathmandu from the northeastern valley rim. A scene drive crosses the 2,030 m mountain pass looking at the Himalayas and then descends down to Melamchi River valley. The road then follows the crystal clear River upstream into Helambu and then climbs to Tarkeyghyang village at 2,600 m. The lush vegetation, charming village lived by Sherpa people and Buddhist emblems make a perfect ground for a scenic trek in the Himalayas. The trail from Tarkeyghyang climbs through the forest of Rhododendron, Oak and Fir trees to the 3,200 m yak grazing ground known as Chyomuthang in about 2 hours. The ridgetop ground has some tented camps and one safari resort. Chyomuthang also known as Ama Yangri base camp has great view of Dorje Lakpa and Gaurishanker ranges as well as the view of layers of lush mountains and deep valley. 
  • Day 02:Climb Ama Yangri peak (3,770 m / 5 hours) It is beautiful to see the mountains during the sunrise or at least in the morning. Start walking with headlamps or flash light through the forest path which climbs gradually for about 1 and half hours to the base of the peak. The trail then comes out of the treeline and climbs more steeply for about another 1.5 hours through the rocky path to the Ama Yangri top. Enjoy the up-close view of wide range of snow peaks including Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa and Gaurishanker peaks. Later head down to the Ama Yangri base camp which will take about 2 hours. Spend another day in the natural ambiance or walk another 3 hours to Sermathang village. We can keep this day flexible for another climb to Ama Yangri in case of altitude sickness or bad weather.
  • Day 03:Trek 3 hours to Sermathang village (2,590 m ) | Drive back to Kathmandu after lunch The trail from Ama Yangri base camp to Sermathang follows the scenic ridge gradually descending to the elevation of 2,590 m. The trail passes through the beautiful forest of rhododendrons, Oaks, Firs and pines with Yak grazings and Chortens. Sermathang village is a typical Himalayan Buddhist village lived by Sherpa people.

Cost Includes

  • Private behicle to and back from the trekking trail head.
  • Necessary trekking permits.
  • Trekking with licensed, experienced and insured guide and porter.
  • Lodge or homestay accommodation with three meals a day during the trek. Comfortable rooms with attached bathroom are available. 
  • Duffle bag, sleeping bag and down jacket if required. 

Cost Excludes

  • Any type of insurances. Rescue and evacuation will be done on your account.
  • Bottled drinks and beverages. You can buy drinking water along the way.
  • Any things uprchased by clients directly, toileteries.
  • Delay and cancellation because of natural phenomenon.
  • Tips guide and porters (Service charges are included in hotel and restaurants.)

Usefull Info

  • The trek is moderate in difficuty. Having vehicle at your dispossal make the trek easy. 
  • The Ama Yangri base camp is at 3,200 m which is boderline for altitude related sickness. Having a day or two rest at the base camp help with acclimatization. Since the peak is only about 3,770 m, and people don't spend much time on the peak, altitude realted problem doesn't get serious in this trek.
  • Helambu region is in Langtang National park which requires permits and the park recently banned solo travellers. Guide is compulsary. Guide and permits are included in this package.

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