Ama Yangri is the protective mountain goddess of the Hyolmo people, and the hill named after her rises above Tarkeghyang. The summit, at about 3,771 m, is crowned with prayer flags and a small shrine, and villagers climb it for special prayers and festivals. For trekkers it is the best viewpoint in Helambu, with a long sweep of snow peaks to the north and east.
Most groups leave Tarkeghyang at about 3 am with headlamps to reach the top for sunrise, climbing 3–4 hours through rhododendron and fir forest and then open grass. It is steep throughout, gaining about 1,170 m. On a clear morning you see the Langtang range, Dorje Lakpa and the Jugal Himal, Gaurishankar to the east and down to the hills around Kathmandu.
The descent takes 2–3 hours, so you are back in Tarkeghyang for a late breakfast. October to April gives the clearest skies; in December and January expect frost and possibly snow near the top. The climb needs a good level of fitness but no technical skills. Carry warm layers, water and snacks, and respect the shrine by not climbing on it.
Good for
- Photographers
- Solo
- Couples
- Groups
Questions travellers ask
How high is Ama Yangri?
Ama Yangri rises to about 3,771 m above Tarkeghyang in Helambu. The climb from the village gains around 1,170 m and takes 3–4 hours up and 2–3 hours down. It is the highest viewpoint on the standard Helambu trek, higher than Tharepati (3,690 m).
What can you see from Ama Yangri?
On clear mornings, the Langtang range, Dorje Lakpa and the Jugal Himal fill the view to the north, with Gaurishankar and the Rolwaling peaks to the east. To the south the foothills fall away towards Kathmandu. October to April gives the best visibility, and sunrise is the clearest time.
Is Ama Yangri a sacred site?
Yes. The Hyolmo people worship Ama Yangri as a protective goddess of their land, and villagers climb the hill for prayers and during festivals. Please do not climb on the shrine or remove prayer flags or offerings, keep noise low, and carry all rubbish back down.
