KATHMANDU, APRIL 10

Recently, we, a group of close friends, unanimously decided to embark on an adventurous trek to the Ama Yangri peak.

While refraining from trekking for some time, we hastened to finalise our plan upon hearing about the rising popularity of the route among trekkers of various ages and backgrounds.

Ama Yangri peak is situated at an elevation of 3,800 metres above sea level in the Sindhupalchok district of central Nepal. It is just a three-hour hike to the peak from base camp, where one can behold unbelievably enchanting mountain range views and panoramic vistas of the sunrise unfolding before your eyes.

Follow us through the article if you want to do the trek anytime soon.

Why to visit Ama Yangri

According to Kaji Lama, a local who operates a tea shop along the trek in Helambu, Ama Yangri represents the deity of wealth as per the local Buddhist tradition. It is believed that visiting this sacred site would grant fulfilment of their wishes and desires.

'It serves as the perfect gateway to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. This short trek for two or three days offers a refreshing opportunity to immerse oneself in nature and behold the stunning mountain range, including Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu,' Lama comments, noting that individuals from all walks of life have been visiting the hidden gem of Helambu in recent times.

As a group, we have decided to embark on an adventurous trek to Ama Yangri, which is just 116 km from Kathmandu. Our aim was to refresh and bond together with friends from all walks of life, coming from various parts of Nepal.

One of our members, Shaila Mitra Neupane, a co-owner of 'Hotel Micasa' in Thamel and founder of Ensemble Technology Pvt Ltd, Kathmandu, expressed, 'In a short hike like this, one can explore both the beauty of nature and its devastation in Melamchi.' He added, 'This trek would be perfect to enjoy with friends.'

How to reach the base camp

We took a reserved vehicle to escape the hustle of traveling by local bus, aiming to enjoy scenic views and engage in activities along the way.

One option entails boarding a local bus from Kathmandu bus park to Tarke Hang via Melamchi, followed by a hike up to the base camp situated at an elevation of 3,200 metres above sea level. Other options involve reserving a vehicle and biking up to the base camp.

The off-road journey up the hill offers breathtaking views of mountains blanketed with various types of rhododendrons juxtaposed with the visible aftermath of flood-induced devastation in Melamchi Bazaar within the river basin.

Before reaching the base camp, we fondly remember crossing the Melamchi River, witnessing the devastation caused by recent floods, swimming in the river, and enjoying a feast with locally sourced chicken.

One of the trekkers whom we met on the way, speaking anonymously, recounts an unsettling experience where the absence of road signs led him into unfamiliar terrain, culminating in a dead end.

Forced to navigate the narrow road in reverse, any slight misstep could have resulted in a perilous tumble to their demise. He emphasises the critical need for adequate road signage to ensure the safety and facilitation of travellers' adventures and urges local authorities for the same.

At times, we also encountered similar challenges while ascending to the base camp, having to backtrack to find our way back onto the trail due to limited signage, which delayed our arrival at the base camp.

This delay was compounded by our vehicle getting stuck on the muddy road which urgently need to be upgraded to facilitate the visitors in the area.

Accommodation and food

Despite the influx of trekkers in the area in recent times, there remain a limited number of hotels offering accommodation and food to visitors.

Upon reaching our hotel, which we had booked two weeks prior, we were greeted with a warm fire and local delicacies. Afterward, we settled into our groove with music, cards, and beverages.

Recounting his experience, Kamal Dhakal, the founder of Ghost Writing Nepal, highlights the accommodation issue, citing the scarcity of hotels and lodges. While the area is still underdeveloped compared to other destinations, Dhakal expresses optimism thanks to recent developments there.

A local hotelier, speaking anonymously, mentions that travellers are permitted to camp at the base camp if they cannot find suitable accommodation. 'We are encouraged to invest in hospitality due to the increasing number of visitors,' he states, pointing to the ongoing construction of hotels and indicating that much remains to be done.

'We provide traditional Nepali dishes and offer campfires for our guests to enjoy the chilling cold in the embrace of the Ama Yangri Himalayas,' he adds. For those who cannot find a place to camp at the base camp, they can ascend to the top where there is a makeshift hut equipped with mats and a warm fire.

Here, they can rest and enjoy the sunshine and panoramic mountain views in 360 degrees during the early hours, before descending, he shares.

One of our members, Radha Krishna Gajurel, an IT lecturer at the National College of Computer Studies (NCCS) in Kathmandu, urges travellers to reserve their accommodation before embarking on their adventure to the Ama Yangri trek, owing to limited options.

Base camp to peak

In terms of distance, it may seem to be just 600 metres from the base camp to the top, but it does present challenges of navigating steep climbs, along with slippery tracks due to rain and snowfall.

Keeping all these factors in mind, we decided to begin our ascent as early as 4 am the next morning. However, we were only able to embark half an hour later, scrambling to catch the first rays of sunshine.

Basil Shreiqi, a Syrian married to a Nepali woman, says that unlike other treks, this one is unique in terms of its short distance and steepness, but it is also truly awesome. He adds, 'Nepal has been my second home for eight years,' as he runs Taza Treats Jhamsikhel, offering Syrian delicacies.

Along the way, we met a group of four ladies including Pallavi Gautam, in her early twenties, was struggling to ascend due to breathing difficulties but remained determined to make it to the top, having come from the lowlands of Chitwan.

Similarly, two other couples abandoned their trip midway after facing difficulties with the ascent.

Ramesh Pandit from Chabahil in Kathmandu remarks that this is his third trek after Rara and Gosaikunda. He shares that this trek will make him forget Langtang as it offers breathtaking 360-degree views of pristine mountains.

Pandit stresses the need for local authorities to upgrade the trek and install lights along the way to facilitate hikers ascending in the early hours. He suggests putting garbage baskets to collect waste, as water bottles and plastic covers were seen littering the area, making the trek unpleasant.

Upon reaching the top, Ama Yangri peak sits overlooking the mountains, valleys, and alleys. Even four-year-old Palden and his 60-year-old grandmother hiked to the top, inspiring others along the ways who were struggling with fatigue and breath.

Sabin Prajapati, an automobile technician, emphasises the importance of visiting this paradise in the country before embarking on adventures abroad. He states, 'We must first explore our own country before venturing out to explore others.'

After admiring the stunning mountain views and seeking blessings from Ama Yangri, we decided to descend with happy memories, determined to embark on such adventurous treks in the future.

All photos were captured during Melamchi to Ama Yangri trek in Sindhupalchowk district.