Ama Yangri Hike; 2days Short Trip Itinerary, Detail Trip Plan from Kathmandu and Accommodation.

Short trip (1 Night and 2 Days) to Ama Yangri (3771 m)​

Me, along with my friends are planning to get some refreshments from our daily work schedule and wanted to spend a day or two where we could see greenery and the mountains. Having traveled previously to places like Nagarkot, Chisapani, or Dhulikhle Namo Buddha, we have decided to travel somewhere near where we can do a short hike along nature with a good view of mountains.

We were looking somewhere around 100 km from Kathmandu, and the name Ama Yangri popped up. Upon checking the videos, blogs and reviews and the routes, we agreed to go there.

Upon further search, we found out that we could either go via local jeep/bus there or rent a jeep or get a bike to go there. We discussed and agreed to take a bike as it will be a good option for us and we can take our own time to start and reach there.

We fixed our travel date and everyone was very excited for this trip. We also rented our motorbikes XPulse from City Motorbike which was a good decision we made.

We planned our trip to start from Kathmandu and reach Melamchi via Sakhu-Jaharsing Pauwa route.​

There are other options to reach Melamchi, one is from Nagarkot and other one is from Dhulikhel-Zero road. The route we chose was short and the road condition was pretty good compared to the other two routes with a good view of the mountains.

DAY 1:​

We started early around 10 am. In about an hour, we reached Jaharsing Pauwa and decided to stop for a quick tea break, a few km away from Jaharsing Pauwa. After a quick tea break, we started our journey towards Melamchi. The view along the route was quite fascinating.

The weather was clearing up and we could see the mountain ranges in front of us.​

A few kilometers after Jaharsing Pauwa, there is an off-road dusty trail. So we drove quite slowly to reach Melamchi. In about 90 minutes we reached Melamchi Bazar and stopped there for some time to buy some stuff that we needed as this was the last market where you could buy things before reaching Ama Yangri.

Riding along the Melamchi river, there were some houses that were destroyed and swept away by a flash flood some time back. There was still some debris along the riverbank. Passing that debris, we crossed the Melamchi River and reached the opposite side.

There are multiple ways to reach Ama Yangri, one is from Timbu, one from Plachowki temple and the other is from Shermathang village.​

We decided to go up via Shermathag and back from Timbu. Since there were no proper signs or maps along the route, we missed the first turn to reach Sermathang and went straight. Also, Google Map was not so helpful in this trail. So, we decided to ask the locals if the route we were taking was the correct one. We stopped to ask one of the locals on the way if the route we took led to Ama Yangri. They told us there are multiple routes to reach there. The route we took also led to Ama Yangri, but it was a longer one.
Even though it was a long one, we decided to stick with the same route and continued to ride along.

It was a long route; it took us about 2 hours to reach Kakani – the meeting point from Shermathang and Palchowki.​

We stopped there for a quick tea break and had a little talk with the owner about the place and asked her about the time to reach Ama Yangri. She told us that it would take more than 3 hours to reach Ama Yangri base camp and the route is rocky and bumpy and told us to ride slowly as it was almost 4 pm and if possible to stay at Tarkeyghyang – one stop below Ama Yangri basecamp.

We prepared to continue to ride as soon as we finished our tea. It was getting cold.​

After about an hour of bumpy ride, we reached Shermathan village. By the time we reached there, it was almost dark. We asked at the check post about the time and distance to reach Ama Yangri base camp. They suggested that it wouldn’t be possible to reach base camp today as the road was bumpy and offroad and also it was getting dark. They suggested staying at Tarkeyghyang which is about an hour ride from Shermathang and continuing the journey the next morning.

Without any delay, we planned to reach Tarkeyghyang. It was getting darker and there were no street lights on the way.
It was pitch dark through the forest trail. The only lights we could see were in the distance. With the help of our bike headlight, we rode slowly and carefully. In about an hour, we reached the village called Chimmi and we decided to call it a day off, as we all were tired or riding bike whole day through the bumpy trail. We parked our bikes at the local homestay and stayed there overnight.

DAY 2:​

Next morning, we started early around 5 to reach basecamp. We made a good decision to stay at Chimmi because the road to Tarkeyghyang was rough and bumpy. It would have been difficult to ride on those roads at nighttime.

In about 90 minutes, we reached Tarkeyghyang. There were multiple routes on the way.
This created confusion, so we again asked locals about the route. They told us to ride along the main trail and take the right turn from Tarkeyghyang. A few minutes of riding, we reached Tarkeyghyang and we took the right turn to reach basecamp. It was about 10 km from Tarkeyghyang to reach Ama Yangri basecamp. The route is completely uphill and rocky with some slippery turns. It took us more than an hour to reach the basecamp. Not to mention, we were riding slowly and took a few stops in between.

If you love to walk, then there is an option to hike from Tarkeyghyang too, but we decided to ride all the way to basecamp. It's a straight uphill ride till the basecamp. Upon reaching the basecamp, we parked our bike, and checked in at the hotel for tea.

As we reached the basecamp, we were welcomed by the beautiful clear view of Mount Dorje Lakhpa. The view was just awesome.​

We took some time to enjoy the view while sipping tea. We asked the owner to leave our bags at the hotel and the owner happily agreed. So, we left our bag at the hotel and carried one bag with water and some snacks to eat at the top.

We can see Ama Yangri from the basecamp. It’s a straight uphill hike through the forest to reach there.​

We started to hike up through the forest. As we were hiking up, there were people coming down as they started the hike earlier. In about 3 hours of slow walking, we reached the top. Although it was a difficult uphill hike, we were accompanied by beautiful forests and mountains while hiking. To tell you, it was worth hiking up Ama Yangri, the weather was so clear and beautiful that we could see the entire range of mountains. Time went so quickly that it was almost 2 hours se spent at the top enjoying the view and adoring the beauty of nature. There were many people enjoying the hike and view from the top.

After spending about two hours, we hiked back to basecamp and had our lunch there.​

After lunch, we prepared to ride back via Timbu. The road via Timbu is completely downhill and to Melamchi is more of a plain and easy ride. It took us more than 2 hours to reach Timbu from the basecamp and an hour to reach Melamchi. Be prepared to cross rivers in a few sections between Timbu and Melamchi. We were riding along the bank of Melamchi river. Quick tea stop at Melamchi, we started riding back to Kathmandu. We took Melamchi - Zero -Dhulikhel route to reach Kathmandu. You can also take a route from Jaharsing Pauwa or Nagarkot to reach Kathmandu.

Overall, it was a nice short ride to take a break from daily work and recharge your body and mind to work again.

1. Transportation:​

• You can either rent a jeep or bike to reach basecamp. If you opt to take local transportation, then there are very limited options. You can take a bus/jeep from Jorpati which leaves around morning time and will take you up to Tarkeyghyang. From there, you will have to hike up to the basecamp.

2. Weather:​

• June-September: Since it's monsoon season, the trail will be slippery and muddy hence it will be difficult to ride all the way to the basecamp.
• October-December: Since it's winter, expect the temperature to go below 0 degree at night around December. October to November will be fine to travel to this area with a clear view and pleasant weather.
• January-March: Expect some snow at the basecamp. If you love to play snow, then this time might be suitable for you.
• April-May: expect some good sunny weather. There is a chance to get a good view of the mountains during this season.

3. Accommodation:​

• There are limited options to stay at the basecamp. Make sure that you pre-book your accommodations.
• You might need to stay in tents also, be prepared for that.
• There are few hotels/teahouses along the way like Sermathang and Tarkeyghyang. If you have free time, then you can opt to stay in those villages too..

4. Distance and Travel:​

• Approximately 100 km from Kathmandu.
• Travel time: Approximately 6 hours by vehicle. Don't follow the Google map time. It will only show around 3 hours of ride/drive

5. Routes: ​

• Thamel: Kathmandu → Sankhu → Jaharsingh Pauwa → Melamchi → Sermathang → Tarkeyghyang → Ama Yangri Base Camp - Amayangri → Timbu → Melamchi → Dhulikhel → Kathmandu.
• Kathmandu → Bhaktapur → Banepa → Melamchi → Ama Yangri Area → Sermathang → Tarkeyghyang → Ama Yangri Base Camp → Amayangri → Timbu → Melamchi → Dhulikhel → Kathmandu.
• Kathmandu → Bhaktapur → Nagarkot → Melamchi → Ama Yangri Area → Sermathang → Tarkeyghyang → Ama Yangri Base Camp → Amayangri → Timbu → Melamchi → Dhulikhel → Kathmandu.

6. Road Conditions:​

• Paved road till Melamchi , challenging off road terrain after Melamchi
• There are no proper maps or signs after crossing Melamchi River, so be careful after crossing Melamchi river. Ask local people for directions.

7. Transportation:​

• Regular jeep or bus from Jorpati area around morning time.
• Can hire a jeep.
• Bikes: better to get a dirtbikes or bike with good ground clearance as the trail is mostly offroad after Melamchi. Honda XR, CRF, and XPulse 200 can be good options. Make sure that the bike are in good conditions and fill up your fuel tank at Melamchi. Carrying a basic repair kit will be good option and will be handy in case of breakage.

If you are planning to hike, then there is an option of hiking from Tarkeghyang or even below. Depending upon the time availability, you can choose your place to hike from. From Ama Yangri Base Camp, you have to hike approximately 3 hours to reach the top. Hike is mostly uphill and can be a little challenging.

Note:​

• Check about the road conditions and before traveling. Make sure that you follow the short route while driving or riding on your own.
• Keep yourself hydrated during the hike. There are no shops or hotels at the top, so carry water and snacks.
• Book a hotel beforehand. Travel with local people or get a guide if possible .
• Carry a first aid kit.
• Carry appropriate clothes depending upon the season you are traveling.
• Keep updated about the weather forecast especially during rainy and winter seasons, as the road may be closed due to heavy rain or snow.

If you have any further queries, you can reach me on Facebook.
Happy reading.
Your feedback and suggestions are always welcome.

I am a Licensed Trekking guide.
~ Santosh

We just returned from the same tour. This blog will definately help others who are planning for ama yangri trip. Here are some picture i got from the trip.