Helambu Circuit is relatively a low altitude trek in Nepal, starting with a short drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal and then trek to Chisapani (2150 m) on along the Shivapuri ridge. You walk below 3000m through temperate forests, green valleys and experience the Yalmo ethnic culture of high mountain area. Sweeping views of Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, Gaurishankar, Ganesa Himal, Yala Peak and plenty of other peaks from Shivapuri ridge lures every nature and mountain lovers. The highest point of the trek is 3600m at Tharepati La pass .The trail is snow-covered in winter and in spring rhododendron forests, a variety of wild flowers and distant horizons of snowy Peaks grace the trail, making you feel as if you are in Paradise. The entire Helambu region is surprisingly pollution-free, peaceful and captivating.
Among the delightful villages in Helambu region, Tarke Gyang and Sermathang are worth visiting as there are some very old Gompas (monasteries). You can also see the sunrise over the Himalayas from Sermathang and the sunset, when seen from there, is quite mesmerizing as well.
‘Yang Rill Mountain’ is known fondly to the local villagers as Ama Yangri, meaning mother Yangri. Ama Yangri is considered to be a dakini, who, by power of her compassion, has become a goddess protector of the entire region. Looking upon her mountain offers the viewers blessings for long life and freedom from accidents. On the full moon of Chaitra (March – April) a big festival is held in her honor, to pay homage to her presence, in thanks of her protection and in hopes of success for the following year. Sherpa (Hyolmo) peoples from all over the region climb to the summit before the break of day in order to greet the rising sun. Local Lamas (Buddhist priests) lead a morning long Puja and from the afternoon into the evening the local people lead the community in dance. Following local Sherpa (Hyolmo) tradition, Raksi (corn, apple wine) ,Chang (barley beer) and traditional butter tea flow freely.
From the summit the whole ridge of the Yangri is visible in both directions. To the south the Kathmandu Valley unfolds like a scroll. On clear day and in the early morning the Great Stupa of Boudha is visible, its great dome seemingly suspended above its surroundings! The other side of angri ridge (Danda) opens to the endless expanse of mountain and sky. Locals hold it as a very powerful place to meditate. On the other side of the hut is a low spiky bush with katas (Throne) interwoven through its branches. Aside from grass it is the only vegetation on the otherwise barren mountainside.
Later on grand grand children of Meme Surya Senge-ge and their followers from Tarkeyghyang renovated Ama Yangri several times. Many pieces of the story are missing, but local histories and inherited memories only extend as far back as the early 1700’s when villages first became established in the area. It is clearly mentioned that Ama Yangri Gompa (Monastry) was first Gompa in the Helambu area and afterward Pema Chholin Gompa (present Tarkeghyang monastry) was built by Lamas.
History mentions that Tarkeyghyang was established with eighty families with Meme Surya। Meme who was big Lama and to get teaching from him surrounding Hyolmo “Barus” (Baru refers rich people in Hyolmo Language) migrated to Tarkeyghyang. That’s how huge village in Hyolmo Tarkeyghyang established which is also known as Langragyapsa.
