History of Yolmo Community

In retrospect to the history of Yolmo region and community a mention can be found in the context of a Prominent Buddhist Master Guru Rinpoche (Padma Sambhava) during the eight-century. As describe in the religious text, Yolmo is considered as an sacred and 'hiding places for sacred treasures' where the great master left his sacred treasures of wisdom (doctrine) concealed to be revealed by powerful masters in future in the time of need.

Situated over a beautiful mountainous terrain, to the backside of northeast of the country's capital city, Kathmandu, the Yolmo region, which encompasses the northwest part of Sindhupalchowk, upper northeast part of Nuwakot and southeast part of Rasuwa districts. The population of Yolmo indigenous people is more then 50 thousand within Nepal. But unfortunately, the population of Yolmo indigenous people is found mentioned only 579 in the demographic census carried out in 2001 by the government. However, the number of people speaking native Yolmo language is found mentioned 3,986 in the same census. The indigenous language, rich culture and tradition that they have been practicing from time immemorial give them an unique identity of their own Yolmopa or simply Yolmo people as they are known and confined to the only region except for the small groups of emigrants who have settled elsewhere in and outside the country. Considerable numbers of Yolmo indigenous people are residing in Kathmandu, Kaski, Chitawan, Lamjung, Illam, Ramechhap and Gorkha districts.

Yolmo is one of devout Buddhist and underprivileged indigenous minority that falls culturally into the Tibetan segment and residing in the Himalayan region of northern Nepal as an indigenous community. The geographical situation in the remote mountains, Yolmo lacks the opportunities for modern facilities such as electricity, health centers, motor roads and education and hence faces a number of disadvantages.