Sagarmatha National Park lies in the Himalayas of Eastern Nepal, and it covers an area of 1148 sq km. The national park was named after the tallest peak in the world, Mount Everest, which is called Sagarmatha in Nepali. It lies in the Solukhumbu district of Nepal and borders Tibet in the north. It nearly borders the Makalu Barun National Park in the east, stretching to the Dudh Koshi River in the south. Sagarmatha National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular trekking destination in Nepal.
The Sagarmatha National Park is not just about the forested ecology. Instead, it’s more of a park that comprises rugged landscapes, gorges, glaciers, towering peaks, etc. Mountaineering expeditions, Helicopter tours, Trekking, etc., are popular adventure activities you can experience in Sagarmatha National Park. The Sherpa people are the inhabitants of this region, where there are almost 6000 Sherpas in around 20 villages. This blog will highlight all the history, geography, and all the information needed to visit the Sagarmatha National Park.
Table of Contents
History of Sagarmatha National Park
Sagarmatha National Park was established in 1976 on 19 July and successfully became the first national park listed as a Natural World Heritage Site. The tallest peaks in the world, Mount Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Pumori, Thamserku, Ama Dablam, etc., lie within the confines of Sagarmatha National Park. Later, in 2002, a buffer zone was created within the Sagarmatha National Park, which covers an area of 275 sq km. There are separate buffer zone management guidelines prioritizing the conservation of forests, wildlife, and cultural resources.
In the context of tourism, the tourist flow began in the early 1960s. The flow significantly increased in the coming years, and thousands of tourists visit the national park yearly. Since Sherpas are the locals of this region, you can experience the unique Tibetan Buddhist culture in this region. The Tenboche Monastery was built in 1916, the oldest monastery in the Everest region.
Geographic and Location
The park is centered around Mount Everest (Sagarmatha) and features elevations ranging from 2,845 meters at Monjo to 8,848 meters at the summit of Everest. It lies between latitudes 27°45′ to 28°07′ N and longitudes 86°28′ to 86°56′ E. The park borders the Tibet Autonomous Region of China to the north and is characterized by deep valleys, glaciers, and some of the world’s highest peaks, including Lhotse and Nuptse.
Sagarmatha National Park has mostly barren land above 5,000 meters (16,000 feet), making up 69% of the area. Grazing land covers 28%, and only 3% of the park is forested. The park has several climatic zones. The temperate and subalpine zones start at 3,000 meters (9,800 feet). The alpine zone begins at 4,000 meters (13,000 feet), where vegetation starts to thin out. The naval zone starts at 5,000 meters (16,000 feet) with no vegetation.
How to Visit Sagarmatha National Park
Before visiting the Everest region, you must consider certain things, such as the best season to visit, the trekking permits you require, and the transportation options you will need. The easiest and most preferred way to travel is by flying to Lukla. You can’t travel here by road, but you can trek from Thamdanda to Lukla.
Autumn and Spring are the best time to visit the Sagarmatha National Park. These seasons offer the ideal conditions for touring or trekking towards the mighty Everest. The clear skies and amazing views of the Mahalangur Himalayan range can be seen during these seasons. Moreover, these are the festive seasons in Nepal, and the Khumbu region is rich in cultural heritage. You can experience different Tibetan Buddhist cultures during this period.
Another essential thing to follow when visiting the national park is obtaining the permits. To enter this region, you will need a Sagarmatha National Park permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit. The price of the permit varies based on your nationality. The Cost of a national park permit is 3000 for foreigners but is half for foreigners from SAARC nations.
Flora and Fauna In the Sagarmatha National Park
Despite being in a high-altitude national park, the Khumbu region of Nepal is home to a variety of Flora and Fauna that are well adapted to higher elevations. The Flora in the Everest region ranges from temperate forests to alpine and tundra landscapes. Rhododendron, Juniper, and Pine trees are in the lower region. As you move higher, you can see dwarf shrubs, juniper bushes, alpine grasses, mosses, etc., in the Sagarmatha National Park.
In the context of Fauna, the Qomolangma National Nature preserves endangered species like the Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Himalayan Thar, Musk Deer, Himalayan Black Bear, Danphe, Himalayan Griffon, etc. Moreover, the national park hosts 208 species of birds. You may encounter many other species while you explore Sagarmatha National Park.
Popular Trekking Routes and Destinations
The national parks host numerous trekking routes, attracting thousands of domestic and international trekkers annually. Popular treks worldwide, such as the EBC Trek and Gokyo Lake Treks, fall within the park. Some of the popular trekking destinations are described below.
Everest Base Camp Trek
The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular treks in the world. This trek takes you to the base of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest. The trails to EBC treks fall within Sagarmatha National Park. The highest elevation in this trek is 5,600meters at Kala Patthar. It is a vantage point that gives you panoramic views of the gigantic Everest. It takes you around 12-14 days to complete this trek.
This region’s leading trekking destination, you must trek for around 6-8 hours daily. The Best time to trek in the Everest Base Camp is from March to May in Spring. The EBC trek is not just a trek where you can witness the natural wonders, but it is also a culturally rich trek where you can learn about the cultural significance of Sherpas. You must obtain a Sagarmatha National Park permit to trek to EBC.
Gokyo Lake Trek
Gokyo Lake Trek is one of the popular treks in the Everest region. These glacial lakes are sacred and attract numbers of Hindu and Buddhist tourists annually. The EBC and Gokyo Lake trek trails follow the same path to Namche Bazaar. Namche is the spot for acclimatization, and you can visit the beautiful nearby Khumjung Village. The trails separate from Namche, and you will trek toward the Gokyo lakes. At 5,357 meters, Gokyo Ri is the highest point on this trek and is also the vantage point that offers a view of Mount Everest. Despite Mount Everest being the Majesty of Sagarmatha National Park, the Gokyo Lake trek is another popular trek in this region.
Everest Three High Pass Trek
The Everest Three High Pass Trek is the most challenging in the Sagarmatha National Park. During this trek, you will be passing through three high passes of this region: Renjo La Pass (5465 m), Cho La Pass (5420 m), and Khongma La Pass (5,535 m /18,159). The trails follow both the paths of Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp Trek. It takes you around 17-20 days to complete this trek. You will be walking alongside the Khumbu Glacier on this trek. Despite being one of the toughest treks, completing this trek is something you will cherish forever.
Tips for Visitors
Visiting the Sagarmatha National Park is always a challenging adventure. The high-altitude national parks require several preparations to ensure a successful visit. Some of the tips that you should follow during your visit to the famous Sagarmatha National Park in Nepal are as follows:
Altitude Acclimatization
High altitude sickness is a common concern while exploring the everest region. The concern of altitude sickness arises from the altitude above 2500 meters from sea level. Acclimatization is a must for visitors in this region. Usually, tourists, including Nepali citizens who trek in this region, keep acclimatization days in their itinerary. The bustling town of Namche Bazaar is also known as the acclimatization spot for Mount Everest visitors. You will find numerous accommodation options, from resort hotels to tea houses or lodges.
Proper packing
Packing is another essential factor to consider in the Sagarmatha tour. Since it is located within the Himalayan region, you must pack proper winter clothes that keep you warm in freezing temperatures. You will be visiting one of the remote parts of Nepal. So, it is a must for you to have all the essential medications, personal gear and equipment, clothes, etc. Also, you must be careful to have a light backpack as hiking up the 5000 meters won’t be easy.
Physical and Mental Preparation
The Sagarmatha National Park is Nepal’s most popular and challenging place to tour or trek. Hiking or trekking inside the park is the only way to explore the ecosystem of Sagarmatha National Park. You will need to maintain a good physique to trek in this area. If planning to visit the national park, you must prepare your body a few months before trekking or hiking in this region. Another primary consideration during this trek is your mental strength. You must be mentally prepared for this trek and must tackle any challenges that come along your way.
Conclusions
Touring or Trekking the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO-listed site home to the world’s tallest peaks, is surely an unforgettable adventure. Sagarmatha National Park lies in the Khumbu region, rich in bio-diversity and home to several endangered species such as Snow Leopards, Red Pandas, Himalayan Tahr, etc. The popular treks in the Everest region, such as Everest Base Camp Treks, Gokyo Lakes Treks, etc., fall under this national park. A journey to Sagarmatha National Park is something you will cherish for the rest of your life. The bustling town of Namche Bazaar, sacred Tengboche Monastery, Kala Patthar View Point, etc., are some major en-route attractions spots in Sagarmatha National Park.
FAQs
What is Sagarmatha National Park famous for?
Sagarmatha National Park is famous for having the highest mountains in the world. The tallest Peak in the world, Mount Everest, as well as other popular peaks like Lhotse, Ama Dablam, etc. lies in this park. Besides that, it is equally rich in biodiversity and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How do you travel to Sagarmatha National Park from Kathmandu?
There are two ways to travel to Sagarmatha National Park. The fastest and the most preferred way to travel is by flying to Lukla from Kathmandu or Manthali Airport. The other option is to catch a bus from Kathmandu to Jiri and trek for 10 days to reach Sagarmatha.
How much does a Sagarmatha National Park Permit cost?
The cost of a Sagarmatha National Park permit to a foreign national is NPR 3000, but only NPR 1500 if the visitors are from SAARC nations. In the context of domestic tourists, it costs them NPR 100.
Where is the entry point of Sagarmatha National Park?
Lukla Airport is considered the entry point to the Sagarmatha National Park. No direct roadways connect to the National Park, and you need to trek via Jiri or catch a flight to Lukla Airport.
What is the weather like in Sagarmatha National Park?
Since the national Park lies in the Himalayan region of Nepal, the weather in the Sagarmatha National Park is generally cold. The temperature in the lower region is moderate during the Spring and Autumn seasons, but the higher region temperature ranges around the freezing point.
