Sagarmatha National Park

Sagarmatha National Park lies to the northeast of Kathmandu. The park was gazetted in July 1976. It covers an area of 1,148 sq. km. of Himalayan ecological zone.

The park includes the upper catchment areas of the Dudh Kosi and Bhote Kosi Rivers. The park is largely composed of the rugged terrain and gorges of the high Himalayas ranging from 2,845m at Monju to the top of the world, Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) at 8,848m above sea level. Other peaks above 6,000m are Lhotse, Cho-Oyu, Thamserku, Nuptse, Amadablam, and Pumori.

UNESCO listed the park as a World Heritage Site in 1979 for its unique natural, cultural and landscape characteristics.

Flora and Fauna

The vegetation at the lower elevations is dominated by pine and hemlock forests. Above 3,500m, the forest is dominated with silver fir, birch, rhododendron, and juniper trees. Various rhododendrons show their brilliant colors in spring and monsoon. The tree line is at 4,500m, where birch gives way to juniper and rhododendron scrubs.

Large mammals commonly seen in the park are the Himalayan tahr and Musk deer. Others include the Himalayan Black Bear, Common Langur, Jackal, Weasels, Marten, and the Himalayan Mousehare (Pika). The park provides habitat for over 118 species of birds. The most common ones are the Impeyan pheasant (Danphe), Blood pheasant, Redbilled chough, and Yellow-billed chough.

How to get there

The most common ways to reach the park are:
Flight to Lukla followed by two days walk.
Bus to Jiri and 10 days walk.
Flight to Tumlingtar and 10 days walk.
Flight to Syangboche, the highest airstrip in the world.
Flight to Phaplu and 5 days walk.

Trekking routes

Among trekking destinations, the trek to Kala Pathar is the most popular one, but the Gokyo and Chukung valleys also provide spectacular views. There are some high passes worthwhile for crossing over, but not without a guide and proper equipment.


Namche Bazar to Kala Pathar

From	Destination	Hours
Namche Bazar	Tengboche	5
Tengboche	Pangboche	3
Pangboche	Dingboche	3
Dingboche	Lobuche	5
Lobuche	Kala Pathar/	6
	Base Camp	8

Namche Bazar to Gokyo Peak

From	Destination	Hours
	Namche Bazar Khumjung/	2
	Khunde
Khumjung/
Khunde	Dole	6
Dole	Macherma	4
Macherma	Gokyo	4
Gokyo	Gokyo Peak	3
Gokyo Peak	Thaknak	3
Thaknak	Phortse	6
Phortse	Pangboche	2
Pangboche	Park HQ	8

Places of Interest

Park Visitor Center is located at Mendalphu (park HQ). While staying at Namche Bazar, visit the natural history and cultural heritage musuem.

Tengboche Gomba: The famous gomba located at Tengboche offers spectacular views of Mt. Everest and other peaks. Mani Rimdu festival is held in May.

Thame Gomba: This is one of the important religious centers in the area. The famous Mani Rimdu festival is held in May.

Khumjung Gomba: In June the Dumje festival is performed here as well as at the monasteries of Namche and Pangboche.

Buffer Zone

His Majesty’s Government of Nepal, in 2002 declared the Buffer Zone in and around the park with the objective of reducing the biotic pressure in the fragile ecosystem. The government has also made a provision of ploughing back 30-50 percent of the revenue earned by the Park to community development activities in the Buffer Zone.

Safety Precautions

High Altitude Sickness (HAS) can affect if elevation is gained too rapidly without proper acclimatization. The symptoms of HAS are headache, difficulty in sleeping, breathlessness, dizziness, loss of appetite, nauseous ness, and general fatigue. If someone develops signs of HAS, stop ascending immediately; if symptoms persist, the only proven cure is to descend to lower elevations. Doctors advise against ascending more than 400m each day once above 3,000m in elevation. Medical advice could be sought from Kunde Hospital or Pheriche Aid Post. Radio communication with Kathmandu is available at this Post.

Park Regulations

Flora and Fauna are fully protected and must not be disturbed.
Firewood collection is strictly prohibited.
Campers should be self sufficient in fuel.
Beer bottles are strictly prohibited.
Rubbish must be buried or disposed in a refuse pit. An entry fee of NRs. 650 has to be paid at the National Park’s ticket counter in Thamel or at the Park Entrance Gate at Monju. Commercial filming requires permission from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation with the payment of local currency equivalent to US$1000.
Mountain bikes or motor bikes are prohibited inside the park.
No one should walk within the park between the hours of 7 p.m. and 5 a.m.
It is illegal to climb any peaks below 6,000m without permit from Nepal Mountaineering Association.