Sagarmatha National Park | Solukhumbu

Sagarmatha National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Solukhumbu District of eastern Nepal. Established in 1976, it encompasses the upper catchment of the Dudh Koshi River and contains the highest point on Earth, the summit of Mount Everest.

Visual Characteristics

The park’s geography is dominated by extreme verticality, ranging from sub-alpine forests at 2,845m to the summit of Everest at 8,848.86m. The landscape features deep river gorges, massive glaciers (such as the Khumbu and Imja), and barren, high-altitude plateaus. The architecture within the park consists of stone-walled Sherpa villages and Buddhist monasteries decorated with colorful murals and prayer flags.

Location & Access Logistics

The park is situated approximately 140 km east of Kathmandu.

Access: Most visitors fly from Kathmandu/Ramechhap to Lukla. From Lukla, it is a two-day trek to reach the park entrance at Monjo.

Entry Permits (2026):

National Park Entry Fee: Approx. 3,000 NPR (plus VAT).

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Local Fee: Approx. 2,000 NPR.

Infrastructure: The main trail is well-defined, but the terrain is rugged. Transportation within the park is limited to foot, yak, or helicopter.

Historical & Ecological Significance

The park was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979 for its unique natural beauty and its global significance as a sanctuary for rare species.

Flora: Lower elevations feature silver fir, birch, and rhododendron forests; higher elevations consist of alpine scrub and lichens.

Fauna: It is a habitat for the Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Himalayan Musk Deer, and the Himalayan Tahr. Over 118 bird species, including the Danphe (Impeyan Pheasant, Nepal’s national bird), reside here.

Key Highlights & Activities

Mountaineering: Home to Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu.

Trekking: Famous routes include the Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek, the Gokyo Ri Trek, and the Three Passes Trek.

Sherpa Culture: Visiting the village of Namche Bazaar (the Sherpa capital) and Khumjung, where a purported "Yeti scalp" is kept in the local monastery.

Tengboche Monastery: The leading Buddhist center in the Khumbu, famous for the Mani Rimdu festival in autumn.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The park contains a network of "Tea Houses" (lodges) that provide food and lodging. In Namche Bazaar, amenities include bakeries, gear shops, banks, and internet cafes.

Communication: Everest Link provides specialized Wi-Fi throughout the park.

Waste Management: The "Sagarmatha Next" project operates at Syangboche to manage tourism-generated waste.

Health: The Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) operates a clinic in Pheriche during trekking seasons to treat altitude sickness.

Best Time to Visit

Peak Season: March to May (spring) and October to November (autumn) offer clear skies and stable temperatures.

Monsoon (June–August): Heavy rain, clouds obscuring peaks, and leech-infested lower trails.

Winter (December–February): Clear but extremely cold; many high-altitude lodges close due to freezing water pipes.

Facts & Legends

The name "Sagarmatha" is derived from Sanskrit: Sagar (sky) and Matha (head). The local Sherpas consider the mountains sacred; they believe the peaks are the dwellings of the "Five Long-Life Sisters" (Tseringma). Consequently, certain behaviors, such as killing animals or burning waste in specific areas, are traditionally taboo.

Nearby Landmarks

Makalu-Barun National Park – Bordering to the East.

Gaurishankar Conservation Area – Bordering to the West.

Rolwaling Valley – Accessible via the challenging Tashi Lapcha Pass.

Qomolangma National Nature Preserve – The Tibetan side of the park.