Established in 1979 AD, The Sagarmatha National Park is the first national park of Nepal that has named as the UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site of Nepal. The entire Sagarmatha region is highly dominated by the world's highest mountains including Mt. Everest (8,848 m), the highest mountain in the world so, we can say that the Sagarmatha National park is the highest National park in the world. Located in the eastern region of Nepal, province number 01, Sagarmatha National Park is spread in the area around 1,148 square kilometers and ranges from 2,845 meters to 8,848 meters above the sea level. Likewise, in the north Sagarmatha National Park touches border with Qomolangma National Nature Preserve of Tibet, China. Similarly, in the south, the park extends up to Dudh Koshi River and touches Makalu Barun National Park in the east.
Brief History of Sagarmatha National Park
Sagarmatha National Park was established on 19 July 1976 and named as the first national park of Nepal to join Natural World Heritage Site later in 1979. Similarly, in January 2002, a Buffer Zone comprising 275 km sq (106 sq mi) was added. Under this Buffer Zone Management Guidelines, the conservation of forest, wildlife, and cultural resources gets top priority followed by the other natural resources and development of alternative energy.
In the early 1960s, tourism begins in this region that boasted thousands of tourists from all over the world in this area. In 2003, around 19,000 tourists visited Sagarmatha National Park to explore the area. As per the data of 2005 approximately 3,500 Sherpa's lives in the villages and seasonal settlements situated along the main tourist trails.
A few hundred meters north of Monjo at 2,835 meters, the southern entrance of Sagarmatha National Park lies. This is the starting point of the main trail that leads to the Namche Bazar and can be reached in one-day trekking from Lukla. To protect the park, Nepali Army Force is stationed at the top of a hill in Namche Bazar. As a tourist to enter in this park, you will need to get permission from Nepal government that is usually arranged by trekking company you are traveling with.
Some interesting facts about Sagarmatha National Park
It is the highest national parks in the world, with its lowest point over 3,000 meters above the sea level.
The name ‘Sagarmatha’ is derived from the Nepali word ‘Sagar,’ which mean ‘sky’ and ‘matha’ meaning ‘head’.
The entire region is extremely rich in vegetation. You can find dense forests of juniper, birch, bamboo, blue pines, rhododendrons, and firs in the lower zone. Whereas above this zone, the vegetation gets dwarf. With the increase of elevation the region you will only find lichens and mosses and above 5,750 meters there is no sign of plant life because from here the permanent snow line of the Himalayas begins.
Sagarmatha National Park is home to around 118 species of birds like blood pheasant, red-billed chough, Himalayan Monal, and yellow-billed chough.
You can find numerous rare wildlife like snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, red panda, musk deer, langur monkeys, martens, Himalayan tahrs, and Himalayan wolves in the park.
If you have heard about Yeti then this is the place where you might come face to face. Locals believe that still Yeti is found in this region.
You will get to see numerous high mountains like Mt. Everest (8,848 m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m), Mt. Nuptse (7,861 m), Mt. Cho Oyu (8,201 m), Mt. Makalu (8,481 m), Island Peak (6,189 m), Mt. Ama Dablam (6,812 m), Mt. Kongde (6,187 m), Mt. Pumori (7,161 m), Mt. Thamserku (6,623 m) in Sagarmatha National park.
There are several high passes, beautiful rivers that flows down from the melting Himalayan Mountains, picturesque valleys, and stunning lakes situated throughout the region that makes the journey more adventurous and joyful.
Things to do in Sagarmatha National Park and Place to See in Sagarmatha National park
Everest Base Camp Trip
Everest base camp is the most popular outdoor adventure activity among visitors in Sagarmatha National Park, Rugged hilly trails are present inside the forest. Each trail offers outstanding views of the Himalayan Peaks and fine villages where you can experience the warm hospitality of Sherpa's.
Trek to Gokyo Lake, Valley and Gokyo Ri
If you are fond of adventures and thrills, you can trek to beautiful Gokyo Lakes. There are altogether five stunning lakes, which remains frozen during the winter. The trail is challenging and full of gorgeous landscape view, you can see the Gokyo Lake located in beautiful Gokyo valley and this trek offers to climb the Gokyo ri peak as well that offer great view of the Gokyo Valley, Gokyo Lake, Everest and many other high Himalayas of the region.
Cho La pass Trail
The Chola pass is another popular attraction of the Sagarmath National park, the Chola pass is located in between the Everest Base camp and the Gokyo Lake so, one can visit Everest Base camp and go pass over the Chola and visit the Gokyo lakes as well in the same trekking program.
Tengboche monastery
If you are someone who prefers light trek with adventurous and beautiful views then trekking up to Tengboche monastery is the best option for you. The trail will go through several fine villages including Namche Bazar and take you to Tengboche village where the monastery is situated. This is also the oldest monastery of this region. Moreover, you can see superb views of Himalayan Mountains from the monastery premises. This trek will not only present you scenic views as well as take you closer into the rich culture and tradition of the locals.
If you have longer time then you can continue trekking to Everest base camp as well or if you have shorter days then only trekking to the Tengbuche monastery is the best suited trip for you and the trek is known as Everest Panorama Trek as it offers panoramic views of the Himalayas including the Everest and the trek is suitable for the first time trekkers and trek with the family and kids as well.
Kalapattar View Point
Kala Patthar, located within the Sagarmatha National park is the closest viewpoint of Mt. Everest just above the Everest Base Camp. You can see a 360-degree view of Himalayas including Everest as well as surrounding mountains. The sunrise and sunset view from this viewpoint is also very famous, we always includes climbing of the Kalapattar Peak on our regular EBC trek.
Island Peak
The island peak is located in Sagarmatha National park and the Island is one of the most popular peak to climb in Nepal and one of the most climbed peak in Nepal also.
One can combine the trek to Everest base camp and the climb of the Island peak as both of these are located in Sagarmatha national park. One can see the great panoramic visa of the Himalayas from the top of the Island peak. You do not really need previous experience of technical climb to climb this peak. If you are adventure lovers and want to try the mountain climb for the first time then the Island peak is one of the suitable and recommended one.
Lobuche Peak
The Lobuche peak is another popular peak located in Sagarmatha national park. The Lobuche peak one of the frequently climbed peak in Sagarmatha National park. One can combined the Lobuche Peak climb with the Everest Base Camp trek as they both are located very closely. If you are adventure lover then the Lobuche peak with the Everest base camp trek is best suitable program.
Renjo La Pass
The Renjo La pass is another popular pass in Sagarmatha Park. One can view the excellent view of the Everest and many other Himalayas from Ren Jo La pass. The Renjo la pass located between Gokyo Valley and the Thame. So, you can take the trail to Gokyo valley and lake and after visiting the Gokyo valley, you can take the route to Renjo la pass and reach Thame and return to Namche.
Trail from Jiri
The trekking trail from Jiri to Everest Base Camp was the primary trekking trail to reach the Everest base camp and it was only one trail before the airport in Lukla as built. Even after airport built in Lukla and tourist starts fly to Lukla the trail from Jiri to Everest base camp is still popular and people do take the trail from Jiri to Everest base camp.
One can take drive from Kathmandu to Jiri or Bhandar and start trek to Everest base camp. The trail goes through many valleys, terraces, landscapes, hills, river banks, forest and many more. So, one can enjoy the trekking in nature to the fullest in this Jiri-Everest Base camp trail so, the jiri-Everest trekking trails is another popular trail that is located in Sagarmatha national park.
