Sagarmatha National Park: UNESCO World Heritage Site

Overview of Sagarmatha National Park

The word “Sagarmatha” is a Nepali word that is made up of two words “Sagar” and “matha.” “Sagar” means sky, while “matha” means head. Hence, Sagarmatha means the forehead of the sky. The Sagarmatha National Park is one of Nepal’s ten UNESCO world heritage sites.

The National Park is located in the Solukhumbu district, the northeastern part of Nepal, and covers an area of 1,148 square kilometers or 443 square miles. The park is bordered by the Qomolangma National Nature Preserve of Tibet Autonomous Region in the north, while in the south, it is bordered by the Dudh Koshi River.

The National Park is an excellent example of exceptional natural beauty surrounded by majestic peaks and glaciers, including Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak. The significant glaciers inside the park are Khumbu, Imja, Ngozumpa, and Nangpa. Several rare animals live in the park, such as snow leopards and red pandas. Similarly, it is also home to some of the richest biospheres in the world, with an intricate blend of Sherpa culture and the most ecologically significant flora and fauna.

In the same way, we can do various refreshing activities there, like sightseeing, hiking, camping in Gokyo Lake, trekking up to the highest point monastery at Mt. Taboche, chilling at Dudh Koshi River, and so on. We also get the opportunity to learn about the culture and traditions of the Sherpas.

When Was Sagarmatha National Park Established?

The plan to establish the National Park was formally declared at the third international WWF congress held in Bonn, Germany, in 1973. Following that declaration, Sagarmatha National Park was finally established on 19th July 1976. Likewise, it was declared one of the world’s heritage sites in 1979 as Nepal’s first UNESCO world heritage.

The National Park is situated in the Solukhumbu district in the country’s northeastern region and occupies a total area of 1148 square kilometers. The park protects the rich Sherpa culture, Everest Ecosystem, and endangered species. The area also has a buffer zone declared on 1st January 2002. The buffer zone encompasses a total area of 275 square kilometers, including inside human settlements and the park’s surrounding territory.

What Are the Things To Do in Sagarmatha National Park?

This park offers a wide range of activities and adventures. Below are a few of the things we can do in the national park:

1. Hiking:

Hiking is considered one of the most popular activities inside the Sagarmatha National Park. It is popular among both locals as well tourists. All treks into this park begin with Lukla town. Throughout the trek, one can enjoy mesmerizing natural beauty from the rocky, hilly slopes to the breathtaking views of Himalayan peaks, mountains, and valleys. Travelers can travel on most trails independently, but traveling with a local Sherpa is preferable and more efficient.

2. Trekking:

Another thrilling activity at Sagarmatha National Park is trekking. The treks to Mount Taboche, the Everest Base Camp, and the monasteries are the main trekking activities inside this national park.

3. Camping:

It’s a great idea to camp along the shores of the stunning Gokyo lake if you enjoy excitement and adventure. Gokyo Lake is 4,700–5,000 meters (15,400–16,400 feet) above sea level. Take camping to a new level by pulling the tent from the bag and setting it up under the stars. It is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to view the tallest mountain in the world, Mount Everest, from Gokyo Lake.

4. Sightseeing:

Traveling to Sagarmatha National Park is all about sightseeing. One will see magnificent hills, sloping terrain, wild vegetation, glimpses of the tallest mountains, glaciers, lakes, and more. Take photos of those stunning views and feel the beauty of the surrounding area.

5. Chilling

One of the most extraordinary things to do in the National Park is to spend quality time on the shores of the swift-flowing river, Dudh Koshi river, and feel relaxed. Forget all your worries, as the water in the river flows. Numerous suspension bridges cross the river, and they all provide breathtaking stunning views.

6. Getting Familiar with Local People:

Nepal is a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, and multi-religious country. People with different cultures, religions, traditions, and languages live in different parts of Nepal. In the same way, Sherpas live in Sagarmatha National Park. Sherpas are of Tibetan origin and have Tibetan influence. They celebrate festivals like Dumji, Mani Rimdu, and Losar. Local people are amiable and always smile friendly. We will learn about new cultures and traditions.

Places to Visit in Sagarmatha National Park

Here are a few of the places to visit in the National Park:

Gokyo Lakes
Beautiful monasteries
Local area
Dudh Koshi River

How to Reach Sagarmatha National Park?

Sagarmatha National Park, situated in the Solukhumbu area, is roughly 135 kilometers from Kathmandu. Getting to the park is a difficult job that requires a significant amount of hiking. Continue reading to learn more about how to reach Sagarmatha National Park quickly and easily.

Sagarmatha National Park By Air

The Tenzing-Hillary Airport in the Lukla area is the nearest airport to Sagarmatha National Park. The only international airport in Nepal is in Kathmandu, where visitors arriving from abroad must first arrive. There are frequent flights from the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport in the capital to the terminal in Lukla; the journey takes about 25 minutes. The remaining distance to Sagarmatha can be traveled in two days of hiking from Lukla.

Sagarmatha National Park By Road

There are no straight road routes into Sagarmatha National Park. The most convenient alternative is to take a bus from Kathmandu to Jiri, a village about 100 kilometers from the park. A 10-day journey from Jiri will get you to Sagarmatha.

Where to Stay at Sagarmatha National Park?

You don’t need to worry about finding a place to stay at the National Park. The following are some of the lodging alternatives available in the National Park:

Guesthouses and Hotels:

At the National Park, many guesthouses and hotels provide accommodations for locals and foreigners. However, all guesthouses aren’t fully-equipped since the area lies in the Himalayan region of Nepal, where all the facilities have still not been reached. Only a few homestays and lodges provide convenient lodging with basic comforts.

Camping:

Camping is for adventurous people. One can bring their camping gear inside their bag and set up their accommodations wherever they feel most comfortable inside the national park.

Best Time to Visit Sagarmatha National Park

The best time to explore theNational Park is during the autumn and spring, from October-November or March-June, respectively. During the autumn (October to November), the weather is transparent, so we can see brilliant views of the hills, mountains, and natural greenery through our naked eyes. Additionally, hiking around the scenery is delightful due to the mild temperature. Similarly, the environment is clean during the spring (March–June) when the monsoons have passed. The skies are clear, the landscapes seem cleansed and renewed, and beautiful views of the mountains and surroundings are revealed.

And the worst time to visit Sagarmatha is during the summer (July-September) and winter (December-February). The winter season experiences heavy snowfall, and the temperature is extremely low, usually below 0ºC.

Concluding

In the Nepalese Himalayas, a protected region called Sagarmatha National Park is home to several unusual and diverse plant and animal species. Due to the park’s outstanding natural beauty and cultural value, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The world’s tallest peak, Mount Everest, is also located in Sagarmatha and attracts tens of thousands of tourists and climbers each year. The park represents natural and cultural preservation and is a significant conservation area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where can I get Sagarmatha National Park to permit?
The Sagarmatha National Park entry permit is available at the park’s Monjo entrance and the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu. A nearby trekking organization may also help you get the permit. For further information about the specific organization’s policies and regulations, it is preferable to contact them directly.

Q:How much is the entrance fee for Sagarmatha National Park?
Sagarmatha National Park charges 3,000 Nepalese Rupees (NPR) for foreign visitors and 1,500 NPR for SAARC citizens as entrance fees. It would be best to contact the appropriate authorities for any updates or changes to the cost.

Q: Where is Sagarmatha National Park situated?
Sagarmatha National Park is situated close to Mount Everest in Nepal’s Solu-Khumbu region.

Q: When was Sagarmatha National Park enlisted in World Heritage List?
Sagarmatha National Park was enlisted in World Heritage List in 1979, making it Nepal’s first UNESCO World Heritage.

Q: Which was the initial World Heritage Site in Nepal listed?
Sagarmatha National Park is Nepal’s first World Heritage Site.

Q: How to go to Sagarmatha National Park from Kathmandu?
You can reach the National Park in several ways from Kathmandu:

Flight: Flying from Kathmandu to Lukla and then walking into the National Park is the easiest method to get there.

Bus: Another choice is to take the longer but more scenic bus from Kathmandu to Jiri and then hike from there to the park.

Private Drive: You can also rent a private car from Kathmandu to Salleri, from where you can hike to the park.

Before starting the walk to Sagarmatha National Park, it is advised to adequately adapt to the high altitude, regardless of the method of transportation selected.

Q: Which animals are found in Sagarmatha National Park?
Sagarmatha National Park, located in Nepal, is home to several species of animals, including:

Snow Leopard
Himalayan Tahr
Musk Deer
Himalayan Black Bear
Gray Wolf
Eurasian Lynx
Red Panda
Langur monkeys
Blood Pheasant
Danphe (the national bird of Nepal)