Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park

Arjun Rijal
Updated on February 16, 2025

Sagarmatha National Park is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site in Nepal. It is dominated by the world's highest mountains, including Mt. Everest, which stand at a staggering 8,848 meters. Sagarmatha National Park is also the highest national Park in the world. Visitors can experience breathtaking views of the Himalayas and explore the region's unique flora and fauna.

Located in Nepal's eastern region, Sagarmatha National Park was established in 1979 AD and covers an area of 1,148 square kilometres. The Park ranges from 2,845 meters to 8,848 meters above sea level and shares a border with Qomolangma National Nature Preserve of Tibet, China, to the north. Sagarmatha National Park extends to the Dudh Koshi River to the south and touches Makalu Barun National Park in the east. It is a stunning natural wonder that attracts visitors from all over the world.

Brief History of Sagarmatha National Park

Sagarmatha National Park was established on 19 July 1976 and named Nepal's first National Park to join the Natural World Heritage Site in 1979. Similarly, the government of Nepal added a Buffer zone of about 275 km sq (106 sq mi) to the Park in January 2002.

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Under these Buffer Zone Management Guidelines, the top priority is the conservation of forest, wildlife, and cultural resources, followed by other natural resources and the development of alternative energy. In the early 1960s, tourism began in this region, which boasted thousands of tourists from all over the world. In 2003, around 19,000 tourists visited Sagarmatha National Park to explore the area.

Yak in Sagarmatha National Park
Yak in Sagarmatha National Park

According to the 2005 data, approximately 3,500 Sherpa live in the villages and seasonal settlements along the main tourist trails. The southern entrance of Sagarmatha National Park, at 2,835 meters, is a few hundred meters north of Monjo. Manjo is the starting point of the main trail leading to Namche Bazar, which can be reached in one day of trekking from Lukla.

The Nepali Army Force is stationed at the top of a hill in Namche Bazar to protect the Park. As a tourist, you must get permission from the Nepal government to enter this Park, which is usually arranged by the trekking company you are traveling to.

Some interesting facts about Sagarmatha National Park

  • It is the highest national Park in the world, with its lowest point being over 3,000 meters above sea level.
  • The name 'Sagarmatha' is derived from the Nepali words 'Sagar,' which means 'sky,' and 'matha,' meaning 'head.'
  • The entire region is extremely rich in vegetation. In the lower zone, you can find dense forests of juniper, birch, bamboo, blue pines, rhododendrons, and firs.
  • Above this zone, the vegetation gets dwarfed. As the region's elevation increases, you will only find lichens and mosses. 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.
  • In the Park, you can find numerous rare wildlife, such as snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, red pandas, musk deer, langur monkeys, martens, Himalayan tahrs, and Himalayan wolves.
  • If you have heard about Yeti, this is the place where you might encounter it. Locals believe that Yeti is still 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.
  • Several high passes, beautiful rivers flow down from the melting Himalayan Mountains, picturesque valleys, and stunning lakes throughout the region that make the journey more adventurous and joyful.
Himalayan Thar in Sagarmatha national Park
Himalayan Thar in Sagarmatha national park

Things to do in Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park

Everest Base Camp Trek

The Everest Base Camp
The Everest Base Camp

Everest base camp trek is the most popular outdoor adventure activity among visitors in Sagarmatha National Park, where Ruthy hilly trails are inside the forest.

Each trail offers outstanding views of the Himalayan Peaks and fine villages where you can experience the warm hospitality of Sherpas'. You can find many Everest Base Camp Trek programs, but the Everest Base Camp Trek, Everest Base Camp Trek 12 Days, and Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek are the most popular in the region.

Trek to Gokyo Lake, Valley, and Gokyo Ri

Gokyo Lake
Gokyo Lake

If you like adventures and thrills, you can trek to the beautiful Gokyo Lakes. Five stunning lakes remain frozen during the winter. The trail is challenging and full of gorgeous landscape views. You can see the Gokyo Lake, located in the beautiful Gokyo Valley. The Gokyo Renjo Pass trek and Gokyo Lake Trek offer to climb the Gokyo Ri peak as well, which provides a great view of the Gokyo Valley, Gokyo Lake, Everest, and many other high Himalayas of the region.

EBC Trek with Cho La Pass

Cho La Pass Trail
Cho La Pass Trail

The Chola Pass is another popular attraction of the Sagarmatha National Park; the Chola Pass is between the Everest Base camp and the Gokyo Lake, so one can visit Everest Base camp and pass over the Chola and the Gokyo lakes as well as the same trekking program.

Tengboche Monastery

Tengboche Monastery
Tengboche Monastery

Suppose you prefer a light trek with an adventurous and beautiful view. In that case, trekking up to Tengboche monastery is your best option. The trail will go through several fine villages, including Namche Bazar, and take you to Tengboche village, where the monastery is situated.

Moreover, the monastery premises offer superb views of the Himalayan Mountains. This Everest Panorama trek will not only provide scenic views but also bring you closer to the rich culture and tradition of the locals. The short Trek to Tengboche Monastery is called the Everest Panorama Trek. It offers panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Everest, and is suitable for first-time trekkers, families, and kids.

Kalapattar View Point

View Everest from Kalapattar
View Everest from Kalapattar

Kala Patthar viewpoint is located within Sagarmatha National Park. It offers the closest view of Mt. Everest, just above Everest Base Camp, and a 360-degree view of the Himalayas, including Everest and surrounding mountains. The sunrise and sunset view from this viewpoint is also very famous. We always include climbing Kalapattar Peak on our regular EBC trek.

The Island Peak

The Island Peak
The Island Peak

The island peak is located in Sagarmatha National Park, one of the most famous peaks in Nepal. You can combine the trek to Everest base camp and the climb of the Island peak, as both are located in Sagarmatha National Park. From the top of the Island peak, you can see the incredible panoramic vista of the Himalayas.

You do not need previous experience in technical climbing to climb this peak. Suppose you are an adventure lover and want to try mountain climbing for the first time. In that case, Island Peak is one of the most suitable and recommended options.

The Lobuche Peak

Lobuche Peak
Lobuche Peak

Lobuche Peak is another famous peak in Sagarmatha National Park. It is also one of the most frequently climbed peaks in the Park. One can combine Lobuche Peak with the Everest base camp trek.

The Renjo La Pass

Renjo La Pass Trail
Renjo La Pass Trail

The Renjo La Pass is another famous pass in Sagarmatha Park. It is located between Gokyo Valley and the Thame and offers excellent views of Everest and many other Himalayas. You can take the trail to Gokyo Valley and Lake. After visiting Gokyo Valley, you can take the route to Renjo la Pass to reach Thame and return to Namche.

The trekking trail from Jiri

Jiri EBC trail
Jiri EBC trail

The trekking trail from Jiri to Everest Base Camp was the primary trail to Everest Base Camp and was the only trail before the airport in Lukla was built. Even after the airport was built in Lukla and tourists started to fly to Lukla, the trail from Jiri to Everest base camp is still prevalent. People drive from Kathmandu to Jiri or Bhandar and start the trek to Everest base camp.

The trail goes through many valleys, terraces, landscapes, hills, riverbanks, and forests. So, you can enjoy trekking in nature to the fullest on this Jiri-Everest Base camp trail. The Jiri-Everest trekking trail is another popular trail in Sagarmatha National Park.

Conclusion

The Sagarmatha is one of the most visited national parks in Nepal. The Park is a trekkers' paradise and the most popular trekking destination in the world. The Amadablam Mountain is in Sagarmatha National Park, and the Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek is another popular trek in the Park. The trekking programs in Sagarmatha National are customizable based on the days available to you, your interests, and your fitness. So, let us know your requirements.


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