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, a Buffer zone comprising 275 km sq (106 sq mi) was added in January 2002. 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 this park, you will need to get permission from the Nepal government 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 over 3,000 meters above sea level.
- The name ‘Sagarmatha’ is derived from the Nepali word ‘Sagar,’ which means ‘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 in 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 flow 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/Places to See in Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park
Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest base camp Trek 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 Sherpas'.
The Everest Base Camp
You can find many Everest Base Camp Trek programs, the 16 Days Everest Base Camp Trek, Everest Base Camp Trek - 14 Days, Everest Base Camp Trek 12 Days, and Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek are the most popular in the region.
See in video
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 remain frozen during the winter.
The Gokyo Lake
The trail is challenging and full of gorgeous landscape views. You can see the Gokyo Lake located in the beautiful Gokyo valley, and the Gokyo Renjo Pass trek offers to climb the Gokyo Ri peak as well, which offer a great view of the Gokyo Valley, Gokyo Lake, Everest, and many other high Himalayas of the region.
EBC Trek with Cho La Pass
The Chola pass is another popular attraction of the Sagarmatha 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.
Chola Pass Trail
You can find the detailed program with the detailed itinerary, cost, and services of this Everest Base Camp - Chola Pass - Gokyo Trek page.
Tengboche Monastery
If you are someone who prefers a light trek with an adventurous and beautiful view 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 in this region. Moreover, you can see superb views of the Himalayan Mountains from the monastery premises. This Everest Panorama trek will not only present you with scenic views as well as take you closer into the rich culture and tradition of the locals.
The Tengboche Monasery
The short Trek to Tengboche Monastery is called Everest Panorama Trek. Everest Panorama Trek as it offers panoramic views of the Himalayas including Everest and the trek is suitable for first-time trekkers and trek with the family and kids as well.
All the trekking program in Sagarmatha National park includes a visit to Tengboche Monastery, Which are Everest Base Camp Trek, Everest Chola Pass Trek, Island Peak Trek, and Everest High Pass Trek.
Kalapattar View Point
Kala Patthar viewpoint is located within the Sagarmatha National park, which offers the closest view of Mt. Everest just above the Everest Base Camp. You can see a 360-degree view of the Himalayas including Everest as well as surrounding mountains.
Everest View from the Kalapattar View point
The sunrise and sunset view from this viewpoint is also very famous, we always include climbing of the Kalapattar Peak on our regular EBC trek.
The Island Peak
The island peak is located in Sagarmatha National park, and the Island is one of the most popular peaks to climb in Nepal and one of the most climbed peaks in Nepal. You 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 vista of the Himalayas from the top of the Island peak.
You do not need previous experience of the technical climb to climb this peak. If you are adventure lovers and want to try the mountain climb for the first time then Island peak is one of the suitable and recommended ones.
The Lobuche Peak
The Lobuche peak is another popular peak located in Sagarmatha national park. The Lobuche peak is one of the frequently climbed peaks in Sagarmatha National park. One can combine Lobuche peak with the Everest base camp trek.
The Renjo La Pass
The Renjo La pass is another popular pass in Sagarmatha Park. You can view the excellent view of Everest and many other Himalayas from RerJo La pass. The Renjo La pass is located between Gokyo Valley and the Thame.
The Renjo La Pass Trail
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 to reach Thame and return to Namche.
The trekking 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 was built.
Even after the airport was built in Lukla and tourist starts to 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. You take a drive from Kathmandu to Jiri or Bhandar and start trek to Everest base camp.
Jiri-Everest Base Camp Trek Trail
The trail goes through many valleys, terraces, landscapes, hills, riverbanks, forests, and many more. So, you can enjoy trekking in nature to the fullest in 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 also located in Sagarmatha National park and Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek is another popular trek in the park. The trekking programs in Sagarmatha National are customizable as per the days available to you, your interests, and your fitness. So, let us know your requirement.
