Sagarmatha National Park

Sagarmatha National Park has protected the area with deep valleys, glaciers, and theatrical mountains including the highest peak of the world, Mount Everest (8848 m). The national park is located in the Khumbu region, with an area of 1,148km2 (443 sq mi). The so-called Khumbu also known as the Everest region is the land of Sherpas inside the park. Sagarmatha National Park was established in 1976, with remarkable tourist products of Himalayan terrain and unique culture. Most of the park is above 3,000m and contains three top-10 highest peaks in the world; Mt. Everest (88,48m), Lhotse (8,516m), and Cho Oyu (8,201m). UNESCO then added Sagarmatha National Park to the list of World Heritage Sites in 1979 AD. Thus, the park is famous for mountaineering expeditions and trekking through the guidance of renowned mountaineers, Sherpas.

Sagarmatha National Park is the highest national park in the world, with an elevation ranging from 2,845m to the highest summit 8,848m. The world’s biggest glacier ‘Ngozumpa glacier lies just below the 6th highest mountain, Cho Oyu. The capital of Sherpa, Namche Bazaar is one of the main hubs as well as the gateway to Mt. Everest in the park. Likewise, some other valleys like Phagding, Thame, Khumjung, Tengboche, and Syangboche are keys to Everest trekking. Sagarmatha National Park has the catchment area of the Bhotekoshi and Dudhkoshi rivers. The adventure activities like rafting, kayaking, and bungee jumping are preserved within the river. The Everest mountain flight to this region can get you exotic mountain views. Whereas, the Everest Base Camp trek and Mt. Everest expedition are the two most famous activities inside the park.

Flora & Fauna of Sagarmatha National Park
Sagarmatha National Park represents 8 ecosystems in the high Himalayas. The vegetation dominated at lower elevations is hemlock and pine forests, while 3500m above are rhododendron, silver fir, birch, and juniper trees. You can find various common species like ghoral, musk deer, Himalayan tahr, jackal, and Pikka. Likewise, snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, lynxes, wolves, and lesser pandas are rarely found species. It is believed to be Yeti and was also seen by local Sherpas living in ancient times. The national park is also important to the bird area identified by Birdlife International for the conservation of bird population, inhabiting over 193 species including Himalayan Monal, and blood pheasant.

Climate
Sagarmatha National Park is an Arctic temperature to climate, while the temperature can decrease with altitude. In this alpine area, the weather is very cold during winter (December to February) and can decrease up to -17 in EBC. So it is the best time during spring (March-May) and autumn (October – November) for your excellent Everest trek. During the trek, you may get high altitude sickness so it is better if you avoid climbing more than 400m per day.

Mt. Everest (8848 m)
The highest mountain on earth Mount Everest (8,848m), is the major highlight of Sagarmatha National Park. It is located in the Mahalangur range of the Himalayas between the Nepal and Tibet border. The mountain is known as Sagarmatha in Nepali and Chomolungma in Tibetan, meaning ‘goddess of the sky and ‘goddess of the mountain’ respectively. In 1865, it was named as Mount Everest after British survey team leader Sir George Everest was identified for the western world. The first successful ascent to climb Mount Everest was Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary in 1953.

You can access the Everest summit by two climbing routes; the standard route approached southeast from Nepal, while another route through the north from Tibet. It takes you an average of 39 days to reach the summit via Everest Base Camp. You will be provided mountain gear such as crampons, ice ax, oxygen, and other equipment for the mountaineering expedition. The ethnic people Sherpas have vast mountaineering experience and they will lead you on the finest expedition of all. The other renowned mountains after Everest are Lhotse, AmaDablam, Cho Oyu, Pumori, Kwangde, Thamserku, KangtaigaandGyachyung Kang.

Kala Patthar(5555 m)
The word Kala Patthar means ‘black rock’ in Nepali and is a remarkable landmark located above Gorakshep (5,164m). Kala Patthar is the highest altitude (5,545m) you will ever step during Everest trekking. It doesn’t need any requirements and simply can be a trek up to the peak. With that said, trekkers climb up this 10m/33ft tall mountain to observe the most close-up view of Mt. Everest. The Everest Base Camp is almost 2 km away from Kala Patthar you will find. And the highest webcam in the world is installed here in Kala Patthar.

Gokyo Lakes
Gokyo lakes are the highest lakes in Sagarmatha National Park with an altitude of 4,700m to 5,000m above sea level. The lakes contain 6 lakes; of which Gokyo Cho is the main lake and Thonak Cho is the largest with an area of 65.07 ha. These lakes are freshwater and have their hydrological values. The lake systems are from various sources like streams coming through Ngozumpa glacier, the biggest glacier in the world. You can climb Gokyo Ri (5,357m) for a spectacular view of lakes as well as Mount Everest and the terrains.

Transportation
The easy access to the park is the flight to Lukla airport in Solukhumbu district. The airport is one of the most extreme airports in the world with an altitude of 2,860m high between the mountains. Thus, Lukla airport serves you an exotic mountain view within 30-minute flight from Kathmandu. With other access, you can drive 8 hours long to Salleri by ground vehicle while exploring the lower valley of the Khumbu region.

Accommodation
Namche Bazaar is the most important hub for a starter point. There is a number of good lodges, internet cafes, banks, police check, and trading centers. Most of the travelers check-ins the hotels in Namche Bazaar for different routes of the Everest trek. Besides Namche Bazaar, there are many facilitated mountain lodges and tea houses with hot water showers. This accommodation can be found in Phakding, Thame, Dole, Syangboche, Dingboche, Khunde, Khumjung, Gorakshep, etc on your Everest trekking. Tents will be provided while camping in most of the regions including Everest Base Camp.