Sagarmatha National Park (1148 sq. km.)

The prime attraction in Sagarmatha National Park esablished in 1976, is Mt. Everest-the highest peak of the world. The park was added to the list of World heritage Site in 1979. The park, a part of the Himalayan ecological zone, has several other prominent peaks most of which are above 6000 meters. With most of the park above 3000 meters. Sagarmatha is full of rugged terrain with deep gorges, glaciers and huge rocks. With its Himalayan terrain and its culture, the parks offer a blend of natural and cultural tourist products here. The vegetation at the lower elevation is dominated by pine and hemlock forest, while above 3500 meters the forest is dominated with silver fir, birch, rhododendron, and junipeer trees. During spring and monsoon the varieties of rhododendron flowers are seen. The common wildlife in the park are Himalayan Thar, ghoral, musk deer, pikka (mouse hare) weasel, jackal. Other rarely seen animals are Himalayan black bear, wolf, lynx and snow leopard. Birds inhabiting the parks are of over 118 species. Common ones among them are the impeyan pheasant (Danphe), blood pheasant , red billed cough, yellow-billed chough, snow-cock, snow pigeon, Himalayan black griffon, and lammergeyer. The area also provides warm Sherpa hospitality and has many monasteries and cultural landmarks. Tourism activities and farming are the main actiities of the area. Growing barleys and potatoes and raising yaks are some of the notable occupation. The majority of the youths are engaged as mountaineering and trekking guides in the season.

The best point to explore the aea could be Gokyo valley, Lobuche, Kalapathar, Everest Base Camp, Chuking valley and the Thame valley.

Activities: Trekking, Mountaineering, cultural observation and Meditation
Accommodation: Resort hotels, lodges, camping
Access: Namche Bazar-A gateway to Everest Region - is a two day walk from Lukla which is 30 minutes by air to Kathmandu
Best Season: Oct-No and Mar-May

See our: Where to Walk in Everest Region | Everest Base Camp Trek-13 Days | Gokyo Valley Trek

Source: "World Heritage Sites in Nepal' By Nepal Tourism Boards