SAGARMATHA
NATIONAL PARK
Unique among natural heritage sites world-wide is the Sagarmatha
National Park, which includes Mt. Everest (8,848 m) and other
high peaks such as Lhotse Shar, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, Pumori, Kangtega,
Gyachung Kang, Thamserku and Kwangde. Located North-east of Kathmandu,
Sagarmatha National Park is 1,148 sq km. in area and consists
of the upper catchment areas of the Dudh Koshi, Bhote Koshi and
the Imja Khola rivers. Much of the park lies above 3,000m. Sagarmatha
is rugged, with deep gorges, glaciers and unnegotiable ice and
rock faces. Locally known as the 'Khumbu', it is the home of the
famous Sherpa people. The Sherpas make a living by farming barley
and potatoes and graze their yaks in high altitude pastures. Young
Sherpas have also made their name in mountaineering and the trekking
industry has of late become the community's economic mainstay.
In 1979 the park was declared a World Heritage Site.
Trees
such as rhododendron, birch, blue pine, juniper and silver fir
are found up to an altitude of 4,000 meters above which they give
way to scrub and alpine plants. In late spring and summer, the
hillsides around the villages of Namche Bazaar, Khumjung, Thyangboche
and Thame are a riot of colours with several species of rhododendon
in bloom. Wildlife most likely to be seen in Sagarmatha are the
Himalaya tahr, ghoral, musk deer, pikka (mouse hare) weasel and
occasionally jackal. Other rarely seen animals are Himalayan black
bear, wolf, lynx and snow leopard. Birds commonly seen are Impeyan
pheasant, blood pheasant, snow cock, snow pigeon, red billed and
yellow billed chough, Himalayan griffin vulture and lammergeier.
Entry
Fee Per Person Per Entry
For Nepalese Nationals, Free
For SAARC Nationals, Rs. 100/-
For Other Foreign Nationals, Rs. 1,000/-
(Note Entrance fee not required for children under 10 years).
Filming Permit Fee (Documentary/Feature Films)
For Nepalese Nationals, Rs. 5,000/-
For SAARC Nationals, Rs. 25,000/-
For Other Foreign Nationals, US $ 1,000/-
Helicopter Landing in Protected Area, Rs. 2,000/- per landing
ACCESS
All
of Khumbu is road-less, all travel and exploration must be undertaken
on foot. Quick access are by helicopter at the Syangboche and
via the Lukla airstrip from where the park head-office at Namche
Bazaar is a two-day walk. Alternative approaches are from Jiri
in the south-west and through Arun Valley in the south-east. Namche
is 10 to 12 days trek on both these approaches. The best time
to visit is in October and November and from March to May when
days are warm and clear. However night temperatures can reach
zero levels. A two to three-week stay in the park is ideal and
the best areas to visit are Gokyo Valley, Lobuche-Kala Pattar-Base
Camp, Chukung Valley and Thame valley. Travellers should come
with camping, food and fuel support to enable them to move freely
although room and board are available in most villages. To enjoy
the visit thoroughly it is best to arrange services of guides
and porters with government registered outfitters in Kathmandu.
