SAGARMATHA NATIONAL PARK

The prime attraction in the Sagarmatha National Park 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 6,000 m. With most of the park above 3,000 m, Sagarmatha is full of rugged terrain with deep georges, glaciers and huge rocks. With its Himalayan terrain and its unique culture, the park offers a blend of natural and cultural tourist products here. The vegetation at lower elevation is dominated by pine and hemlock forests, while above 3,500 m the forest is dominated with silver fir, birch, rhododendron, and juniper tress. During spring and monsoon the varieties of rhododendron flowers are seen. The common wildlife in the park are Himalayn tahr, ghoral, musk deer, pikka ( mouse hare) weasel, jackal. Other rarely seen animals are Himalayan black bear, wolf, lynx, and snow leopard. Birds inhabiting the park are of over 193 species. Common ones among them are the impeyan pheasant ( Danphe), blood pheasant, red-billed chough, yellow-billed chough, snow cock, snow pigeons, Himalayan griffon, and lammergeyer. The national park also showcases the cultural trophies with the warm Sherpha hospitality and its many monasteries and cultural landmark.

ACTIVITIES:
Trekking, mountaineering, experience of Sherpa culture.

ACCOMMODATION:
Resort hotels, lodges, camping.

ACCESS:
Two-day walk from Lukla which is 30 minutes by air from Kathmandu.

BEST SEASON:
Oct-Nov and Mar-May; Dec-Feb(snow, daytime temperature 5 degrees Celsius), Jun-Sep (rainy).

PARK HEADQUARTER:
Mendalphu, Namche Bazaar.