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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.
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