Sagarmatha National Park

Sagarmatha National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site encompassing the heart of the Nepalese Himalayas, including the summit of Mount Everest (Sagarmatha, 8,848 m) and the surrounding peaks, valleys, and glaciers of the Khumbu region. Established in 1976, the park covers 1,148 km² and is home to some of the world's highest mountains, including Lhotse (8,516 m), Cho Oyu (8,188 m), and Ama Dablam (6,812 m). The park is also a cultural landscape inhabited by the Sherpa people, whose Buddhist traditions are woven into the fabric of the region.

The park has a high-altitude climate: cold winters (November–February), mild summers with monsoon rains (June–September), and two excellent trekking seasons – spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). The best time for clear mountain views is autumn, while spring offers rhododendron blooms. Altitude ranges from 2,845 m (at Monju) to 8,848 m. All visitors must pay a park entry fee (Rs 1,695 for SAARC nationals, Rs 3,390 for others, plus a TIMS permit).

By Plane

Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla Airport (LUA) (35 minutes, around US$180). The trekking trail enters the park just beyond Monju, about 3 hours from Lukla. Helicopter charters are also available.

By Car / Road

There are no roads inside the park. Trekking from Jiri (6–7 days) or from Tumlingtar provides alternative access routes. The park check post is at Monju, just above the Dudh Koshi River.

On foot. Trekking is the only way to explore the park. The main trail follows the Dudh Koshi River valley north through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche to Everest Base Camp. Side trails lead to Gokyo, Thame, and the Khumbu villages.

• Mount Everest – The world's highest peak, visible from Kala Patthar, Gokyo Ri, and the Everest Base Camp trail.

• Kala Patthar (5,545 m) – The classic viewpoint for sunrise over Everest and Nuptse.

• Gokyo Valley – A stunning side valley with turquoise lakes and the Gokyo Ri viewpoint.

• Tengboche Monastery – The largest monastery in Khumbu, with magnificent mountain backdrops.

• Sagarmatha National Park Visitor's Centre – At Namche Bazaar, with exhibits on wildlife and geology.

• Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) – The legendary starting point for summit expeditions.

• Khumbu Glacier and Icefall – A dramatic glacier descending from Everest's western shoulder.

• Ama Dablam – Often called the most beautiful mountain in the world, dominating the skyline above Tengboche and Dingboche.

• Khumjung and Khunde – Traditional Sherpa villages with the Everest View Hotel and Kunde Hospital.

• Everest Base Camp Trek – The classic 12–16 day return trek from Lukla.

• Gokyo–Renjo La–Everest Base Camp Circuit – A 16–20 day circuit crossing high passes.

• Island Peak Climbing (6,189 m) – A technical trekking peak for experienced climbers.

• Climb Kala Patthar (5,545 m) – The most accessible high-altitude viewpoint for Everest.

• Cultural walks – Visit Sherpa villages, monasteries, and museums.

Trekkers' lodges serve dal bhat, pasta, fried rice, momos, noodle soup, pizza, and apple pie. At higher altitudes the menu becomes more limited and prices rise. Sherpa specialities include rigi kur (potato pancakes) and tzen (millet pâté), available by advance order.

Tea (masala chai, butter tea), coffee, hot chocolate, soft drinks, and beer are available throughout, but prices triple at higher altitudes. Water purification tablets are essential; bottled boiled water costs Rs 100–300 per litre. Altitude sickness is a real danger – drink at least 3–4 litres of fluid per day.

• Budget: Basic lodges (Rs 200–500) – Shared rooms, common bathrooms.
• Mid-range: Standard trekking lodges (Rs 500–1500) – Twin rooms with attached bathrooms in lower villages.
• Upscale: Everest View Hotel (Khumjung) – Luxury rooms with Everest views from the balcony, Rs 12,000+.
• Tea houses along the entire trail provide food and lodging.

Handicrafts, thanks, trekking gear, and yak-wool items are available in Namche. Everything becomes more expensive at higher altitudes. Cash is essential – ATMs are only in Namche.

• Lukla (entry/exit town) – Flight back to Kathmandu.
• Namche Bazaar – Acclimatisation hub with museums and bakeries.
• Tengboche – Monastery and mountain views.
• Dingboche – High-altitude acclimatisation stop.
• Gokyo Valley – Alternative trek route with stunning lakes and mountain vistas.