Sagarmatha National Park – A Stop At The World’s Top In Nepal

Location and Overview

Located in the eastern region of Nepal in the district of Solukhumbu, Sagarmatha National Park takes its name from the formidable Sagarmatha, which is more commonly known as Mount Everest, its most dominant feature. Sagarmatha is rightly called the world’s rooftop as it is the highest national park on the surface of the earth. The mountain park covers an area of 1,148 square kilometers. Established in 1976, it also became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. To its north lies Tibet’s Qomolangma National Nature Preserve and the Dudh Kosi River marks its southern boundary. The Makalu Barun National Park is situated at the eastern border of the Sagarmatha National Park.

History and Geography

The Sagarmatha National Park has an especially rugged and steep topography, and the terrain is sliced by deep gorges and rivers in addition to featuring glaciers. A Buffer Zone was also added in 2002 covering an area of about 275 square kilometers. The elevations range from 9,000 feet at Monzo going all the way up to 29,000 feet which mark the summit of Mount Everest, the highest point in the world. Almost 70% of the terrain lies in the nival zone, an elevation of over 16,000 feet, past which there is no vegetation. The climate is harsh cold in the winters and cool in the summer with seasonal monsoons.

Habitat and Biodiversity

The complex geographical features and the harsh climate limit the type of wildlife found in the Sagarmatha National Park. The forest comprises mainly of fir, juniper, pine and rhododendron. The park’s high elevation also means the mammals and birds that are found here have evolved over time to adapt to the harsh conditions. Commonly found mammals include the Himalayan tahr, goral, musk deer and the Himalayan black bears in addition to the relatively rare jackals, wolves, snow leopards and mouse hares. Nearly 200 different species of birds are also found in the Sagarmatha National Park including many varieties of pheasant, choughs, snowcocks, and snow pigeons.

Threats and Conservation

The protection of the natural landscape, flora and fauna is a primary goal of the conservation activities in progress at the Sagarmatha National Park. The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation manages theSagarmatha National Park and supports the research and conservation activities carried out in the park. A company of the Nepal Army has also been posted for protection, rescue and law enforcement. The Government also provides regular funds for the upkeep and maintenance of the park and prevent encroachment activities that expose the endangered areas of the Sagarmatha National Park. The ever increasing number of tourists has also accelerated the degradation of the fragile ecology and hampered the cultural traditions as well.

Tourism

Being the highest park in the world, Sagarmatha National Park attracts all sorts of visitors and adventure enthusiasts. Trekking and hiking are the most common activities undertaken and tourists can experience the nature and wildlife up and close in their natural habitats. The most popular trekking trail from the park leads to the Kala Pathar peak while several other thrilling treks are also present here. The Park Visitor Centre provides breathtaking views of nature’s majesty all around it whereas a visit to the natural history, and cultural heritage museum is also bound to leave you with several memorable moments. Finally, the Sagarmatha National Park is a mountaineer’s paradise with ascents of various difficulty levels available including the tallest climb in the world.


Written By: Bilal A. Usman