Sagarmatha National Park

This national park covers mountain terrain between valleys at about 2,845 meters (9,334 feet) and the summit of Mount Everest at 8,848 meters (29,029 feet). The protected area spans roughly 1,148 square kilometers (443 square miles) with forests, alpine meadows, and rocky peaks.

Nepal established this protected area in 1976, and UNESCO recognized it as a World Heritage Site in 1979. The creation aimed to preserve the mountain landscapes and ecosystems for future generations.

The Sherpa people shape daily life in the valleys with their monasteries such as Tengboche and Khumjung, where prayer flags flutter between homes. Visitors notice how the community maintains Buddhist customs and celebrates religious festivals throughout the year.

Visitors need entrance permits and must register at checkpoints, with Monjo serving as the main access point. The best time to visit is September through November and March through May, when weather is stable and views are clear.

The area is home to over 200 bird species, many tree varieties, and rare deer that walkers may encounter while hiking through the wilderness. This range of wildlife makes each visit an opportunity to discover animals and plants found together nowhere else in the world.