Nepal National Park Tour
» Sagarmatha National Park
Sagarmatha National Park lies to the northeast of Kathmandu. The park was gazetted in July 1976. It covers an area of 1,148 sq. km. of Himalayan ecological zone.
The park includes the upper catchment areas of the Dudh Kosi and Bhote Kosi Rivers. The park is largely composed of the rugged terrain and gorges of the high Himalayas ranging from 2,845m at Monju to the top of the world, Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) at 8,848m above sea level. Other peaks above 6,000m are Lhotse, Cho-Oyu, Thamserku, Nuptse, Amadablam, and Pumori.
UNESCO listed the park as a World Heritage Site in 1979 for its unique natural, cultural and landscape characteristics.
Flora and Fauna
The vegetation at the lower elevations is dominated by pine and hemlock forests. Above 3,500m, the forest is dominated with silver fir, birch, rhododendron, and juniper trees. Various rhododendrons show their brilliant colors in spring and monsoon. The tree line is at 4,500m, where birch gives way to juniper and rhododendron scrubs.
Large mammals commonly seen in the park are the Himalayan tahr and Musk deer. Others include the Himalayan Black Bear, Common Langur, Jackal, Weasels, Marten, and the Himalayan Mousehare (Pika). The park provides habitat for over 118 species of birds. The most common ones are the Impeyan pheasant (Danphe), Blood pheasant, Redbilled chough, and Yellow-billed chough.