Everest National Park Permit

Everest National Park Permit

Everest National Park Permit 

(Sagarmatha  National Park Permit )

Updated on: 6 October, 2022

Sagarmatha National Park entry permit must be obtained to enteSagarmatha National Park  which is located in Everest Himalaya Region in Nepal. Park entry fees may be paid at Tourist Service Center,  Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu city or at the Entry point that is Manju in Everest Base Camp Trek Route. 

Sagarmatha National Park is also known as Everest National Park since Mt. Everest also known as Sagarmatha in Nepal, and the height of  Mt. Everest (Sagarmatha) is 8849m (29,032ft) above sea level is the highest peak in the world. 

Required Permits to Trek in Everest Himalaya Region  of Nepal 
1. Sagarmatha National Park Permit
  • For  foreigner Travelers  per person is: Nepali Rupees 3,000 (About USD 25) 
  • For Nepali People: Nepali Rupees 100 (About USD 1)
  • For Trekking Guide per person:  Nepali Rupees 1,500 (About USD 13)
  •  For SAARC nationality per person: Nepali Rupees: 1,500 (About USD 13)

Where to get the Sagarmatha National Park permit and to Pay:

   At National Park  Counter, Tourist Service Center, Nepal Tourism Board,  Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu

               or 

At entry point in Manju, Sulukhumbu, Everest Himalaya

Note: A passport size photograph and a passport copy are required to issue the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit. 

*SAARC Countries Name List: 

  • Afghanistan
  • Bangladesh,
  • Bhutan,
  • India,
  • Maldives,
  • Nepal,
  • Pakistan
  • Sri Lanka
  • Afghanistan

 

2. Everest Himalaya Trekking Permit

 All foreigners Travelers have to Pay Nepali Rupees 2,000 (About USD 16) per person as Trekking Permit at Entry Permit Counter at Lukla Town on the way to Everest Base Camp Trekking Route

 

The Sagarmāthā National Park is a protected area in the Himalayas of eastern Nepal that is dominated by Mount Everest.

 

Encircled by mighty Mount Everest, and other peaks, deep ravines, and Himalayan glaciers; Sagarmatha National Park is one of the most scenic masterpieces on Earth, located in north-east Nepal. Nestled at a distance of 135 km from Kathmandu, this national park is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and one of the Sacred Himalayan Landscapes. From flora, fauna to spectacular landscape, every aspect of nature’s charm is preserved here.

Location and geography of Sagarmatha National Park

trekking in snowy mountains

Established in 1976, Sagarmatha National Park is located in Khumbu region of Nepal. It is the first national park of Nepal. Encompassing an area of 1148 sq. km, this bioreserve ranges in altitude between 2845-8848 m. Sagarmatha National Park is bordered by Qomolangma National Nature Preserve of Tibet Autonomous Region in the north and Dudh Koshi River in the south. Sagarmatha National Park became a natural World Heritage Site in 1979.

 

Climate and best time to visit Sagarmatha National Park

a man trekking in snow covered mountains

The climate at Sagarmatha National Park varies between semi-arid subtropical to temperate type, with medium to heavy annual rainfall. Summer months are moderate, whereas July to September record heavy precipitation. Winter months are extremely cold and temperature drops below freezing point.

The best time to visit is from October-November and March to May. June to September should be avoided as the place receives heavy rainfall, approximately 1000 mm and makes it difficult for hiking and camping. Winter months starting from December to February are extremely cold and snowfall is common in these months.

 

How to reach Sagarmatha National Park

gorgeous mountain views

Sagarmatha National Park enjoys a remote location and accessibility is quite a challenge. The nearest air connect is at Tenzing-Hillary Airport, Lukla- which is 33 kms away. The best and easiest way is to fly to Kathmandu and then take a short flight (25minutes) to Lukla. From Lukla, one can trek up to the national park. The trail is steep, rugged yet extremely exciting.

Timings and entrance charges of Sagarmatha National Park

people trekking through mountains

The scenic park remains open for 24 hours to offer convenience to all tourists, but it is advisable to visit the same before sunset. Hiking and trekking in dark is a bit risky, owing to the presence of endemic wildlife.
For the entrance, you need to buy an access pass from the visitor centre for Sagarmatha National Park, which is located at Monzo and Namche Bazaar. The pass costs INR 1500 for SAARC nationals, INR 3000 for foreigners and INR 25 for locals of Nepal. Passports are required to issue the access pass.

homestays in mountains

Flora and fauna of Sagarmatha National Park

The incredible flora of Sagarmatha National Park

Flora of the himalayas

As the national park varies in altitude from 2845-8848 m, one can witness distinct variation in vegetation types. The forests of lower altitudes are dominated by rhododendrons, birch, juniper, blue pines, fir and bamboo. In higher altitudes, dwarf shrubs, mosses, and lichens are found. Rhododendrons bloom in April and May and stay colorful and vibrant till September.

The unique and beautiful fauna of the national park

faurna of himalayas

There is a wide range of wildlife that can be spotted inside the park which includes Himalayan Tahr, Musk deer, Ghoral, snow leopards, wolves, lynx, and weasels. Sagarmatha National Park is the home to almost 1000 plus rare to endangered bird species and some of them are Himalayan monal, Snowcock, Yellow-billed chough, Blood pheasant and Red-billed Chough. This is the reason, why Sagarmatha National Park is coined as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International.

Things to do in Sagarmatha National Park

1. Hiking through scenic trails

trekking through mountains

In Sagarmatha National Park, hiking is the most popular adventure activity among the visitors. Rugged hilly trails are present inside the forest and each trail offers excellent views of Himalayan peaks, mountains and valleys. People can access most of the trails on their own but if you hire a local Sherpa, it is certainly better and more effective.

2. Camping in Gyko Lake

camping in mountains

If you are fond of adventure and thrill; camping on the banks of the beautiful Gyko lake is an awesome idea. This is a beautiful lake, located in Sagarmatha National Park, which remains frozen during winter. Pitch a tent beneath the open sky and take camping experience to a different level. Though the place offers enthralling views of surrounding mountains and glaciers but seeing the mighty Mount Everest from Gyko Lake is surely a stunner.

 

3. Trekking up to Mt. Taboche – The Highest Point Monastery

Trekking up to Mt. Taboche

Trekking up to Mt. Taboche is steep and challenging, but as soon as you reach the highest point monastery at Taboche; the surrounding views will surely make your jaw drop and refresh your heart. Taboche monastery is a beautiful stupa and a Buddhism preaching and promotion center. Visit this place to worship, seek blessings and soothe your heart.

4. Viewing Mount Everest from Kala Pathar

gorgeous views of the mountains

Kala Patthar, located within Sagarmatha National Park is the closest viewpoint of Mount Everest. Located at 5545 m, one needs to experience a steep ascend before reaching this mesmerizing spot. Not only Everest, the spectacular scenery of snow-laden Himalayan peaks and ranges, make the trek, worth in every sense.

 

5. Chilling by Dudh Koshi River

Dudh Koshi River

Dudh Koshi River borders the bioreserve in the south and offers the amazing sight of flowing stream over rugged terrain. Spending time on the banks of this forceful river and enjoying the stunning beauty is one of the best things to do in Sagarmatha National Park. There are a lot of suspension bridges over the river, which offer even more amazing views.

Some Related Links for Everest Himalaya Hiking 

 

Wish you  a happy Journy in Everest Himalaya!