TREKKING IN SAGARMATHA NATIONAL PARK, NEPAL

Nepal is located on the southern edge of the Himalayas, sandwiched between India and the Tibetan plateau. 

Eight out of the fourteen mountains which stand above 8,000m on earth are within Nepal's border, and four out of the eight are in Everest / Solukhumbu region.

Mt. Everest ( 8,848m / 29,029ft ), the highest mountain on earth is known as Sagarmatha ( meaning the head in blue sky ) in Nepal, and as Chomolungma in Tibet. Prior to 1865, the mountain was only known as Peak XV .

The world’s highest mountain is located within Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in northern Solukhumbu District which is one of the 75 districts of Nepal.

In Nepal, few roads extend deeply into remote mountains and valleys. The only way to truly visit the Sagarmatha National Park is to trek on foot, scaling up from an elevation of 2800M ( Lukla ) to 5545M ( Kala Patthar ).

Trekking does not mean mountain climbing. As far as most people are concerned, trekking refers to walking on mountain trails without the aid of ropes, or mountaineering skills.

Climatically speaking about  this region, terrains at lower altitudes are either sub-tropical or temperate zones, both are forested with blue pines, birch and other tree species. Terrains from 3,000m / 9,800ft up to 4,000m / 13,000ft are subalpine zone where scattered forests of rhododendron and juniper trees can also be found. Terrains at higher altitude where vegetation hardly grows are typical alpine zone until 5,000m / 16,000ft where nival zone takes over. In the Himalayas, permanent snow line begins at a high elevation of 5,750m / 18,860ft.

Along an extensive network of well-developed stone and dirt trails meandering along river valleys, trekkers cross mountain passes, and walk through friendly villages, idyllic guest-houses, colorful terraced fields, rhododendron forests, fleets of yaks / mules, and long suspension bridges. The Sagarmatha National Park captures both the hearts and the imagination of many trekkers, some of whom come back for more adventures again and again.

Moreover, Tibetan Buddhist tradition and culture ( as vividly manifested in characteristic gombas, stupas, mani stones, prayers wheels / flags), and the unreserved friendliness of Sherpa people, contributed to additional picture-perfect attractions.

Given the heady mix of natural wonderland, fascinating lifestyle and awesome people, trekking in Sagarmatha National Park is indeed one of a lifetime adventure.