Geographic location

Coordinates   
Latitude
(north)		 Longitude
(East)		 Altitude
(metres)
NP 27°
45’
00’’ 		28°
06’
36’’ 		86°
30’
36’’
 85°
58’
48’’ 		2845 8848
BZ 27°
38’
46’’ 		27°
48’
07’’		 86°
33’
21’’		 85°
49’
30’’		 2800 -
NP= National Park, BZ=buffer zone

Sagarmatha National Park is home to the highest summit in the world – Mount Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest). The park lies about 140 km due east of Kathmandu in the northern region of Solukhumbu district, which comprises of three Village Development Committees (VDC) namely Namche, Khumjung and Chaurikharka. The park encompasses the upper catchment of the Dudh Kosi River system, which is fan-shaped and forms a distinct geographical unit enclosed on all sides by high mountain ranges. Makalu-Barun National Park, Rolwaling Valley of Dolakha district, and the Quomolongma Nature Preserve of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China lie east, west and north of the park respectively.

Established on 19 July 1976, the park covers an area of 1,148 square kilometres. An additional 275 square kilometres was annexed into the park on 1 January, 2002.

Sagarmatha National Park
Location Solukhumbu District, Sagarmatha Zone
National Park Gazetted 19 July 1976
World Heritage Site Accreditation 1979
IUCN Management Category II (National Park) VI (Buffer Zone)
Buffer Zone Declared 1 January, 2002
National Park Area / Buffer Zone Area1,148 sq. km. / 275 sq. km.
Buffer Zone Population 5869
Major Ethnic Group Sherpa
Major Religion Buddhism
Major Rivers Dudh Koshi, Nangpa Khola, Imja Khola
Major Glaciers Khumbu, Imja, Ngozumpa and Nangpa
Bioclimatic Zone Lower Temperate, Upper Temperate, Sub-alpine, Alpine and Nival
Major Peaks Sagarmatha (8,848 m), Lhotse (8,501 m) Nuptse (7,896 m), Cho Oyu (8,153 m)
Climate Temperate to arctic with altitudinal and seasonal moisture and temperature variations
Elevation Range 2,300 m - 8,848m
Endangered/Threatened mammals Snow Leopard, Musk Deer, Red Panda
Major Tree Species Pine, Hemlock, Fir, Juniper, Birch

Biophysical characteristics

62 species of a total of 865 species of plants recorded in the park are of global significance while seventy-six percent of the total recorded plant species have medicinal or aromatic properties and are of economic value (SNP MP, 2005). Twenty-one species of endemic flowering plants and 10 species of rhododendron grow in the area. The Park records 160 vascular plants The numbers of faunal species include 33 mammals, 208 birds, five herpeto and one fish species (Bhuju et al, 2007). Fauna conserved in the park include Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus), musk deer (Mochus chrysogaster), Himalayan black bear (Selenarctos thibetanus), red panda (Ailurus fulgens), snow leopard (Uncia uncia) and wolf (Canus lupus). Many of these animals are listed as endangered or threatened species. Protected avifauna include Danphe (Lophophorous impejanus), blood pheasant (Ithaginis cruentus), yellow-billed chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus) and Himalayan griffon (Gyps himalayensis). Fourteen bird species are globally significant (SNP-MP, 2006).

Wetlands

The high altitude lakes in the park are relatively young and harbor very little aquatic life but are important staging points for migrating water bird species. Gokyo, an oligotropic lake series in the Khumbu region, is among the most popular tourist destinations within the park. Gokyo Lake is a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists and on average over 7,000 visitors visit the lake every year.

Forests

Less than 10% of the total area of SNPBZ is forested, and primarily occurs in the lower valley gorges below 3500m in areas where farming, settlements, and grazing activities are difficult. The most common tree species are Himalayan blue pine (Pinus wallichiana) between 2800 and 3,300 m followed by Himalayan Silver Fir (Abies spectabilis) between 3000 to 3900 m, and juniper (Juniperus recurva) in the drier slopes above 3500 metres. Hemlock (Tsuga dumosa) is found in the lower valleys below 3000 metres. Intermixed with the large conifers are many broadleaved species such as birch (Betula sp.), rhododendrons, oaks, and maple. Birch-rhododendron forests are found mostly between 3,600m and 4,200m on cold slopes, sometimes mixed with firs (SNP MP 2006).

Forests are extensively used for extracting firewood, fodder, and non-timber forest products, grazing livestock and harvesting tree fodder. Selective harvesting of large trees for timber has made the forests increasingly younger. The impact of periodic fires both natural and man-caused, play an important role in forest structure. Some forest patches in SNPBZ were controlled and protected by local communities but planting tree saplings was not part of the traditional forest management system. Reforestation was initiated initially by SNP and later promoted by various international organizations in cooperation with the Buffer Zone CFUGs.

Rangelands
Yellow-billed chough (<em>Pyrrhocorax graculus</em>)
Yellow-billed chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus),
Photo credit: R N Suwal

Much of the upper elevation landscapes between 3500 and 5000 metres are dominated by shrubs and grassland cover. Dominant shrub species include dwarf juniper (Juniperus wallichiana) and rhododendron species (R. anthopogon, R. lepidotum, R. setosum, R. nivale) which generally occur above 3500 m elevation and mostly on cool aspects. Myricaria rosea, Hippophae thibetana and Salix sp. are found along streams. The snow rhododendron (R. nivale) extends up to 5,000m. These landscapes are used primarily for livestock grazing, collecting fodder, wild foods, medicinal and aromatic plants. Livestock dung is collected from shrub and grassland areas and is an important source of organic farm manure and fuel. The alpine areas are also becoming increasingly important for tourism. The traditional herding camps (chhu sa) are now being developed into tourist villages and adding pressure on alpine vegetation resources.

Ethnicity and Demography

a chorten
A chorten in SNP,
Photo credit: MENRIS

Besides the scenic landscapes and biodiversity, the National Park is popular for the indigenous Sherpa community. Sherpas are the main ethnic group and constitute 90% of the resident population of SNPBZ. The remaining 10% of the population are Tamang, Kami, Rai, Magar, Damai, Chhetri, Gurung and Newars. Sherpas have called the National Park area (popularly referred to as the Khumbu region) home as early as the late 1400s to early 1700s. The remaining ethnic groups are believed to have migrated to SNPBZ in recent years in search of economic opportunities. Recent survey data collected by WWF in 2003 indicates that there are total of 5869 permanent residents in the SNPBZ utilizing more than 100 settlements of varying sizes. The average household size is 4.3 persons. The population is said to be growing, and growth over 10 years period between 1991 and 2001 has estimated at 10% (1% per annum). This growth does not account for large numbers of temporary and semi-permanent visitors such as trekking porters, seasonal agricultural workers. A similar survey by Khunde Hospital in 2003, indicates that 7000 people reside in SNPBZ out of which 5781 are permanent residents. These people traditionally owned land and lived in the areas. These people fall under the category of people recognized as "local resident" under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act. Approximately, 84% of the local residents reside in the area more or less permanently where as 16% spent significant amounts of time outside SNPBZ for business, education, and other jobs. About 1301 people living in the areas were temporary residents who moved into SNPBZ from outside. 96% of these migrants lived locally for long periods of time (i.e. government employees, army, teachers, hotels and shop keepers) whereas the remaining 4% moved in and out. These figures do not account for people who arrive in the Park and Buffer Zone frequently such as seasonal agricultural laborers, traveling merchants, and porters.

In the long-term, the population of SNPBZ villages will continue to increase. This places pressure on the Park and Buffer Zone resources. An integrated effort will be required to check excessive population increase. Plans and programs are required to prevent settlement expansion and growth in to areas that are ecologically sensitive or unsafe such as GLOF, landslide and avalanche prone zones.

Cultural Heritage:

There are several famous monasteries of significant cultural value. Tengboche Gomba: The famous gomba located at Tengboche offers spectacular views of Mt. Everest and other peaks. Mani Rimdu festival is held in May. Thame Gomba: This is one of the important religious centres in the area. The famous Mani Rimdu festival is held in May. Khumjung Gomba: In June the Dumje festival is performed here as well as at the monasteries of Namche and Pangboche.

Management


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The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) within the Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation is mandated to manage the national park. Established in 1972, DNPWC works with a network of 23 Protected Areas which occupy nearly 18% of Nepal’s total area. The Chief Warden stationed in the park head quarters at Mendalpu, along with 35 staff, manages the park. A contingent of the Nepalese Army (NA) plays an important role in park protection.

The first management plan of SNP was developed in 1981. DNPWC updated the plan covering a period of five years from 2006 to 2011. Upto 50% of the income from the entrance fee goes to local communities for conservation and development work (30% of the revenue has been assigned for environmental conservation, a major component of it being reforestation).
Entrance fee for SNP is USD 14 per person and USD 1.4 for citizens of SAARC countries.

Buffer zone

A Park Buffer Zone encompassing major part of Chaurikharka VDC to the south was created in 2002. Local communities are organized into 28 Buffer Zone User Groups (BZUG), 3 Buffer Zone User Committees (BZUC); and 1 Buffer Zone Management Committee (BZMC). A Buffer Zone Management Plan was developed in 2004 to organize conservation and management within the BZ area which also include the major settlements within SNP traditionally considered as village enclaves. There are nearly 100 large and small Buffer Zone settlements with resident population of approximately 5,869 people.

The Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation approved the Buffer Zone Management Plan of the Sagamartha National Park in March 2004.

Management issues

Some of the key management issues facing SNP include deforestation, cultural erosion, waste generation and disposal, wanton construction of tourism structures such as hotels and lodges along trails and scenic edges, excessive harvesting of medicinal and non-timber forest products, wildlife-people conflict and deteriorating Monasteries. Tourism is a major source of income for the local people. Average per capita income of SNP area is four times higher than that of the national per capita income of USD $240. Despite the tumultuous political situation in the country SNP has continued to receive an average of 20,000 tourists annually. The increasing impact and pressure from tourism on natural resources such as firewood and waste management are key management issues.

Responsible Agency
Department of National Parks & Wildlife Conservation
P. O. Box 860
Kathmandu
Tel: 977-1-4220912 / 4220850
Fax: 977-1-4227675
Email: dnpwc@bdcin.wlink.com.np
http://www.dnpwc.gov.np

Places of Interest

Achievements

The major achievements at Sagarmatha National Park (SNP) are the following.
  1. First national park in Nepal to become accredited as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS) in 1979 for its exceptional area with dramatic mountains, glaciers, and deep valleys dominated by Mount Everest (popularly known as 'Sagarmatha' in Nepal), the highest peak in the world
  2. Commitment to wildwife and park ethics: 23 violators have been arrested for conducting illegal activities inside SNP in 2001-2002 (DNPWC 2001, DNPWC 2002)
  3. Increase in the population of the Himalayan tahr, Red panda, Musk deer, wolf, and Snow leopard (DNPWC 2003)
  4. Declaration of a Park buffer zone in January 2002 (DNPWC 2003)
  5. Completion of a draft management plan
  6. Completion of training needs assessment for Park authorities
  7. Revision of park management modality currently underway (DNPWC 2003c)
  8. Considered a focal park for the eco-regional complex connecting Langtang National Park via the proposed Gaurisankar area, Makalu Barun National Park, and the Tinjure-Milke-Jaljale community-managed rhododendron conservation project area, and the Qomolongma Nature Preserve in Tibet
  9. Effective implementation of a pollution free policy
  10. High levels of community awareness in maintaining WHS standards as indicated by Park protests against the proposed expansion of Syangboche airstrip, renovation of major monasteries, and proposal for an electrical incinerator for cremation
  11. Increased social facilities such as trail improvement, drinking water, garbage management, and provision of electricity
  12. Completion of potential micro hydro sites in the buffer zone survey
  13. Introduction of appropriate alternative sources of energy such as hydroelectricity, solar heating system,kerosene oil, and improved cooking stoves for energy efficiency and reduced fuel wood collection (WWF 2003)
  14. Establishment of kerosene depots at Namche and Lukla to reduce the pressure on the ecosystem
  15. Evacuation of goats from the Park a decade ago in consideration of their negative impact on conservation
  16. Minimal poaching and illegal slaughter of animals by local Sherpas due to cultural and religious significance of non-violence
  17. Involvement of 46% of total households in trekking and related businesses (DNPWC 2003)
  18. Initiation of habitat management and improvement in the Park through establishment of a plant nursery, and reforestation of the barren lands in the vicinity of Namche Bazaar
  19. Significant research conducted at SNP during the last three years on community land management, crop damage by the Himalayan tahr, forest management outside the park, environment impact analysis (EIA) study of herpetofauna, landscape management, and conservation governance
  20. Plantation of over 151 ha forest cover with the help of the Himalayan Trust
  21. Some 230,731 kg of garbage cleaned from the region in 2001/2002 (DNPWC 2003)
  22. Formation of buffer zone user groups, and three buffer zone user committees
  23. Major projects and programs currently in operation in SNP include:
    1. Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Project supported by DFID, SNV, and UNDP
    2. Sagarmatha Community Agroforestry Project (1996-2002) jointly implemented by DNPWC and WWF Nepal Program;the project focuses on community participation in sustainable natural resource management and primary activities include the establishment of a forest nursery, plantation, local capacity enhancement, and conservation awareness (WWF 2003)
  24. Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee with support from WWF, Himalayan Adventure Trust of Japan (HAT-J), and the Nepal Tourism Board coordinate solid waste management in SNP (WWF, 2003)
Source: Nepal Biodiversity Resource Book, 2007

Relevant legislation

Nationals Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973, National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Regulations 1974, Mountaineering Expedition Regulations 1979, Himalayan National Parks Regulations 1980, Buffer zone Management plan 1996, Buffer Zone Regulations 1996, Nepal biodiversity Strategy 2002

Organisations active in the park

There are a number of national and international development organisations engaged in SNP area. The District Forest Office, District Agriculture Office, District Soil and Watershed Management Office, Buffer Zone User Group, Community Forest User Groups, Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC), Ev-K2-CNR, Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), ECO-Himal, The Mountain Institute, WWF-Nepal work at the grass root levels in the area.

Selected Bibliography


Sagarmatha National Park on the web

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