In a remarkable boost for tourism, nearly 9,000 tourists visited the Everest region in Ashwin alone, reported the Sagarmatha National Park office in Namche, Solukhumbu. With a total of 8,902 visitors, the park recorded a significant uptick in foot traffic, resulting in revenue of NPR 20.35 million, shared park official Bivek Shrestha. Entry fees vary, with Nepali citizens paying NPR 100, SAARC nationals NPR 1,500, and other international visitors NPR 3,000 per person.
During the current fiscal year 2081/82, the park saw a steady rise in visitors, with 125 tourists in Shrawan, generating NPR 345,975, and 1,331 visitors in Bhadra, generating NPR 3.23 million in revenue, as noted by Shrestha. “The peak season is here, drawing a high volume of visitors. We’re managing entry fees and registrations daily, as Sagarmatha and several nearby peaks are within the park’s jurisdiction,” he said.
Tourists typically reach the Everest region via flights or helicopters from Kathmandu and Manthali in Ramechhap to Lukla, while others opt for a road journey through Salleri. The high season spans from Falgun 15 to Jestha 15 and the months of Ashwin, Kartik, and Mangsir, during which more than 1,000 visitors enter the park daily.
The Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, spans over 1,148 sq. km in Solukhumbu, Eastern Nepal. Home to the world’s tallest mountain, Everest (Sagarmatha), the park also encompasses peaks such as Lhotse, Nuptse, Cho Oyu, Lhotsesar, Pumori, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku, each standing over 6,000 meters.
In addition to mountaineering, the park offers opportunities for wildlife viewing and adventure tourism, making it a top choice for thrill-seekers. The Gokyo lakes, part of the Ramsar-listed wetlands since 2007, add to the park’s allure. Stretching from 1,800 to 8,848 meters, Sagarmatha National Park is a sanctuary for rare species like the Himalayan musk deer, Himalayan tahr, langur monkeys, and diverse birdlife, including the monal pheasant, snow cocks, and Tibetan snowfinches.
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