World Heritage Sites in Nepal

Highlights

• Former Malla and Shah Palace and its surroundings.
• One of the closest destinations inside Kathmandu valley, adjacent to Thamel.
• Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, the biggest existing historical palace of Nepal having nine-storied with the most plentiful art collection in Nepal including a 17th-century inscription written in 15 languages on its wall.
• Statue of Hanuman- part human-part monkey, a central character in the Hindu epic Ramayana.
• Taleju Temple, a three-storied gold plated temple, the tallest temple of Kathmandu with the highness of 35m. It was established in 1549.
• An enormous stone statue of Kaal Bhairab( a terror face of Lord Shiva)
• Unique architecture that reveals religion, culture, history, archeology, custom, and tradition.

One of the most visited and best-known attractions in Kathmandu valley, Kathmandu Durbar Square lies in the heart of Kathmandu. Enlisted in UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1979, these Durbar surroundings are honored as the museum of temples. As a cluster of classic architectures comprising over 50 temples, palaces, and courtyards that date back to the 12th to 18th centuries, the square preserves its original edifice style and glamour.

Hanuman Dhoka, Kastamandap, Kumari House, Panch Mukhi Hanuman Temple, Mul Chowk, Mohan Chowk, Sundari Chowk, Tribhuvan Museum, King Mahendra Memorial Museum Degutale Temple, Taleju Mandir, Nasal Chowk, Nine storied Basantapur Tower, and Kal Bhairab can be explored in this durbar periphery. Most of them were built during Malla Dynasty.

Pay a visit to Kumari Ghar, the house of the living goddess of Nepal, Kumari. These real Nepal architectures with multicolor engravings on the walls and doors were erected in 1757 by Jaya Prakash Malla. Kumari is a pre-pubescent young girl chosen to be a living goddess from the Shakya clan of the Newari community. The selection process is tough where she needs to pass several steps.

Another amazing shrine of this surrounding is a Kastamandap, a house of wood was built from a single Sal tree. In the beginning, it was used for a community hall where local people assembled for vital ceremonies, and later, it changed into the Temple of Gorakhnath. The good news is as a few buildings in the Durbar periphery were collapsed due to the devastative earthquake are now completely renovated and eagerly awaiting visitors.

Entry Permit

• NPR 150 for the SAARC Nationals
• NPR 1000 for other tourists

Highlights

• 55 Window Palace: the core architecture dominating all over the entire Durbar periphery established in the 15^th century by King Bhupatindra Malla.
• Golden Gate: A painterly highlight of Durbar Sq. set into a bright red chalet surrounded by white palace walls, the fabulous golden portal avowals some of Nepal's optimum reposes metalwork. The gold-plated Torana exhibits a fabulous Garuda wrestling with a number of mystic traitors, while underneath is a four-headed and 10-armed figure of the deity Taleju Bhawani, the everyday divinity of the Malla kings.
• Lions’ Gate: A gate with a couple of beautiful stone statues of Hindu deities fixed on either side. A 17th-century masterpiece the Lion Gate is the perfect combination of art and architecture. It is said that the hands of the artisans who built this gate were chopped off to be sure that the artisan could not produce any more such arts. Besides, the statues there are two stone images of Bhairav (the dreadful aspect of Shiva) and Ugrachandi (the consort of Shiva in her fearful manifestation).
• Mini Pashupati Temple: Also called a royal dream temple, Mini Pashupati Temple is another highlight of the Bhaktapur visit. The folktale explains, once a king of Bhaktapur dreamed in which lord told him to build the temple of Pashupatinath. As the king himself was the great devotee of Lord Pashupatinath, decided to build a mini Pashupati temple in front of his royal palace.
• Vatsala Temple: The Vatsala Durga also notorious as the Vatsala Devi is positioned on the east side of the Bhaktapur Darbar Square. This shikhara-style monument is sandwiched between the Pashupatinath temple to the south and the Fifty-Five Windows wing of the palace to the north dedicated to the Vatsala manifestation of the female deity Durga.
• Nyatapola Temple: The tallest Hindu temple of Nepal stands at 108 ft. tall stands at Taumadhi Square in the Nepalese city of Bhaktapur built-in 1702 the temple enshrines the goddess Sidhilaxmi and opens only a day in a year-day of Vijaya Dashami. It is built with architectural perfection and artistic beauty.
• Bhairava Nath Temple: A temple devoted to Bhairava, the Deity of terror and death.
• The Pottery Square, National Art Gallery, Pujari Math, Ugrachandi and Bhairav Statues, Indrayani Temple, Dattatreya Square, Peacock Window, Siddha Pokhari, etc.

Renowned as a museum of medieval art and architecture with voluminous examples of sculpture, woodcarving, and colossal pagoda temples sacrosanct to different gods and goddesses, Bhaktapur Durbar Square situates just 9 miles/15 kilometers east from Kathmandu enlisted UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1979. Bhaktapur, otherwise called Bhadgaun, Khowpa, etc.

Bhaktapur is the perfect combination of woodcarvings, metal architecture, and pottery artifacts. The existed temples are a conglomeration of Pagoda and Shikhara styles along with charming architectural showpieces of the Valley as it highlights the ancient arts of Nepal.

Terrific effigies of kings hovering on the top of stone monoliths, the guardian deities gazing from their sanctuaries, the wooden crafts in each domicile- struts, lintels, uprights, tympanums, gateways, and windows-all seem to like to form a well-composed masterpiece.

Entry Permit

• NPR 500 for the SAARC Nationals
• NPR 1500 for other tourists

Highlights

• Also popular as Yala, named after King Yalamber, Patan is believed to be found in the 3^rd century by Kirats and remodeled by Lichhavis followed by the Mallas.
• Patan Durbar Square, Mulchowk, Jagat Narayan Temple, Big Bell, Krishna Temple, Vishwanath temple, Pillar of Yognarendra Malla, Hari Shanker temple, Bhimsen temple, Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbeshwor temple, Golden Temple of Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, Rudra Varna Mahavihar, Marga Hiti, Mani Mandap, Café Pagoda, Minnath, and Rato Machhendra Temple are mostly visited areas in Patan.
• Krishna Temple: Renowned temple in Patan with 21 golden pinnacles in it. This astounding Mandir was built by King Siddhi Narsingh Malla in 1637. Constructed from carved stone – in place of the usual brick and timber – this tremendous architectural confectionery shows the vibrant inspiration of Shikhara temple design and is the most basic stone temple of its form in Nepal.
• Vishwanath Temple: Dedicated to God Shiva which was built in 1627 by Siddhi Narsingh Malla.
• Three major yards: Sundari Chowk, Mul Chowk, and Keshav Narayan Chowk in the Palace.
• Golden Temple: Known as a Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, this temple was built in 1409 and is in fact a Newari Buddhist monastery. This three-story golden pagoda of Shakyamuni Buddha was constructed in the twelfth century by King Bhaskar Varman.
• Inside the upper story of the pagoda are the golden image and a large prayer wheel. The name "golden temple" came about through tourism and a shortening of its translation more than it actually being made of pure gold. Most of the temple is really polished gold-plated copper which gives it a fantastic golden shine.
• The Patan Museum: A display of the traditional sacred arts and crafts of Nepal in an explanation architectural setting. It is the home of an old residential court of Patan Darbar, one of the royal palaces of the former Malla kings of the Kathmandu Valley. Its artistic doors, windows, and entire surroundings make one of the most gorgeous squares on the planet.

Patan Durbar Square was enlisted in World Heritage Sites in 1979 as a cultural monument. Situated just 5 kilometers eastern Kathmandu, Patan is enclosed by four Buddhist stupas erected by Emperor Ashoka in the third century BC. The ancient city of Patan lies in Lalitpur district-the second smallest district of Nepal.

Visiting Patan, travelers immerse in the compact mass of temples is perhaps the most externally striking vitrine of Newari design to be found in Nepal. Most of the arts, crafts, and constructions here date back to the 14^th to 18^th century, especially in the period of the Malla Dynasty.

So, do not miss this amazing historical, cultural, archeological, and religious exhibition of Patan city during your Nepal visit.

Entry Permit

• NPR 250 for the SAARC Nationals
• NPR 1000 for other tourists

Highlights

• Swyambhunath, a hilltop stupa dates back to 2500 years or similar founded by the great-grandfather of King Manadeva (464-505 CE), King Vṛsadeva, about the beginning of the 5th century CE.
• Climb the full 365 steps to the top - take a respite on the way up to relish the small stupas, monkeys, and watch hawkers.
• The main stupa, a huge gold plated Vajra ‘thunderbolt’ set on the east side of the stupa, a small building that contains one of the five elements placed in cardinal points around Swayambhunath as Vasupura (earth) Vayupura (air), Nagpura (water), Agnipura (fire), and Shantipura (sky) around the stupa, Harati Mai temple, statue of Dipankara Buddha, Pratappur temple, the world peace pond,  Whochen Thokjay Choyaling Monastery, beautiful Buddha Park which contains some impressive giant Buddha statues are some of the major attractions of Swyambhunath visit.

Swyambhunath Stupa, probably the oldest monument making its name list believed to be around 2500 years old was enlisted in the world heritage site in 1979. The situated western hilltop of Kathmandu offers astonishing views of the entire valley and magnificent landscapes around it.

A large stupa, a couple of temples around it, different Buddhist relics, museums, fluttering prayer flags, artistic buildings around it are some other attractions of Swyambhunath. The entire surrounding is constructed artistically.

As it is assumed that Swyambhunath was born out of a lotus flower that shone in the core lake. During that period, Kathmandu was a lake. Manjushree, a great legend of Buddhism came from China chopped the hill of Chovar with his sword, let the water of the lake out, and made it suitable for living. A stupa was placed at the hilltop over an ever-glowing lamp. A large dome of Stupa is believed to protect that lamp even today. The main stupa, two adjacent temples, centuries of antique arts and crafts, Harati Mai Temple, a statue of Dipankar Buddha, are quick places to see during your visit to Swyambhu. 

Entry Permit

• NPR 50 for the SAARC Nationals
• NPR 200 for other tourists

Highlights

• One of the most sacred religious destinations for both Hindus and non-Hindu people.
• The main temple with a two-tiered roof, a pinnacle, four silver doors, a Shiv lingam (phallic shrine) in its womb, sits on the bank of the holy Bagmati River.
• The most popular burning places (Ghats) for Hindus are scattered on the banks of the Bagmati River adjacent to the Pashupatinath temple.
• Shivaratri-the biggest festival to be celebrated. More than a million devotees from entire Nepal, India, and other countries visit Pashupatinath in Mahashivaratri).
• Religious monuments resembling both Hindu and Buddhist gods and goddesses surround the temple of Pashupatinath.
• Walk 5-7 minutes more through the steps passing a lustrous jungle reaching the temple of Guhyeshwori, one of the major goddesses of Hindu mythology.

A famed and sacred Hindu temple compound that is positioned on the banks of the Bagmati River, roughly 5 km northeast of Kathmandu, Pashupatinath Temple was enlisted in UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 as a cultural monument.

Pashupatinath literally means the god of all the animals centrally dedicates to Lord Shiva making it one of the most sacred religious shrines of Asia where millions of national and international devotees, visitors, and explorers pay a visit each year.

Shreds of evidence say that it was built in the 5^th century and renovated several times. Lastly, some of its shrines were affected by the devastative earthquake of 2015 but are renovated completely now. The Pasupatinath is said to have existed from the beginning of the era when a Shiva lingam was discovered here.

Pashupatinath temple complex is considered the largest temple surroundings of entire Nepal starches on both banks of Bagmati River- considered one of the holiest rivers by Hindu devotees. The central pagoda-styled temple contains a gilded roof, four sides (each side resembles a direction-east, west, north, and south), exquisite wood crafts. A plethora of temples dedicated to both Hinduism and Buddhism are scattered around the Pashupati complex.

On the banks of the Bagmati river, just below Pashupatinath temple, there sits Arya Ghat where the cremation of Hindus takes place. Numerous other Ghats (cremation places) as Gauri Ghat, Raj Rajeshwori Ghat, Bhasmeshor Ghat exist on the bank of the Bagmati River making it easier to burn people.

Visit this interesting place and get an unmatched mix of cultural, religious, and experiences. Deupatan, Jaya Bageshori, Gaurighat (Holy Bath), Kutumbahal, Gaushala, Pingalasthan, Sleshmantak forest, 492 temples, 15 Shivalayas (shrines of Lord Shiva), and 12 Jyotirlinga (phallic shrines) are some other monuments to explore in Pashupati territory.

Entry Permit

• NPR 1000 for all the tourists (Free for Indian Nationals)

Highlights

• One of the chief Buddhist stupas on the entire planet that keeps an eye out in every direction spreading peace and consciousness.
• Observe the earnest spectators, light a butter lamp and send a prayer where you wish, look around for souvenirs, or observe all from a nearby rooftop restaurant with a cup of tea.
• One of the nearest destinations from Kathmandu valley; a plethora of monasteries around.
• Witness the intoning and prayer of monks spinning the prayer wheels as you amble around the area.
• Fluttering prayer flags from atop to the bases of it make it even spectacular.

Another cultural heritage of Nepal Boudhanath stupa sits about 11 km northeastern outskirts of Kathmandu. Founded around 600 AD by King Songtsen Gompa of Tibet, Boudhanath was listed in World Heritage Site in 1979. The Boudhanath Stupa contains a massive dome, which is accurately proportioned and symbolic with a Buddhist pyramid tower on the top which is shaped like mandalas themselves.

A 36-meter-tall stupa of Boudha is enormous and governs the prospect in the area. With numerous monasteries around it, Boudha is the epicenter of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Constructed in the silhouette of a mandala designed to imitate the Gyangtse of Tibet, the stupa was reconditioned by Licchhavi sovereigns in the 8th century. As the stupa sits on a once ancient trade route to Tibet, numerous merchants used this place as a resting place for centuries. Even today it hasn’t lost its craze where thousands of people visit it every day.

The stupa is constructed construction a mandala on its base. The main dome sits above the mandala. A Harmika resembling each direction locate above the massive dome. Above this, the 13 stages of the canopy make the stupa even mesmerizing. Above there is a lotus, umbrella and pinnacle lie above them respectively.

Those elements have their own importance and meanings. The uppermost pinnacle refers to the symbol of Mt Sumeru (The King of Mountains), umbrella below it resembles the Protector of three jewels, Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.

Likewise, the lotus indicates a symbol of compassion and purity. Below the lotus, thirteen steps exist which specify the thirteen states of Bodhisattvas’ ground for the complete enlightenment. Meanwhile, the two eyes in each direction invoke the symbol of method and wisdom. A nose between the eyes signifies the symbol of nirvana.

The Harmika, Dome, 108 niches, and mandala symbolize eight noble paths, Universe or Vase of great treasure Mandala, Buddha statues, and Mansion of Buddha respectively.

Entry Permit

• NPR 100 for the SAARC Nationals
• NPR 400 for other tourists

Highlights

• The historic stone inscription dating back to 464 and other monuments resembling the Licchivi era can be sightseen.
• The major shrine is believed to have been built around 325 AD and was rebuilt in 1702 AD after a devastating fire. The last renovation was completed recently after the demoralizing earthquake in 2015.
• 10 major incarnation of Lord Vishnu: Matsya (The Fish), Kurma (The Tortoise), Varaha (The Boar), Narasimha (The Man-Lion), Vamana (The Dwarf), Parasurama (The Angry Man), Lord Rama (The Perfect Man), Lord Krishna (The Divine Statesman), Buddha( the founder of Buddhism) and Kalki(end of each Kali Yuga) can be explored in a single place.
• With the main temple shrine, the sculptures of Vishnu’s ten incarnations, Vishnu, Vishwaroop, Vishnu Vikranta, Vishnu riding Garuda, Chinnamasta Devi, Temples of Kileswar Shiva, and several other antique monuments to be revealed.
• Situated just 12 km east Kathmandu valley, amid lustrous backwoods of pine and Champak trees with beautiful views of Kathmandu valley.
• During Hindu and Buddhist festivals and occasions as the Mahashanan, Changu Narayan Jatra, Haribodhimi Ekadashi, and Naga Panchami, thousands of people visit.

Situated atop Bhaktapur, Changunarayan is one of the core Vishnu (Narayan) temples believed to build in the 4^th century. Evidence of very antique arts and architecture of Nepal and Kathmandu valley, Changunarayan is a two-tiered pagoda style, the focal monument here is safeguarded on all sides by couples of real and mythological beasts as elephants, lions, winged lions, and ram-horned griffons and its roof struts feature some astonishingly convoluted figurines of Tantric deities all around it. The temple is also festooned with ten manifestations of the Narayan, the creator of all life.

As the temple is pagoda styled, has a door in four directions. All the doors are metal-plated and are open only for special ceremonies. Both Hindu and Buddhist people enter inside the temple and the rest can observe from a yard.

The Garuda, a special vehicle of lord Vishnu is kept on the main door of the temple. It seems to worship the lord inside. Just in front, the most historic stone inscription in the Kathmandu valley is observable which dates back to 464 AD.

All around the courtyard, you can witness a series of extraordinary carvings dating back to the Lichhivi era explaining Vishnu in various avatars (incarnations). On the southwest corner, the Narshingha (half lion half man) can be viewed. Vikrant (Vamana), the six-armed dwarf who converted himself into an enormous capacity of crossing the universe in three steps to defeat King Bali can be seen adjacent to Narshingha.

Along with the Vishnu, there are separate temples for Lord Shiva and the tantric goddess Chhinnamasta are placed. The earthquake of 2015 had destroyed several monuments except for the major temple (which faced a bit of wreckage) that are completely renovated now.

Entry Permit

• NPR 100 for the SAARC Nationals
• NPR 300 for other tourists

Highlights

• The holy shrine for the peace wanderers from all around the world carries historical, cultural, and religious importance.
• Ashoka Pillar: A large stone pillar with an inscription concerning the birth of Lord Gautam Buddha by emperor Ashoka since 250 BC.
• On December 1^st, 1896, Lumbini was rediscovered by Dr. Fuhrer (German) and Khadga Shumsher Rana (Nepal).
• Explore Maya Devi Temple, Lumbini Garden, Monastic zones (eastern and western), world peace pagoda, Lumbini Museum, Eternal Peace Flame, Royal Thai Monastery, Myanmar Golden Monastery, Puskarini Pond, Dharma Swami Maharaja Buddha Vihar, Sri Lanka Temple, Cambodian Monastery, Zhong Hua Chinese Buddhist Monastery, Dae Sung Shakya Sa (Korean Temple), Lumbini Crane Sanctuary, Manang Samaj Stupa Vietnam Phat Quoc Tu Temple, Great Drigung Lotus Stupa, Thrangu Vajra Vidya Monastery during your visit.
• Tilaurakot: Positioned at a distance of 24 km from Lumbini, Tilaurakot Palace relics of Kapilvstu and is assumed to the palace where Gautam Buddha spent 29 years of his life before leaving the palace for enlightenment. Its detection is marked as a momentous incident that divulges the historical life of Gautama Buddha.

Lumbini ‘in Sanskrit the lovely’ is a Buddhist religious site that is well renowned for the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha- the light of Asia and founder of Buddhism sits in the Rupandehi district, Lumbini province of southern Nepal.

It is one of four Buddhist pilgrimage sites on the major events in the life of Buddha. Lumbini is famous for his birthplace, Bodh Gaya for enlightenment, Sarnath for the first discourse, and Kushinagar for his Mahaparinirvana (death) 

According to Buddhist myths and shreds of evidence, Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautam around 563 BCE (dates vary) on the way to her mother’s house. Staying 29 years in his palace, Siddharta Gautam left his residence in the search of the meaning of the several questions that arose since he was a child.

Around six years later of his wandering at around 528 BCE, he got enlightenment and started to spread his knowledge to the rest world. Now Lumbini is one of many magnets for pilgrimage that leaped up in places fundamental to the life of the Buddha.

Numerous monasteries made by distinct nations, Maya Devi Temple, museums, monastic zones, research centers, holy ponds, and peace gardens are some of the major attractions of Lumbini. These days Lumbini has gained popularity as one of the world's most important spiritual sites and attracts Buddhist pilgrims from around the world.

Entry Permit

• NPR 100 for the SAARC Nationals
• NPR 200 for other tourists

Highlights

• The earliest national park of Nepal. Quite popular for jungle safari, bird watching, elephant back safari.
• Explore among some of the rarest species of the ecosystem.
• Enjoy the canoeing passing the Rapti River viewing the crocodiles nearby.
• Got rarest chance to view one-horned rhinos, Gharials, leopards, Asian palm civets, rhinos, elephants, guars, wild boars, hog deer, sambar deer, rhesus monkeys, flying squirrels, antelopes, tallow-throated martens, mongooses, sloth bears, smooth-coated otters, Bengal foxes, honey badgers, spotted linsangs, striped hyenas, golden jackals, jungle cats, fishing cats, and the rare hispid hare species and even the Royal Bengal Tiger if you are lucky.
• View Bengal florican lesser florican, redhead florican, Grey-crowned Prinia, spotted eagles, grass warblers, storks Bengal florican, swamp francolin, Oriental darter, egrets, etc, some of the rarest species of birds.
• One of Asia’s best national parks for exploring wildlife and vegetation.
• Visit elephant breeding center, Wildlife Display and Information Center,
• Explore Tharu cultural village; witness Tharu cultural dances.

A natural wonder- Chitwan National Park sits at the lower belt inner Terai extended in four districts of Nepal viz. Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Parsa, and Makwanpur, covering 952.63 km2 (367.81 sq. mi).

Established in 1973, Chitwan Nationa Park was enlisted in a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Most of the area of the park lies in dense forest, river, wetlands, and grasslands that shelters sizeable animal populations, making it one of the best national parks for viewing wildlife in Asia.

Chitwan National Park shelters 68 species of mammals, 544 species of birds, 56 species of herpetofauna, and 126 species of fish. The park is especially notorious for its preservation of One Horned Rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger, and Gharial Crocodile.

Go in search of the grandiose Royal Bengal tiger and lookout the greater one-horned rhinoceros, some rare and endangered animals, birds, butterflies, and reptiles. Beware! The great Asiatic elephants ramble the jungles in herds. This national park is nearby and an idyllic place to go for a wildlife safari. 

Highlights

• The home of 3 of the tallest peaks of the planet dozens of peaks above 6000 m.
• Shelters the upper catchment zones of the Dudh Kosi River, Bhotekoshi river sink, and the Gokyo Lakes.
• Great diversity in elevation ranging from 2845m (9,334ft) at Monjo to the top of the world's highest peak Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) at 8848. 86 m (29,031ft) above sea level.
• Barren land above 5,000 m (16,000ft) encompasses 69% of the park while 28% is pasturelands d and the remaining 3% is woodland.
• Climatic zones comprise a forested temperate zone, a subalpine zone above 3,000 m (9,800 ft), and an alpine zone above 4,000 m (13,000ft) and the icy zone above 5,000 m (16,000 ft).
• Find plants such as rhododendrons, blue pine, silver fir, birch, etc. especially below 3500m.
• Encounter animals like snow leopard, lynx, and Musk deer while trekking towards the Everest region.
• Rich in Himalayan fauna including 18 varieties of reptiles, 37 types of mammals, and 118 kinds of birds. A paradise for birdwatchers as you can spot cock, pheasant, snow pigeon, and so on.

Sagarmatha National Park, the home of the world’s tallest peak-Mt Everest(8848.86m) sits on the north-eastern part of Nepalese Himalayas in the upper catchment of the Dudh Kosi river 140 km east of Kathmandu, centered on 27^o57’55” N by 86^o54’47” E. This national park covers an area of 443 square miles (1,148 sq km) and extends from Monjo at 2,845m to the top of Mt. Everest/Sagarmatha at 8,848.86m/29031ft.  Established in 1976, this park was enlisted in World Heritage Site in 1979.

With most of the park situating above 3,000 m, it is mostly rugged terrain made up of deep gorges, glaciers and massive rocks, and mountain peaks. It is the home of 25 or more peaks over 6,000m, and seven mountains (Baruntse, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumo Ri, Guachung Kang, Cho-Oyu, and Nangpai Gosum) over 7000m high and three mountains over (Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu) over 8000m high.

The rivers are nourished by the extended glaciers at the crown of apiece vale: Nangpa Glacier on the Bhote Kosi, Ngozumpa Glacier on the Dudh Kosi, Khumbu Glacier on the Lobuche Khola, and the Imja Glacier, one of eight which feed the Imja Khola under Sagarmatha. The Ngozumpa Glacier, 20 km long, is adjoined on the west by the four Gokyo lakes impounded behind its lateral moraine.

Sagarmatha National Park is the preservation center for varieties of flora and wildlife. Trees as birch, rhododendron, blue pine, juniper, and silver found up to an elevation of 4000m above sea level. Above this, only scrub and alpine plants are found.

During the month of late March to early May, the hillsides surrounding the villages of Lukla, Phakding, Monjo, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Thame, and Khumjung are a riot of colors with several species of rhododendrons and other wildflowers in bloom.

Sagarmatha National Park shelters distinct wildlife as Himalaya tahr, ghoral, musk deer, Pikka (mouse hare) weasel, jackal, langur monkeys, Himalayan black bear, wolf, lynx, and snow leopard. Similarly, it is also a bird’s paradise with 118 species of birds including Impeyan pheasant, blood pheasant, snow cock, snow pigeon, red-billed and yellow-billed chough, Himalayan griffin vulture, lammergeyer, and several others.

Entry Permit

• NPR 1500 for the SAARC Nationals
• NPR 3000 for other tourists