Sagarmatha Tourism Sector is one of the tourism zone among 18 tourism zones of Nepal containing four districts, namely, Solukhumbu, Okhaldhunga, Khotang and Ramechhap. It is bordered by Arun Tourism Area in the east, Langtang-Gaurishankar Tourism Sector and Kathmandu Tourism Area in the west, Tibet in the north, and Salahes Tourism Sector and Videha-Mithila Tourism Sector in the south. It is named as the world’s highest peak, Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest, 8,848 m) lies in this tourism sector. This tourism sector is popular for mountain tourism as most of the renowned peaks lie here. This region consists the historical as well as religious importance too. The major tourism activities of this region are expedition, trekking, mountain flight, Heli tour, rafting, canyoning, ancient fort tour, etc. This sector lies in the hilly region, so accessing by road is a little bit difficult. There are 9 domestic airports in operation in this region. Here is the information of the individual district with the potential tourism destination.
Solukhumbu District is situated in Province No. 1 of eastern Nepal covering an area of 3,312 sq. km. Salleri is the administrative headquarters. Mount Everest is in the northern part of this district, within Sagarmatha National Park. The district is surrounded by Sankhuwasabha in east, Bhojpur in the south-east, Khotang and Okhaldhunga in south, Dolakha and Ramechhap in west and Tibet (China) in the north. The highest elevation of district is 8,848 meters (29,029 ft.) (Mt. Everest) and the lowest elevation is 600 meters (2,000 ft) (Tuintar) above sea level. Indigenous ethnic Kulung, Kirat Rai and hill caste Chhetri are the main groups living in the mid-hills, while Sherpas occupy the high mountains.
Tourism in Solukhumbu
Solukhumbu District is a familiar name in mountain tourism. The main attraction is Mount Everest (8,848m). UNESCO has listed the Sagarmatha National Park as a World Heritage site. Sherpa culture and Tengboche Monastery are unique to this district. The Khumjung village is famous for Sherpa culture. Gokyo valley and Khumbu valley are the major Himalayan valleys famous among the adventure and nature seekers. Gokyo Lake trek, Island peak climbing, Solukhumbu, Mera Peak climbing, Mount Everest Expedition, Amadablam expedition, and Lobuche peak climbing are the popular adventure trips in Solukhumbu district. This district is well known for adventure holidays. Kangeldanda Airport, Tenzing-Hillary Airport (LUA), Phaplu Airport (PPL), Syangboche Airport (SYH) are four regional airports available in Solukhumbu district. There are many flights and air-services are available.
Places to visit in Solukhumbu
Namche Bazar
Namche Bazaar is a town located within the Khumbu area at 3,440 meters (11,286 ft) at its low point, populating the sides of a hill. Most Sherpa who are in the tourism business are from the Namche area. Namche is the main trading center and hub for the Khumbu region with many Nepalese officials, a police check, post, a bank, and even a beauty salon. Immediately west of Namche is Kongde Ri at 6,187 meters (20,299 ft) and to the east is Thamserku at 6,623 meters (21,729 ft). Namche Bazaar is popular with trekkers in the Khumbu region, especially for altitude acclimatization, and is the gateway to the high Himalaya. The town has many lodgings and stores catering to the needs of visitors as well as several internet cafés. There are German bakeries, little cafes, and many restaurants. A popular local meal is yak steak. On Saturday mornings, a weekly market is held in the center of the village.
Sagarmatha National Park Museum
Sagarmatha National Park Museum, situated on a perfect lookout spot above Namche Bazar, is a simple museum that offers many intriguing exhibits covering the people, culture, geology, and history of the Everest region. The statue of Tenzing Norgay is one of the many attractions at the museum which also offers great views of Lhotse and Everest. A trip to the museum also offers a great opportunity to get into the heart of the Sherpa culture, tradition, and history.
Sherpa Culture Museum
Sherpa Culture Museum located at the world-famous Namche Bazaar in the Everest region is built with traditional Sherpa design and architecture. It has all the old and lost Sherpa artifacts in its original place resembling the Sherpa way of life in the past, before the tourism in this area began. The house consists of a family living room on the first floor with a separate family praying chapel. Downstairs is the cow stable, yak dung, wood- and hey store just like a traditional Sherpa family house. The Museum is open to all the visitors who come to the Everest region for trekking as well as expedition or on research purposes upon a small token of the fee charged at the door.
Tengboche Monastery
Tengboche Monastery (or Thyangboche Monastery), also known as Dawa Choling Gompa, in the Tengboche village in Khumjung in the Khumbu region of eastern Nepal is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery of the Sherpa community. Situated at 3,867 meters (12,687 ft), the monastery is the largest gompa in the Khumbu region of Nepal. Tengboche or Thyangboche Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries of Nepal, probably because of its unrivaled backdrop of Mt. Ama Dablam. The monastery is the leading Buddhist center in the Khumbu region with a residing Rinpoche who blesses pilgrims, mountaineers and travelers passing through. Every October, Tengboche Monastery hosts the colorful Mani Rimdu festival, which is a culmination of Buddhist celebrations with a religious gathering, songs, ritual dances, and enactments of the lives of legendary figures. Tengboche is the terminus site of the "Sacred Sites Trail Project" of the Sagarmatha National Park which attracts a large number of tourists for trekking and mountaineering. It is a circular trail that covers 10 monasteries in a clockwise direction terminating in the Tengboche Monastery.
Gokyo Lakes
Gokyo Lakes are oligotrophic lakes in Nepal's Sagarmatha National Park, located at an altitude of 4,700–5,000 m (15,400–16,400 ft) above sea level. These lakes are the world's highest freshwater lake system comprising six main lakes, of which Thonak Lake is the largest. In September 2007, Gokyo and associated wetlands of 7,770 ha (30.0 sq mi) have been designated a Ramsar site. The Gokyo Lakes are considered sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists. About 500 Hindus take a holy bath in the lakes during the Janai Purnima festival, which usually occurs in August. On an average 7,000 tourists annually visit the Gokyo Lakes. The site is worshipped as the residing place of 'Nag Devata' (Snake God); a temple of the Hindu deities Lords Vishnu and Shiva is situated at the western corner of the lake. The belief that birds and wildlife in the area should not be harmed has traditionally protected fauna. Gokyo is among the most popular tourist destinations leading towards the Everest base camp and other areas. Gokyo village at 4,790 m (15,720 ft) elevation is a major center in the area. The site is two days' walk uphill from Namche Bazaar. A visit to the area often includes climbing Gokyo Ri.
Popular Trek in Solukhumbu
Everest Base Camp Trek
The Everest base camp trek is one of the most popular base camp treks in Nepal. This trek offers the great Everest Himalaya and more from this region. The trails along the Everest Base Camp Trekking are not simple trekking route through the Himalayas but the ultimate journey which stands at the apex of all trekking routes. Surrounded by the mesmerizing Himalayas all around the journey takes us to the mesmerizing viewpoint of Kalapatthar (5,545m) which is perhaps the best viewpoint to witness the majestic Himalayas drenched golden with the rising sun. The Everest Kalapatthar Trek also explores the Sherpa villages and historic Buddhist monasteries to offer the mesmerizing charisma of the Everest realm. Everest Base Camp Trek is packed with twisting tracks, lush pastures, Sherpa bazaars and settlements, Buddhist monasteries, and numerous streams. EBC trek offers you excitement and memories last forever. The Everest region can be visited year-round, although the spring (March to May) and the fall (late September to early November) are the best time for clear skies and comfortable temperatures.
Three Passes Trek
Everest High Passes Trek comprises three of the passes of Everest region: Kongma La (5,535/18,159 ft), Cho La (5420m/17,782ft), and Renjo La (5,340m/17,520ft) which are also the challenging highlights of this trek. Therefore, Everest High Passes Trek is also popularly known as the ‘Everest Circuit Trek’. Everest High Passes Trek is a great way to feel the unique taste of nature and culture of the Himalaya Region. Remote and beautiful landscapes, breathtaking humongous mountains, narrow ridges, and magnificent villages make the trip a memorable experience for a lifetime. Crossing the rugged high passes of Renjo La (5,388 m), Cho La (5,380 m) and Kongma La (5535 m) with climbing of the three peaks of Gokyo Ri (5483 m), Kalapathar (5,545 m) and Chukung (5,550 m) along with the hike to Everest base camp makes this 3 pass trek the incomparable and unforgettable trekking experience in Nepal.
Everest Sherpa Village Trek
Everest Sherpa village trek is a unique trekking experience to explore the lifestyle and culture of Sherpa. This scenic trek gives us a close encounter with Sherpa life as we travel around the Khumbu region to different Sherpa villages. This trek offers amazing views of Mount Everest and main peaks Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Thamserku, and other of the Khumbu region. We will get a chance to explore Sherpa people, culture, lifestyle, monasteries, and tradition of them. Sherpa Village Trek can be joined during any time of the year, however, the autumn and spring seasons are regarded as the best ones.
Amadablam Base Camp Trek
Ama Dablam base camp trek is the most popular trekking located in the Everest region in Nepal. Ama Dablam means “Mother’s necklace”; the long ridges on each side like the arms of a mother (ama) protecting her child, and the hanging glacier thought of as the Dablam, the traditional double-pendant containing pictures of the gods, worn by women. This trek is flourished with beautiful natural surroundings, a famous Buddhist cultural village, and warm hospitality of Sherpa people. This fascinating trekking destination is filled with adventurous trekking trail and exotic natural scenery. Ama Dablam base camp trek is one of the most beautiful fascinating tip which offers a chance to get closer the world’s highest mountains including Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Nuptse and other mighty peaks.
Khotang District is situated in Province No. 1 of eastern Nepal covering an area of 1,591 sq. km. Diktel is the administrative headquarters. The district has been bordered by Bhojpur District in the east, Udayapur district in the south, Okhaldhunga district in the west, and Solukhumbu district in the North. Sunkoshi River and Dudh Koshi River makes natural borders in the North, West and South and a series of hills and Small River makes border separating it from Bhojpur District in East. The elevations of the district is 152 m to 3620 m from the sea level. The majority of people in this place are from the Rai community as this place is also known as Majh Kirat (Middle Kirat). Apart from Rai, there are other ethnic groups such as Limbu, Tamang, Bramins, Chettri, and many more.
Tourism in Khotang
A beautiful place situated in the eastern part of Nepal, Khotang district is not only rich in nature and cultural heritage but also has significant religious values in the lives of people living in Nepal. Apart from being in a hill region, there are also certain difficulties of transportation on the way to Khotang, however, that does not affect the high religious importance the place holds. An easy way to reach this place is by Air. There are three airports situated in different locations of Khotang District and we can reach there from Kathmandu in a few hours of flight. Manamaayaa Rai Khani Danda Airport, Laamidaada Airport (LDN), Thaamkharka Airport are the airports that provide easy access to this district. Some of the interesting places in Khotang district are Dudh Koshi River, Maratika Cave, Majhuwa Gadi, Halesi Mahadev, Sahadeu Gadi, Baraha Pokhari and Various Hill like Maiyu, Tyameke, Merung, Malathumki, and others.
Places to visit in Khotang
Haleshi Maratika Cave
The Halesi-Maratika Caves (also the Haleshi Mahadev temple) are located in the Khotang district of eastern Nepal at an altitude of 1,355m above sea level. The temple is a venerated pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. The caves are called the Halesi Mahadev Temple by Hindus who associate them with Mahadeva, a form of Shiva; also it is known as The Pashupatinath of East, all over the country and Buddhist, who consider them to be the caves associated with the legend of Padmasambhava. These caves host various ceremonies and celebrations, especially various fairs on the occasion of Mahashivaratri, Chaturthi, etc and it is an excellent example of religious tolerance existing in the country. This cave is 67 feet below the surface. It is a popular tourist destination. The location of this cave lies between the holy rivers Dudh Koshi and Sun Kosi. This place is usually cold and rainy. Nowadays it is accessible by motorcycles and jeeps.
Kalikadevi Temple
Situated at the headquarters of Khotang district, Diktel, the temple of Kalikadevi is visited by the devotees throughout the year. The place also observes maximum goat sacrifice offered to the goddess by the devotees. A mysterious small cave housing the symbolic image of Lord Shiva near the Kalikadevi temple also adds up to the curiosity of the devotees visiting to pay their homage to the goddess.
Baraha Pokhari
It is a beautiful pond situated in the Khotang district. This lake has its own historical and religious importance. According to Hindu Myth, this lake was created in the time of God Baraha. This lake is situated at an altitude of 1,700 meters and around 800 meters long and 500 meters wide. The colorful fish in the lake and the crystal clear water makes this place best to visit.
Dhodreshwor Mahadev
Dhodreshwor Mahadev is a holy shrine with religious significance as well as a great wonder of nature. In the cave of this place, there are several symbolic images of gods and goddesses. We can enter the cave from north and west meanwhile there is an unfathomable tunnel to the east. There is an opening to the sky near the northern gateway which provides light to the cave.
Okhaldhunga District is situated in Province No. 1 in eastern Nepal covering an area of 1074.5 sq. km. Siddhicharan is the administrative headquarters. This district is surrounded by Khotang in east, Ramechhap in west, Solukhumbu in North and Udayapur, and Sindhuli in South. It is believed that the name of this district Okhaldhunga is derived from the stone of the shape of Okhal situated in Okhaldhunga VDC 6 at Shiddeswor Park. This place is situated in the altitude range from 390 meters to 3,627 meters. This place is the part of Wallo Kirat, home to the Rai and Sunuwar community. Apart from these groups, we can find Limbu, Magar, Tamang, Bhujel, Newar, and many more.
Tourism in Okhaldhunga
Okhaldhunga is not only rich in natural beauty only but also in cultural heritage. There are a lot of religiously and biologically important places to visit in this district. Many rivers, waterfalls, peaks, cave, and religious places are considered as the attractive point of this place. Dudh Koshi River, Sun Koshi River, Likhu River are the major river of this place. Tholedemabaa Peak is one of the famous peaks that attracts many tourists to this place. During the visit of this place, we can enjoy the view of different waterfalls such as Pokali waterfall of height 130 meters, Raatmate fall of height 111 meters, Sepli fall, Dhikure fall, Selele fall and Nyaule fall are few other famous fall situated in this district. These districts contain ancient forts such as Okhaldhunga Gadhi, Taluwagadhi, Chisankhukot, Bhaluithumkagadhi, and Chyanmakotgadhi that were important in the history of Nepal. Rumjatar Airport (RUM) is the airport that lies in this district and has been operating a regular flight from Kathmandu.
Places to visit in Okaldhunga
Rumjatar
Rumjatar is a small village in Okhaldhunga district and this region is famed for natural beauty and there are numbers of mountains and valleys surrounded by this region and provides the breathtaking sight of peaks are covered with snow, which makes it one of the most admirable sites to visit and bounded by few historical sites as well and this region is also famed for trekking.
Pokali waterfall
Pokali is the second tallest waterfall in the country with a height of 130 m. It is considered very suitable for canyoning in the spring season from April to May. It has been listed in the top 100 destinations to visit in Nepal. The legends of Hadi Daha located below the Pokali waterfall, the story of the Ban Jhakri, a visit to the Dudheshwar Mahadev temple, the attraction of Chulivan are very important aspects of the waterfall. Various herbs and Rhododendron found in Chulivan, as well as birds like Danphe, have added waterfall’s beauty. The mixed culture of Sunuwar, Sherpa, Chhetri, Bahun, and Shilpi communities can be seen in one place. Pokali word originated from the Sunuwar language. In the local language, ‘Po’ means Pig and ‘Kali’ means nettle.
Khiji Tholedemba
Khiji Tholedemba, situated at an elevation of 3,440 m, is the highest and the most attractive hill located in the western part of Okhaldhunga. Khiji Tholedemba is located in Khiji Chandeshwori near Khijiphalate. The panoramic view of Gaura Parvat, Gaurishankar, Himalayas, Numbur mountain range to Mount Everest can be viewed form Khiji Toledemba. High Mountain View, Flora, diverse culture of ethnic groups Sunuwar, Sherpa, Bhuje, Chetri, and other minorities are the main attraction of this area.
Tolu Gumba
Tolu Gumba is a famous place of pilgrimage for Buddhists, especially belonging to the Sherpa community. The monastery that enshrines brass, wooden and concrete image of Lord Buddha stands in a very beautiful and attractive place that calls for at least one visit.
Chandisthan Cave
Chandisthan Gupha (cave) is situated at the west of the Okhaldhunga. This is approximately 299 ft. long cave where the hot wind blows all the time is regarded as a mysterious place of religious significance. The cave can be approached up to 100 ft. with the assistance of artificial lighting.
Ramechhap district is situated in Bagmati Pradesh (Province no. 3) covering an area of 1,546 sq. km. Manthali is the administrative headquarters. Ramechhap is surrounded by Solukhumbu and Okaldhunga in east, Dolakha in North, Kavrepalanchok in east, and Sindhuli in the south. It stretches from the Sun Koshi `River to the base of the Everest range, with elevations varying from 488 m at the Sun Koshi to Numbur chuli peak at 6,909 m. The district has the highest population of the endangered native group the Kusunda. Ramechhap Airport (RCH) is located at Manthali, on the bank of Sunkoshi River.
Tourism in Ramechhap
Trekking in Ramechhap takes us beyond mainstream tourism and allows us to escape the congestion of commercialized trekking routes. Ramechhap offers an experience not found elsewhere in Nepal. We can meet people from different Indigenous communities and learn far more about them and their culture than on conventional tours. Rhododendron forests give way to bamboo groves which in turn vanish into the tantalizingly close Himalayan peaks, and the dominant religion changes from Hindu to Buddhist. It is connected by B.P. Highway and about 135 km from Kathmandu. At present, most of the flight of Lukla has been operated from Ramechhap Airport to avoid the air traffic of Kathmandu.
Places to visit in Ramechhap
Indigenous Peoples Trail
The ‘Indigenous Peoples Trail' is in the Ramechhap District of Nepal. The first of its kind in Nepal, the ‘Indigenous Peoples Trail’ offers unique, living, exposure to one of the most culturally diverse areas of Nepal. The ‘Indigenous Peoples Trail’ offers scenic trekking at relatively low elevations, below 3000M. Bound by Thulo Sailung peak in the North, the golden Sunkoshi flowing along the South and the Tama Koshi in the East, the ‘Indigenous Peoples Trail’ presents an incomparable and natural blend of cultural, linguistic and ethnic diversity coupled with breathtaking Himalayan panoramas, stretching from Dhaulagiri and Annapurna in the West to Numbur chuli and Kanchenjunga in the East.
Jatapokhari and Panch pokhari
Jatapokhari is located at Ramechhap district and panchpokhari is found about 1.5 hours walk distant north to the Jatapokhari. This holy Lake Jatapokhari and panch pokhari are within the lap of Mt. Numbur chuli This holy lake is embellished with unexpected natural beauty, biological diversity, and cultural heritage. It lies within the arms of terribly stunning Himalayan range and pristine nature. It’s extremely popular for pilgrim’s journey destination for Hindus.
Thulo Sailung
Thulo Sailung, situated at an elevation of 3,300m, offers impressive views over Kalinchowk to the Annapurna, Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Rowling, Mt. Everest, and Kanchanjanga ranges, to the South the Mahabharata hills roll over the Sun Koshi River and right down to the Terai below. Thulo Sailung is regarded by the Tamangs because of the abode of the territorial deity, Sailung Phoi Sibda Karpo, Sailung’s ‘White Male Lord of the Earth’.
Khandadevi
Khandadevi is located around a fascinating Hindu Temple complex encircled by ancient stone walls. The temple, dedicated to goddess Khanda Devi, was discovered in 1458 AD by a shepherd who discovered milk oozing from a sacred stone, an emanation of the immortal Khandadevi. The site served additionally as a defensive structure throughout the Anglo-Nepal war. The setting is dominated by high hills of lush green Maharabharat vary with snowy peaks of Numbur chuli and Gaurishankar on the northern horizon and southern views over the flat terai below.
Numbur Cheese Circuit
The Numbur Cheese Circuit is a new trek in the Ramechhap District of Nepal. The starting point of the trek is Shivalaya. The trek can offer visitors superb views of major Himalayan peaks including Annapurna South, Langtang, Gaurishankar and Numbur chuli, and many more. Walk through deep river gorges, glacial lakes, terraced rice fields, subtropical forests, and Sherpa villages to the Lhiku Khola glacier, watched over by the towering peaks of Pathibarra and Numbur chuli. Visit one of Nepal’s first cheese factories, established in 1957, and the famous Thodung Monastery on the way. In April and May, rhododendrons bloom in profusion, we may also see eagles and musk deer as well as Himalayan tahr, a species of goat antelope. During the wet season, the mountain meadows are very green and lush with flowers and grasses. However, trekking at this time is difficult in the wet and clouds will obscure any views.
Moreover, Solukhumbu district of this tourism sector has been well renowned as the hub of tourism of Nepal as the world’s highest peak lies here. There are many peaks and mountains open for the expedition. Yearly, many tourists do trekking as well as visit this sector for many adventurous activities like expedition, trekking, rafting, canyoning, etc. However, other regions are lacking the flow of visitors. Having the potential of tourism development, the places are still waiting for the visitors.
