Unique among natural heritage site worldwide is the Sagarmatha National Park, which includes Mt. Everest (8,848 m / 29,029 ft) and other high peaks such as Lhotse, Lhotse-Shar, Cho Oyu, Amadablam, Pumori, Kangtega, Gyachung Kang, Thamserku and Kongde. It is located in north – east of Kathmandu. Sagarmatha National Park is 1,148 sq. km in area. Much area of the park lies above 3,000 m, Sagarmatha is rugged, with deep gorge, glaciers and nonnegotiable ice and rock faces. Locally it is known as the Khumbu. It is the home of the famous Sherpa people. The Sherpa make a living by farming barley, buck-wheat, and potatoes and graze their yaks in high altitude pastures. Now most of Sherpa are involving in mountaineering and trekking field.
The Sagarmatha National Park was listed in world heritage site in 1979. Trees such as Blue Pine, Chir Pine, Juniper, Silver Fir and Rhodendron are found in this Park. In late spring and the summer, the hillside around the village of Namche, Khumjung, Tyangboche, Phorte, Dole and Thame area riot of colors with several species of Rhododendron bloom. Wildlife most likely to be seen in Sagarmatha National Park are Himalayan Thar, Ghoral, Musk deer, Jackal and rarely seen animals are Himalayan Black Bear, Wolf, Snow Leopard etc. Birds commonly seen are Impeyan Pheasant, Crimson-horned Pheasant and Snow pigeon, Golden Eagle, Snow Cocks, Red Billed and Vulture etc.
