World Heritage Identification Number: 120
World Heritage since: 1979
Category: Natural Heritage
WHE Type: Protected Areas & National Parks
Transboundary Heritage: No
Endangered Heritage: No
Country: 🇳🇵 Nepal
Continent: Asia
UNESCO World Region: Asia and the Pacific
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Sagarmatha National Park: A Unique Blend of Natural Beauty and Cultural Richness
Sagarmatha National Park, located in the Himalayas of eastern Nepal, is a testament to the harmonious coexistence of breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Established in 1976 and inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, this protected area spans over an expanse of 1,148 square kilometers in the Solukhumbu District.
More to come…UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site
Sagarmatha is an exceptional area with dramatic mountains, glaciers and deep valleys, dominated by Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world (8,848 m). Several rare species, such as the snow leopard and the lesser panda, are found in the park. The presence of the Sherpas, with their unique culture, adds further interest to this site.
UNESCO Justification of the World Heritage Site
Criteria (vii): Sagarmatha National Parks’ superlative and exceptional natural beauty is embedded in the dramatic mountains, glaciers, deep valleys and majestic peaks including the Worlds’ highest, Mount Sagarmatha (Everest) (8,848 m.). The area is home to several rare species such as the snow leopard and the red panda. The area represents a major stage of the Earth’s evolutionary history and is one of the most geologically interesting regions in the world with high, geologically young mountains and glaciers creating awe inspiring landscapes and scenery dominated by the high peaks and corresponding deeply-incised valleys. This park contains the world’s highest ecologically characteristic flora and fauna, intricately blended with the rich Sherpa culture. The intricate linkages of the Sherpa culture with the ecosystem are a major highlight of the park and they form the basis for the sustainable protection and management of the park for the benefit of the local communities.
Encyclopedia Record: Sagarmatha National Park
Sagarmāthā National Park is a national park in the Himalayas of eastern Nepal that was established in 1976 and encompasses an area of 1,148 km2 (443 sq mi) in the Solukhumbu District. It ranges in elevation from 2,845 to 8,848 m and includes Mount Everest. In the north, it shares the international border with Qomolangma National Nature Preserve in Tibet Autonomous Region. In the east, it is adjacent to Makalu Barun National Park, and in the south it extends to Dudh Kosi river. It is part of the Sacred Himalayan Landscape.Additional Site Details
Area: 124,400 hectares
Number of Components: 1
Coordinates: 27.96528 , 86.91306
IUCN World Heritage Outlook
The 2025 Conservation Outlook on Sagarmatha National Park reports the following assessment:
Source: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) · View assessment
World Heritage Research
Discover scientific research and academic studies that deepen our understanding of Sagarmatha National Park from its history and significance to its conservation, management, and contemporary challenges.
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Landslide Risk Associated with Glacier Tourism in the Mt. Everest Region (Sagarmatha National Park), High-Mountain Nepal
A critical assessment of landslide risk in Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal, reveals that glacier tourism infrastructure—including trekking routes, helipads, and campsites—faces significant exposure to landslides despite low direct intersection with active scars. Land Surface Temperature (LST) emerged as the dominant factor influencing landslide occurrence, followed by rainfall, elevation, slope, and specific land cover types like barren land and alpine meadows. Using advanced models—Random Forest (91% accuracy), Logistic Regression (87%), and Frequency Ratio (84%)—the study highlights that while only 0.52% of trekking routes directly overlap with active landslides, a substantial 28% lie within high-exposure zones. This underscores the vulnerability of glacier tourism destinations to both typical and paraglacial landslides, posing serious implications for Nepal’s tourism sector.
Sapkota, L., Liu, Q., Khanal, N. R., Gurung, B., & Luo, Y. (2026). Landslide Risk Associated with Glacier Tourism in the Mt. Everest Region (Sagarmatha National Park), High-Mountain Nepal. Earth, 7(2), 43. https://doi.org/10.3390/earth7020043
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Avalanche Susceptibility Mapping of Sagarmatha National Park in Nepal Using GIS-based MCDA–AHP
Approximately 40% of Sagarmatha National Park in Nepal is highly susceptible to avalanches, according to a new study using GIS-based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis-Analytical Hierarchical Process (MCDA-AHP). This finding reveals that susceptibility extends beyond perennial snow-capped regions to include low-lying areas with seasonal snowfall. The research validated its model by mapping recorded avalanche incidents, showing an 80% overlap with high and very high susceptibility zones. By leveraging Aster GDEM and High Mountain Asia (HMA) snow cover data, the study provides a critical tool for risk assessment in one of Nepal's most iconic regions, where avalanches pose significant hazards year-round.
Kafle, A., Kaphle, B., & Pokhrel, M. (2026). Avalanche Susceptibility Mapping of Sagarmatha National Park in Nepal Using GIS-based MCDA–AHP. Journal of Engineering Issues and Solutions, 5(2), 31–41. https://doi.org/10.3126/joeis.v5i2.97802
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Community Attachment, Emotional Solidarity, and Sustainable Tourism Support: Evidence From Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal
A study on Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal, reveals that strong community attachment significantly boosts support for sustainable tourism by enhancing perceived value and reinforcing emotional solidarity among residents. The research integrates Community Attachment Theory, Social Exchange Theory, and Emotional Solidarity Theory to analyze how these factors interact in tourism-dependent regions. Findings indicate that gender also plays a moderating role in the relationship between emotional solidarity dimensions—such as welcoming nature and sympathetic understanding—and tourism support. Conducted with data from 260 residents in the Khumbu region, the study offers actionable insights for policymakers to foster resident engagement and promote sustainable tourism in sensitive environments.
Chen, Q., Jiang, F., Guo, Y., Shrestha, R. K., & Zhang, Q. (2025). Community Attachment, Emotional Solidarity, and Sustainable Tourism Support: Evidence From Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal. Sustainable Development, 33(3), 4492–4510. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.3360
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The use of trekking poles and trail degradation in Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal Himalaya
A significant portion of trekkers in Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal, relies on uncapped metal-tipped poles, which accelerate trail erosion by creating small holes on bare surfaces. The study found that 53.6% of visitors used trekking poles, with 59.2% opting for uncapped ones, exacerbating soil loss during the monsoon season when trails are most vulnerable. To quantify this impact, researchers employed smartphone-based 3D scanning, a novel approach to assess trail degradation. The findings highlight an urgent need for better trail management, advocating for capped poles and sustainable practices to balance increased foot traffic with ecological preservation in mountain national parks.
Wang, T., & Watanabe, T. (2025). The use of trekking poles and trail degradation in Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal Himalaya. Environmental Challenges, 20, 101302. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envc.2025.101302
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Assessment of the surface water quality in high-altitude springs in the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park, Nepal
A three-year study (2008–2010) of high-altitude springs in Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal, revealed deteriorating water quality along major tourist treks. While still meeting WHO and Nepalese drinking water standards, significant annual increases in nitrate-nitrogen and total phosphorus—key indicators of human impact—were detected. These trends suggest worsening degradation, despite current levels remaining below critical thresholds. The research provides a baseline dataset for managing these springs and assessing the effects of tourism on fragile highland ecosystems.
Ghimire, N. P., & Jha, P. K. (2024). Assessment of the surface water quality in high-altitude springs in the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park, Nepal. Our Nature, 22(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.3126/on.v22i1.67345
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Analyzing Land Use/Land Cover Dynamics in Mountain Tourism Areas: A Case Study of the Core and Buffer Zones of Sagarmatha and Khaptad National Parks, Nepal
From 1989 to 2021, Sagarmatha National Park (SNP) experienced significant land use/land cover (LULC) changes, with notable decreases in snow/glacier and forest cover by 140.25 km² and 15.36 km², respectively, while grassland, shrubland, glacial lakes, agriculture, and water bodies expanded. Khaptad National Park (KNP) saw similar trends, with forest loss of 19.33 km² in its buffer zone—higher than SNP's—and an increase in built-up areas, indicating rising tourist activities. Climate data revealed contrasting precipitation and temperature patterns between the parks. Projections under a business-as-usual scenario forecast further forest loss (1.61 km² in SNP by 2032) and a sharp decline in snow/glaciers (22.84 km² in SNP's core zone by 2032). The study highlights the need for adaptive park management policies to address these environmental changes.
Gupta, A. (2024). Analyzing Land Use/Land Cover Dynamics in Mountain Tourism Areas: A Case Study of the Core and Buffer Zones of Sagarmatha and Khaptad National Parks, Nepal. Sustainability, 16(23), 10670. https://doi.org/10.3390/su162310670
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Ecotourism, Environmental Impacts and Sustainability in the Himalayan Settlements: Study of Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) National Park, Nepal
Current ecotourism development in Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) National Park, Nepal, fails to meet sustainability goals by adequately benefiting local communities or mitigating environmental degradation. Despite efforts to balance tourism with conservation, the study reveals that forest resource use, cultural heritage deterioration, and environmental impacts persist, threatening the region's long-term viability. A more inclusive, community-driven approach—leveraging local knowledge and stakeholder engagement—is essential for sustainable ecotourism. The research employs a qualitative case study, combining interviews, surveys, participant observation, and archival data to assess environmental impacts and local perceptions.
Bhatta, K. D., & Roger C.K Chan. (2023). Ecotourism, Environmental Impacts and Sustainability in the Himalayan Settlements: Study of Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) National Park, Nepal. Himalayan Journal of Applied Science and Engineering, 4(1), 15–31. https://doi.org/10.3126/hijase.v4i1.56129
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