Solukhumbu District: Everest's Enchanting Abode

Solukhumbu District is one of 14 districts in eastern Nepal's Province No. 1. It is made up of the Solu and Khumbu subregions, as the name suggests. The district, which has Salleri as its headquarters, has a population of 107,686 in 2001 and 105,886 in 2011. It covers an area of 3,312 km2 (1,279 sq mi).

Mount Everest is located in the district's northern part, within Sagarmatha National Park. The main ethnic groups in the mid-hills are the indigenous ethnic Kulung, Kirat Rai, and hill caste Chhetri, while Sherpas live in the high mountains. The Solukhumbu Trail is a popular hiking trail in the area.

History of Solukhumbu District

In the early and middle ages, Solukhumbu was a member of the Kirata Kingdoms. Majhkirat was a member of it (central province or region of Kirat Kingdoms).

Solukhumbu: Himalayan Beauty Unveiled

What is now Solukhumbu district was part of Majhkirat's Chaudandi before Gorkha's King unified Nepal. The King of Gorkha invaded and absorbed it into Nepal in 1773 AD.

The former East No. 3 district was carved out of the Solukhumbu district in 1962. Before 1962, Solukhumbu, Okhaldhunga, and portions of Khotang were all part of one district known as "East No. 3." Solukhumbu District was formed by separating the Solu and Rawa thums (counties) from East No. 3.

Geography of Solukhumbu

Solukhumbu is a Himalayan district in Nepal's Province No. 1, located in the northwestern corner. It is one of Province No. 1's three Himalayan districts. The district's total area is 3,312 square kilometres (1,279 sq mi).

It is located between the latitudes of 27°20'39" and 28°6'24" north and the longitudes of 86°0'21" and 87°0'1" east. The district's highest point (Mount Everest) is 8,848 meters (29,029 feet) above sea level, while the lowest point (Tuintar) is 600 meters (2,000 feet).

Sankhuwasabha in the east, Bhojpur in the south-east, Khotang and Okhaldhunga in the south, Bagmati Pradesh in the west, and Tibet (China) in the north surround the district.

The district's extremely varied geography can be divided into three categories:

Khumbu Himal (Highland mountains)
Khumbu Region (Highland valley)
Solu Region (Mid-hills)

Khumbu Himal (Highland mountains)

This section includes the Mahalangur and other Himalayan mountain ranges. This portion is on the Tibetan border in the north. Some of the world's tallest mountains in this range include Mount Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,485m), Cho Oyu (8,201m), Gyachung Kang (7,952m), and others.

Khumbu Region (Highland valley)

The Khumbu valley is a highland area popular for trekking and hiking around the world. The largest ethnic groups in this area are Kulung and Sherpa. The administrative division in this area is Khumbu Pasanglhamu.

Beautiful Namche Valley

It encompasses Namche Bazaar's town and the villages of Thame, Khumjung Pangboche, Pheriche, and Kunde. Tengboche, a well-known Buddhist monastery, is also in the Khumbu.

Solu Region (Mid-hills)

The Mid-hills area includes Lower Solukhumbu (the lower regions of Solukhumbu District). It is not well-known for trekking. Sherpas are also common residents in this region, along with other ethnic groups. Lower Solukhumbu towns include Salyan, Salleri, Sotang, Chaulakharka, Kangel, and others.

Tourism in Solukhumbu District

In the world of mountain tourism, the Solukhumbu District is a well-known name. Mount Everest (8,848m) is one of the leading tourist destinations in the region. The Sagarmatha National Park has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Stunning Mountain Majesty, Nature's Grandeur

This district is known for its Sherpa community and Tengboche Monastery. Sherpa culture is well-known in Khumjung village.

The central Himalayan valleys of Gokyo and Khumbu are well-known among adventure and nature enthusiasts. In the Solukhumbu district, popular adventure trips include Mount Everest Expedition, Mera Peak Climbing, Amadablam Expedition, Gokyo Lake Trek, Island Peak Climbing, Solukhumbu, and Lobuche Peak Climbing. This area is well-known for adventure vacations.

How Can You Reach Solukhumbu?

There are two means by which you can reach the district of Solukhumbu; by air and by road.

By Air

In the Solukhumbu district, there are four regional airports. There are several flights and air services to choose from. The four airports in Solukhumbu are:

Tenzing-Hillary Airport
Syangboche Airport
Phaplu Airport
Kangeldanga Airport

Solukhumbu Airport: Himalayan Gateway Awaits

Credit:omgnepal.com

By Road

Salleri, the Solukhumbu headquarters, is linked by road. Solukhumbu is accessible by road from Kathmandu, Nepal's capital. Salleri is about 270 kilometres (170 miles) from Kathmandu. The B.P. Koirala Highway (H-06) runs 116 kilometres between Kathmandu and Bhimeshwar (72 mi).

The B.P. Koirala Highway meets the Mid-Hills Highway at Bhimeshwar, and the latter passes 60 kilometres (37 miles) across the hills to the Ghurmi junction (Katari Municipality).

The road (F52) turns north at Ghurmi and continues for 94 kilometres (58 miles) to Salleri. Roads are not pitched in many areas, and the conditions are poor. From Kathmandu to Salleri, bus services are open. You can also travel via cars and jeep.