SoluKhumbu

SoluKhumbu, also spelled SoluKhumbu or Solu-Khumbu, is a district in eastern Nepal and a cultural region comprising the Solu and Khumbu subregions. It lies in Province No. 1 and includes portions of the Sagarmatha National Park. The district capital is Salleri. The area is best known as the gateway to the Everest region and the home of Sherpa communities.

Geography and environment: The district covers parts of the Himalayas, including the Khumbu Valley and Khumbu Glacier, with Mount Everest and other high peaks nearby. Elevations range from lowland valleys around 1,500 m to above 8,000 m. The area contains major trekking routes, notably the Everest Base Camp trek, and the gateway town of Lukla, where flights from Kathmandu operate to Tenzing-Hillary Airport.

Population and culture: The population is predominantly ethnically Sherpa. Common languages include Nepali and Sherpa. Tibetan Buddhist practices are prominent, with monasteries at Tengboche, Pangboche, and Thame among others. The culture revolves around monastic traditions, festivals, and the mountain economy.

Economy and tourism: Solukhumbu's economy is heavily dependent on trekking and mountaineering. Namche Bazaar, Lukla, and other settlements serve as logistic hubs. Tourism supports lodges, guiding services, and porter networks; seasonal fluctuations reflect climbing schedules and trekking demand.

Conservation and administration: The district contains significant protected areas, notably Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated for its unique high-altitude ecosystem and cultural landscapes. Access is primarily via air to Lukla or overland to Salleri, with many routes operating under Nepal's provincial administration.