Trekking to Everest Base Camp is wonderful as it takes you to one of the highest places on the earth. The heavenly beauty of this journey is splendid and astounding that surely leaves every visitor spellbound. The trek is indeed beautiful and brings the pleasure of exploring the highest mountains in the world, nonetheless the journey somewhat comes with certain responsibilities. The responsibilities lean towards the safety and risk factors that trekkers should avoid while doing EBC trek. Similarly, there are certain criteria that trekkers should fulfill before making their way towards the Himalayan Heaven. Here in this blog, we are going into details on what permits are needed for doing Everest Base Camp Trek. At the same time, we highlighted the difficulty factors of the trek. Trekking in Nepal is a pleasant activity to endeavor while in Nepal. But to do this specific activity, trekkers are required to purchase trekking permits and should know details about the trail as well. So without further ado, let's explore these topics in the following segment.
Permits for Everest Base Camp Trek - 2025
For trekking in Everest region or Everest base camp trek, you will need to purchase Khumbu Pasang Lhamu rural municipality permit and Sagarmatha national park entrance ticket. Before October 2018, trekkers were obliged to purchase 3 permits: Sagarmatha national park, TIMS and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu rural municipality. Before the mentioned date, the trekkers were required to purchase three permits cards to trek in this Himalayan region. But as of October 2018, trekkers are not required to purchase a Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card for trekking in any trail of this region. It used to cost USD 20 for independent trekkers and USD 10 for group joining trekkers. And for citizens of SAARC countries, it cost NPR 300 for group joining trekkers and NPR 600 for independent trekkers.
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu rural municipality entrance grant is NPR 2000 for every individual. Trekkers can get the permit in Lukla if you are following the standard EBC trek route. In the standard EBC trek route, you will first fly to Lukla from Kathmandu. And if you are following the classic EBC trek route, which is from Jiri to Salleri, then you can obtain the entrance permit at any village you first enter in the Khumbu region.
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu rural municipality entrance permit is not available to purchase from Kathmandu.
Furthermore, the next permit you will need is the Sagarmatha National Park entry ticket. Unlike the first permit, you can get the Sagarmatha National Park entry ticket in Kathmandu as well as in Monjo. Henceforth, it does not matter where you decide to obtain your permit from. It cost NPR 3000 per person for foreign travelers. And, for the citizens of SAARC nations, it cost NPR 1500 for every individual. You can get the Sagarmatha national park entrance ticket from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu.
And if you take the classic EBC trek route from Jiri or Salleri, then you need to obtain another trekking permit. Trekkers will have to purchase the Gaurishankar Conservation Area entrance permit. It cost NPR 3000 per foreigner.
You can obtain the Gaurishankar Conservation Area entrance ticket in the Kathmandu office of the Nepal Tourism Board.
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit:
Before you step onto the trails toward Everest Base Camp, you’ll need to get the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit. It’s a simple but important process—and it helps protect the mountains, the forests, and the way of life here.
Where You Can Get the Permit
You have two easy options:
In Kathmandu: You can visit the Nepal Tourism Board Office (near Thamel, Bhrikutimandap). It’s better to get it here if you want everything ready before your flight to Lukla. You’ll just fill out a short form, show your passport, and pay the fee.
At Monjo (Park Entrance): If you don’t have time in Kathmandu, no problem. You can also buy the permit at Monjo, right at the gate to Sagarmatha National Park. Just make sure you have Nepali cash with you—card payments usually don’t work there.
Trekking Guide Tip: Getting your permit early in Kathmandu saves you time and makes the first days of trekking smoother.
How Much Does It Cost?
- Nationality ------------> Cost (NPR)
- Foreigners ------------> 3,000
- SAARC Nationals ----> 1,500
- Nepali Citizens -------> 100
(Note: VAT (tax) is usually extra.)
Always keep your permit safe—you’ll need to show it at different checkpoints along the trail.
Why This Permit Matters
- The Sagarmatha National Park isn’t just mountains and trails. It’s home to snow leopards, red pandas, ancient monasteries, and proud Sherpa villages.
- When you buy this permit, your money goes directly into:
- Protecting rare animals and their homes
- Keeping the trails clean and safe
- Supporting local communities and culture
- Managing waste and sustainable tourism
Real Talk from the Trail: Every step you take in the Khumbu is special. Helping preserve it means the next generation of trekkers, and the children of the Sherpa people, will enjoy it too.
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit
The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit is required for all trekkers, including foreign and SAARC nationals, to enter the Khumbu region, which includes the Everest Base Camp trekking route. This permit is obtained upon arrival in Lukla, either through flight or trekking, and costs NPR 2,000 for the first four weeks. After four weeks, the cost increases to NPR 2,500 per person. You'll need your passport and two copies of a recent passport-sized photograph to get the permit.
In detail:
- Purpose: This permit is mandatory for accessing all trekking routes within the Khumbu region, which is now under the administrative jurisdiction of the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality.
- Cost: The permit costs NPR 2,000 per person for the first four weeks and NPR 2,500 per person after four weeks.
- Obtaining the Permit: You can get the permit upon arrival in Lukla, either by flight or by trekking from Jiri or Salleri (in which case, you can obtain it in Monjo).
- Required Documents: You will need your passport and two copies of a recent passport-sized photograph to get the permit.
- Validity: The permit is valid for a specified duration, usually up to four weeks, after which a higher fee may be required for continued trekking.
- Community Initiative: The permit was introduced by local authorities as a community initiative to support the local government.
When:
- Before entering the Khumbu region: This permit is needed when you are entering the Khumbu region, which includes the popular Everest Base Camp Trek route.
- After arriving in Lukla: If you fly into Lukla, you will need to obtain the permit at the local government office in Lukla.
- In Monjo (for alternative routes): If you are starting your trek from Jiri or Salleri, you can obtain the permit in Monjo.
How:
- Lukla: Upon arrival in Lukla, locate the office of the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality.
- Monjo: If you are trekking from Jiri or Salleri, you can obtain the permit in Monjo.
- Pay the fee: The permit costs approximately 2000 NPR.
- No Kathmandu Office: There is no office in Kathmandu to obtain this permit.
Why:
- Local Development: The money collected from this permit is used to support development projects and infrastructure in the local communities within the Khumbu region.
- Replacement of TIMS: This permit has replaced the traditional TIMS card for trekking in the Khumbu region.
TIMS Card
For the Everest Base Camp trek, a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card is not required. The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality Entry Permit and the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit are the mandatory permits.
Documents required for buying Everest permits
To obtain trekking permits for the Everest Base Camp Trek, you'll need a valid passport (with photocopies), passport-sized photographs, a valid visa (if required for your nationality), and proof of high-altitude trekking insurance. You'll also need to pay the permit fees for the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality Entry Permit.
Detailed Requirements:
- Passport: A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining beyond your planned return date. You'll need to provide photocopies of your passport
- Passport-Sized Photos: You'll need to provide a few recent passport-sized photographs (usually 2-4).
- Visa: If you require a visa to enter Nepal, you'll need to provide a copy of your valid visa.
- Travel Insurance: Proof of comprehensive travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking is mandatory.
- Emergency Contact Information: You may also need to provide details of an emergency contact.
- Permit Fees: You'll need to pay the permit fees for the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality Entry Permit.
- Additional Permits (if applicable): If you are trekking on a route that requires additional permits (like the Jiri route), you'll also need to obtain those permits.
- Itinerary and Other Details: You may need to provide a detailed trek itinerary, entry and exit dates, and the name of your tour operator or trek guide.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Everest Permit
Do you need a permit for the Everest Base Camp Trek?
Yes, you need permits to trek to Everest Base Camp. Two primary permits are required: the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit. If trekking the Jiri route, you'll also need a Gaurishankar Conservation Area Entry Permit.
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit: This permit is mandatory for entering the protected area of Sagarmatha National Park, which includes Everest Base Camp.
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit: This permit replaced the old TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card and is required for all trekking groups in the Everest region.
- Gaurishankar Conservation Area Entry Permit: This permit is only required if you are taking the Jiri route to Everest Base Camp.
How much is the permit for Everest Base Camp?
The Everest Base Camp Trek requires two primary permits: the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit. The Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit costs NPR 3,000 for foreigners and NPR 1,500 for SAARC nationals. The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit costs around NPR 2,000.
Can you hike to Everest Base Camp for free?
No, it's not possible to hike to Everest Base Camp for free. While Nepali citizens and children under 10 may have free entry to Sagarmatha National Park, all trekkers need to obtain permits and pay associated fees. Additionally, you'll need to cover the costs of transportation, food, accommodation, guides (if you choose to hire one), and other expenses.
Is a passport required for Everest Base Camp?
Yes, a valid passport is required to obtain the necessary permits for the Everest Base Camp trek. You will need a valid passport, along with photocopies, for the application process. Additionally, a Nepal visa is also required to stay in Nepal for the duration of the trek.
You will need a valid Nepal visa to cover your trek and stay in Nepal.
Besides your passport and visa, you will also need to obtain the necessary permits for the trek, including the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit.
How do I register for Everest Base Camp?
To register for the Everest Base Camp trek, you'll need to obtain two key permits: the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit. You can acquire these permits in Kathmandu at the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) or at designated checkpoints in the Everest region like Lukla or Monjo.
We at the Nepal Hiking Team arrange all required permits and cover government taxes beforehand to make your trip to Nepal Hassle-free.
Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Gather Necessary Documents: Prepare passport-sized photos, a valid visa, and your passport.
- Visit the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) in Kathmandu: Go to the NTB office (Exhibition Road, Kathmandu, Nepal).
- Obtain the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit: Apply for and pay the fee for this permit.
- Obtain the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit: This permit is typically obtained in Lukla or at the Monjo Checkpoint.
- Alternatively, you can obtain both permits in Lukla or Monjo: If you've already arrived in the Everest region, you can obtain both permits at the respective checkpoints.
Can I get my permit online for Everest Base Camp?
No, obtaining the Everest Base Camp trek permits cannot be done fully online. You'll need to visit the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or obtain them at the Lukla checkpoint. The permits required are the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit.
Are trekking permits for Everest Base Camp arranged by Trekking companies in Nepal?
Yes, many trekking companies in Nepal handle the arrangement of permits for the Everest Base Camp trek, including the required Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit. These permits are essential for legal access to the area and should be obtained before starting the trek.
Are Trekking permits for EBC and climbing Mount Everest the same?
No, the permits for the Everest Base Camp trek and climbing Mount Everest are not the same. The Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit are required for the trek, while climbing Everest requires a separate climbing permit from the Nepalese Ministry of Tourism.
So this is some information regarding hiking to Everest Base Camp, which every trekker should know before starting the hike. We hope it has been helpful to the reader. By the same token, we hope it has been helpful in planning and preparation for your next adventure. If there are any other concerns related to Everest Base Camp Trek, feel free to reach Nepal Hiking Team. We shall assist you regarding your query.
