Everest Base Camp Trek Permit

Everest Base Camp Trek Permit: Overview

The world’s highest mountain peak Everest base camp lies within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sagarmatha National Park. For the conservation of endangered species of plants and animals, travelers can enter the conservation area or the national park only after having an official permit.

Currently, if you are planning for the Everest Base Camp trek you need to have two types of permits. One is Sagarmatha National Park Permit and another is Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit. 

In this article, we will go over the Everest base camp trek permit in detail, including how to obtain it, where you can get it, how much it costs, and its importance. 

Worth Reading: How to Prepare for Everest Base Camp Trek

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

All the travelers trekking in the Everest Region need to have the Sagarmatha National Park Permit. For foreign trekkers, this permit will cost you NPR. 3,000(plus 13% VAT) per person. For the SAARC national trekkers, it will cost you NPR. 1,500( plus 13% VAT) per person. 

Similarly for the Nepalese, it will cost you NPR. 100( plus 13% VAT). Children under the age of 10 can get this for free however the process of getting the permit is similar to the adults. You can obtain this permit from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu as well as at Monjo at the entrance gate.

worth reading: Everest Base Camp Trek for Beginners: A Complete Guide

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit

Another permit required for the Everest Base Camp trek is the Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit. The cost of this permit for foreigners including the nationals of SAARC countries is NPR.2,000 per person for four weeks. If you are spending more than four weeks then it will cost you NPR. 2,500. 

Note: You cannot obtain this permit in Kathmandu. After you reach Lukla you can get this permit in Mongo.

New Update: Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit cost is raised from NPR 2,000 to 3,000 per person. 

Must read: Altitude Sickness During Everest Base Camp Trek: Prevention

Additional Permit(If you are traveling to Everest Base Camp Trek via Jiri)

If you’re taking the traditional Jiri route for the Everest Base Camp Trek, you need to have the extra permit which is Gaurishankar Conservation Area. You can get this permit in Kathmandu at the Nepal Tourism Board which will cost you NPR. 3,000 per person.

check also: Everest Base Camp or Manaslu Circuit Trek which one to choose

Required Documents To Obtain Everest Base Camp Trek Permits

1. Passport and Visa: Before joining the trek make sure to have the Passport at least six months of validity before entering Nepal. For the Visa, you can get the on-arrival visa after landing at the Tribhuvan International Airport. 
2. Copies of Photos: While filling out the form you need to have a digital copy of the passport-size photo.
3. Fees: Trekkers need to pay the specified fees for each permit in Nepali Rupees.

Related article aboout Everest Base Camp Trek:  

• Hire Guide and Porter for the Everest Base Camp Trek
• Kathmandu to Lukla Flight Information
• Best Season For Everest Base Camp Trek
• Nepal Trekking Packing List
• Kathmandu to Ramechhap Manthali Airport Via Bus, Jeep, Car Hiace

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is a TIMS permit required for the Everest Base Camp Trek?

For the Everest Base Camp Trek you don’t need to have the TIMS Card instead of the TIMS Card you need to have the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality Entry Permit.

Can I pay the Everest Base Camp permit fees using US dollars, or do I need to use Nepali Rupees?

Payment for the Everest base camp trek permit must be made in Nepali rupees. If you don’t have it, you could exchange it at Tribhuvan International Airport or at the Money exchange in Kathmandu.

What documents do I need for Everest base camp trek permit?

The documents that you need for the Everest base camp trek permit are a valid passport and digital photos.

If I have a local guide with me, does he need a Everest base camp trek permit?

No, local guides do not require the Everest base Camp trek permit.

Why is a permit required for the Everest Base Camp trek?

A permit is required because the Everest Base Camp is part of the Sagarmatha National Park which is the conservation area of the endangered plants and animal species. Make sure to carry the permit all the time, if you fail to show the permit you will be expelled from climbing the mountain and your journey will be terminated.

Do I Need a Guide For Acquiring Everest base camp trek permit?

After the new rules implemented by the Nepal Tourism Board effective from the 1st of April 2023, you cannot do the solo Everest base camp trek . You need to hire a licensed guide while trekking in Everest region or any other trekking region of Nepal like Annapurna Base Camp, Langtang Valley Trek, or Gokyo Lake Trek. For more information you can visit this here: Latest Travel Update.