Planning to trek to Everest Base Camp? Here are the permits you must have

Why do you need permits for the Everest Base Camp Trek?

The Everest Base Camp Trekking region falls under one of Nepal’s national park areas, further listed as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sagarmatha National Park, and as per Nepalese government rules, before visiting any national park, conservation, or restricted area in the country, it is a must that you obtain associated permits, including for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, and Annapurna Circuit Trek.

The revenue generated from these permits goes to maintain the trekking trail, protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem, support the local community of the Khumbu region, monitor tourist flow, regulate rescue operations, and also verify the identity of trekkers in case of emergencies. In short, permits for the Everest Base Camp trekking are to promote sustainable and responsible tourism in Khumbu and provide assistance to trekkers in need.

What are the required EBC trekking permits?

If you are planning to stick to the standard Everest Base Camp (EBC) trekking route, starting off with an adventurous mountain flight to Lukla from Kathmandu, you will need two mandatory permits called the Sagarmatha National Park Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit. This, however, changes depending on trip extensions and trekking via Jiri or Salleri. In brief:

The Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

To enter the park area, whether for the Everest Circuit Trek, Everest Three Passes Trek, Gokyo Lakes Trek, or the classic Everest Base Camp Trek, since it all falls under the Sagarmatha National Park area, all trekkers must get the Sagarmatha National Park Permit (SNPP). Spread over an area of 1,148 square kilometers in the Solukhumbu district, it is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, and the permit fee goes for wildlife protection.

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit

The Everest trekking region, besides being home to the tallest mountain in the world, Mount Everest, several other majestic mountain peaks, and wildlife, is also inhabited by diverse ethnic communities of Nepal, mostly Sherpas in the upper Himalayas. Therefore, to fund the rural development and cultural conservation projects, the Khumbu Pasang Lhambu Rural Municipality permit was introduced and is the primary permit for Khumbu region tourism. 

Other Permits for Khumbu Region Tourism

The overland Everest Base Camp Trekking, which avoids flying to and from Lukla, is also feasible in Nepal. When choosing this option, trekkers must obtain an additional Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit to follow the trekking trail via Jiri or Salleri. Further, if you are combining the Everest Base Camp trip with Mera Peak, Island Peak, or Lobuche East Peak climbing, you will need specific NMA climbing permits.

How Long Do EBC Permits Remain Valid?

While the Everest Base Camp Trek permits do not have fixed expiry dates like visa stamps and Mount Everest climbing permits, more at Nepal increases peak climbing permit fees: What every mountaineer should know. The Everest trek permits are valid for the duration of your trekking days and stay. However, it is good to note that the price of a local permit can get higher after four weeks, and for reentry, you need a new permit.

What Happens If You Lose Your Trekking Permit?

Any kind of outdoor adventure inside the Sagarmatha National Park for tourists, including trekking to Everest Base Camp, is not allowed without permits. If found without essential Everest trek permits, you will be liable for double the permit cost as a penalty, and may also be banned from further trekking. In case of loss of permits for the Everest Base Camp trekking, report to the nearest checkpost for reprint or reissuance; some fees may apply.

How much do the Everest trekking permits cost?

The answer to one of the most asked questions, "How much does the Everest Base Camp Trek permit cost?" is that it can vary depending on what you are planning to do. As mentioned earlier, if you are beginning from Jiri or Salleri or are planning summit climbing in addition to trekking to Everest Base Camp, an additional permit is essential. Otherwise, the standard Khumbu Pasang Lhambu Rural Municipality Permit costs NPR 2,000 (USD 20-25). 

That of the Sagarmatha National Park Permit fee is NPR 3,000 (USD 30 + VAT) per person per entry. In total, it is good to set aside NPR 5,000 - 6,000 (USD 35-USD 45), payable in Nepalese rupees only, as the Everest Base Camp Trek permit cost. If you are from SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation), there’s up to a 15% discount valid for children below 7 years old and Indian nationals.

Where do trekkers get Everest Base Camp (EBC) permits?

No, unlike visas, permits for Khumbu region tourism are not available at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. There are offices and regional checkpoints designated for it, and they are the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Lukla Permit Counter, and Monjo National Park Check Post. NTB offices in both Kathmandu and Pokhara issue the Sagarmatha National Park Permit and the Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit.

At the Lukla Permit counter, you can get the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, and both are available at Monjo, serving as the gate to the Sagarmatha National Park. It can get hectic to manage them all by yourself; therefore, the wiser thing to do is to take services from a professional trekking and climbing agency dedicated to it. Purchase a comprehensive EBC package, so all you are left to do is take in all that the Everest route has to offer. 

Do Solo Trekkers Need Permits for Everest?

Yes, whether you are going for Everest Base Camp hiking with a group, family, privately, or solo, permits are a must. Though there are no restrictions on solo trek permits to Everest Base Camp, being with a professional local mountain guide is essential. Nepal banned FIT (Free Individual Trekkers) in April 2023; however, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality refused to implement it.

I.e., solo trekking is still feasible in the Everest trekking region if you prefer a serene, intimate experience and flexibility in your itinerary, but it is good to know that a guided group Everest Base Camp trek comes with a safer and more budget-friendly approach. Guides not only navigate the tough terrains for you but also provide you with cultural insight, so you also leave positive impressions, and your visit is eco-friendly.

Everest Base Camp Permit Check Posts on the Trail

There are several Everest Base Camp permit check posts along the trekking route to verify that your visit meets the requirements of the documents. Therefore, we insist that you make copies of them and always carry them with you in something waterproof to show whenever asked for. These are checked for safety reasons so that you do not go off track, stay on the route, and local authorities can easily spot you in case of emergencies.

• Lukla Entry Point 
• Monjo National Park Gate 
• Namche Bazaar 
• Tengboche 
• Dingboche/Pangboche (random checks) 
• Lobuche 
• Gorakshep 
• Sometimes at Jorsalle too. 

Documents Required for Everest Trek

Trekkers do not need piles of documents to obtain the permits for trekking to Everest Base Camp. Original passport for ID verification at permit offices and checkpoints, at least 2-4 copies of passport-sized passport, not mandatory but still useful, travel insurance to ensure you have coverage for unforeseen circumstances, Nepal visa, details of your itinerary, and adequate cash in Nepali rupees. In point:

• Original passport with at least 6 months of validity
• 2-4 copies of passport-sized photos
• Copy of high-altitude trekking travel insurance
• A Nepal tourist visa is available on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA)
• Your Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary details
• Cash in Nepali rupees

Are Everest Base Camp (EBC) trekking permits refundable?

No, the permits for trekking and climbing in Nepal are not refundable nor transferable once permits are issued. Even if your trek ends earlier than planned, you change the route, or you cancel the trip due to health issues, weather, or any other personal reasons, or you are not able to leave on the trip departure date, the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit fees are non-refundable.

You may adjust the information and fee category if there is an error. For solo trekkers, groups, or guided trekkers, this applies to all; therefore, you must double-check the provided information, including names, travel dates, and itinerary. Or provide correct information to the agency you are traveling with so they can make all Everest trek permit arrangements for you to avoid unnecessary loss.

Tips for hassle-free Everest Base Camp permit processing

• The best thing to do is hire a local travel agency for arranging the permits, or at least hire an experienced mountain guide, such as one from Mountain Monarch.
• Carry several copies of the required documents for the Everest trekking in Nepal, like a passport, permits, and travel insurance photocopies in dry, waterproof cases.
• The fee for permits for tourism in the Khumbu region is usually payable in Nepalese currency, especially in remote areas during busy hours, so exchange it for rupees.
• Always stay up to date on the current Everest Base Camp Trekking permit rules, as they can change frequently.
• Book in advance so your permits are ready for trip departure day, even before you arrive in Kathmandu, and choose an itinerary with buffer days for better flexibility.

Conclusion 

Getting the right Everest Base Camp trekking permits is crucial. When you know what the required papers are for the EBC Trek, it simplifies the process and ensures your journey is smooth, secure, and well-organized. For solo or group treks to Everest Base Camp, this guide is to ease the process for you with essential tips like keeping them handy for all Everest Base Camp Permit check posts.

Or contact us and enjoy our comprehensive package with a handpicked itinerary, permit arrangements, logistics management, and focus while you fully focus on enjoying the breathtakingly diverse landscapes from green valleys to the snow-blanketed mountain ranges, tiny yet scenic Sherpa dwellings, and monasteries directly linked to the Yeti legends. Bookings are now open for 2026 and 2027! 

Some FAQS 

Do you need a TIMS card to go for a trek to Everest Base Camp?

No, you do not need a Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card as an Everest trekking region permit. Instead, it is replaced by the local Khumbu Pasang Lhambu Rural Municipality Permit.

Can you get Everest Trek permits online? 

At the moment, it is limited to government-licensed trekking, tour, and travel agencies. Most adventurer permits are issued in person at the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), the trekking agency handles the arrangements, or they are issued at local checkpoints. 

What are the required permits for the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour?

If it is an Everest Base Camp helicopter day tour, you may not need any permit, but if it includes trekking as well, the same permits as the standard Everest Base Camp Trek apply: Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality and national park permit. 

Must you have your permits printed?

While not mandatory, it is wiser to have several Everest Base Camp Trek permits printed. It's easier to get stamps at various checkpoints, keep a record of your visit, and validate each document likewise.

Does the Everest Base Camp Trek permit cost change seasonally?

No, the permit cost for trekking to Everest Base Camp, unlike for trekking to Manaslu Circuit, Upper Mustang, and Tsum Valley in the restricted areas of Nepal, remains constant throughout the year, regardless of the seasons.