Everest Base Camp lies inside the protected zone in the Sagarmatha region. So, for any trek into the Everest region, you need an entry permit. And those Everest Base Camp Trek Permits include permits from Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality (Trek Card), Sagarmatha National Park, and the Gauri Shankar Conservation Area (Optional).
These Everest permits are available for everyone with a small cost attached to them. Back then, TIMS was necessary too. But, with decentralization, a new permit system has displaced the old ones for Everest.
Thus, it has created confusion among the adventurers. As a result, we get a lot of queries about the new Everest Base Camp Trek permits and their costs.
Notice:
- You don’t need TIMS Card for any treks to Everest region.
- The Everest Base Camp Trek now requires a Trek Card. The cost of the Trek Card by Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality is the same as the Municipality Permit, and it displaces the old municipality permit system.
Overview of Sagarmatha National Park
- Location: Solukhumbu District, eastern Nepal
- Area: 1,148 km²; buffer zone 275 km²
- Elevation range: 2,845 m - 8,848 m (Mount Everest summit)
- Established: July 19, 1976 A.D
- UNESCO listing: 1979 A.D
Sagarmatha National Park covers the high catches of the Dudh Kosi River, Bhote Kosi River and IMJA Khola. Its terrain features steep valleys, glaciers and over two dozen peaks above 6,000 m, including Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam and Nuptse.
The region is home to indigenous Sherpa community, whose Tibetan-inspired ways, monasteries and mountaineering legacy shape the Everest experience. Permit revenues are there for fund conservation, trail management, waste management and community development programs.
Everest Base Camp Trek Permit Details | Ultimate Guide
Today, we will dig into each EBC Trek Permit (including Three Passes, Chola Pass, and the Gokyo Lakes Trek), required documents, and costs associated with them.
1. Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
It is the primary permit required for trekking to Everest Base Camp. Managed by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC), this permit gives trekkers legal access to Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes the world's highest peak, Mount Everest.This is an official entry permit for all trekkers entering the protected area boundaries of Sagarmatha National Park. It ensures compliance with national conservation rules and supports ongoing environmental protections, waste management, and community benefit programs within the park.The national park committee itself issues SNP permits under the supervision of the government of Nepal. Unlike above, this Everest Base Camp Trek permit has a different price for foreigners, SAARC nationals, and Nepalese.
Where can we get the permit?
You can get Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permits at Monjo at the entry gate or the Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) counter in Bhrikuti Mandap in Kathmandu.
Sometimes, there will be a long queue outside the counter in Monjo. Thus, to avoid trouble, you can get the SNP permit in Kathmandu before your flight to Lukla. Also, if you are trekking to Everest Base Camp for the first time, getting permits in Kathmandu is a lot better.
Kathmandu Permit Counter Contact:
- Tel: +977-1-4256909
- Fax: +977-1-4256910
- E-mail: info@ntb.org.np
- Website: www.ntb.gov.np
| Documents Required | Important Infos |
|
|
2.Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit
It is a local government permit newly issued by Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality which is required for all trekkers entering the Everest region (Khumbu area) of Nepal. It is separate from the national park entry permit and helps fund local infrastructure, community services, and trail maintenance in villages throughout the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality. These two permits collectively eliminated the need of TIMS for the Everest Base Camp Trek.
Where can we get the permit?
In Lukla or Monjo at the Sagarmatha National Park counter.
Most people get this permit at Lukla. The permit-issuing authority has an office on the trails in Lukla. So, you won’t have a problem finding them. However, if you forget to get the permit at Lukla or you’re starting your trek from Phaplu, you can get it at the Sagarmatha National Park counter in Monjo.
Kindly note that you can’t get the Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit in Kathmandu.
| Documents Required | Important Infos |
|
|
This permit is not available in kathmandu.
Note: The cost of the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit is the same for everyone outside of Nepal, including SAARC nationals and NRNs (Non-Resident Nepalese). Further, its fee is payable only in the Nepalese currency. Therefore, make sure you have some money to pay for the permit.
3.Everest Trek Card Implementation Notice
According to the updated rule effective from 23rd September 2022, visitors trekking to EBC will require a Trek Card. It’s a digital permit to enter the Khumbu region and a visitor safety monitoring system. One of the major benefits of the card is that you can scan or tap the card to know about the region via your mobile phone.
How to register for the trek card on Everest?
To get a Trek Card, visitors must submit a color copy of the valid passport and have a photo taken at the Trek card registration center in Lukla.
How does the Everest Trek Card work?
You can tap your card at the rural municipality checkpoint. It will save you time as you won’t have to wait in long queues at each entry point.
Cost: The new Everest Trek card won’t have any extra fee but you must pay the entrance fee of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality
4.Additional Permit for Jiri to Everest Base Camp
When you are starting your trek from Jiri, the trail passes through the protection area. You will enter it from Shivalaya and get out of it in Kinja, which is about an 8-hour-long journey. Henceforth, get an additional permit for the Everest Base Camp trek, i.e., Gauri Shankar Conservational Area Permit (GSCAP).
Where can we get the permit?
In Shivalaya at the Conservation Area Permit Checkpoint or the Tourist Service Center in Kathmandu (DNPWC Counter at NTB office).
| Documents Required | Important Information |
|
|
5. Climbing Permit (Mera, Lobuche, Island Peak)
Climbing permits are mandatory for all trekking peaks in Nepal, including Mera, Lobuche, and Island Peak. These permits are issued by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) or relevant government authorities. They regulate access, ensure safety standards, and support environmental protection in the Himalayan region. Permit fees vary by peak, season, and nationality.
Where can we get the permit?
Permits can be obtained from the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) office in Kathmandu, or through registered trekking and expedition agencies.
| Documents Required | Important Information |
|
|
Everest Base Camp Trek Permit Cost
| S.N | EBC Trek Permit | Foreigners | SAARC | Remarks |
| 1. | Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit | NPR 3000 | NPR 1500 | +13% VAT |
| 2. | Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municiplaity Permit | NPR 3000 | NPR 3000 | - |
| 3. | Gauri Shankar Conservation Area Entry Permit | NPR 3000 | NPR 1000 | +13% VAT |
| 4. | Climbing Permit ( Mera, Lobuche, Island Peak) |
| Same as Foreigners | - |
Note: Children under 10 years of age are not subjected to any permit fees, except for climbing permit.
Everest Region Permit Comparison Table (Package Basis - 2026)
| Trek | Permits Required | Duration / Max Altitude / Difficulty | Solo Trekking | Processing |
| Everest Base Camp |
| 12-14 days / 5,364m / Moderate - Hard | Yes | Same Day |
| Gokyo Lakes |
| 12-14 days / 5,357m / Moderate | Yes | Same Day |
| Three Passes |
| 18-21 days / 5,545m / Hard | Yes | Same Day |
| Island Peak Lobuche Peak |
| 14-18 days / 6,189m / Hard | No | 1-2 Days |
| Mera Peak |
| 18- 25 days/ 6,461m/ Hard | No | 1-2 days |
| Jiri - EBC Trek |
| 20 days/ 5,364m / Hard | Yes | Same day |
Important EBC Trek Permit Informations from Nepal Government
These are the general rules enforced by the Nepalese Government for trekking in Everest Base Camp
- Trekkers must respect the local customs and tradition and must not indulge in activities that go against the local norms and traditions.
- Individual trekking is strictly forbidden in Restricted Areas. There should be at least two trekkers.
- Daily remuneration, safety gears and appropriate clothes, Personal Accident insurance must be provided to Nepali citizens accompanying the travel group as guide/porter/any other supporting roles.
- Trekkers are not allowed to change route and must travel in the route as designated in the Trekking Permit. Or concerned trekking agency/trekking guide accompanying the group must not let trekkers change the route.
- Trekkers should comply with instructions given by authorized Officials in the trekking zone (Restricted Area).
- Mountaineers with expedition permits should get trekking permits as well if they have to pass through Restricted Areas to climb peaks. In this case, they do not need to pay fees for (Trekking) Permit.
Can EBC Trekking Permits Be Obtained Online
No, EBC trekking permits still require physical issuance or verification.
Some processes have been digitized but a full online permit system is yet to be practiced. You may be curious why Nepal still uses the Physical Permit System. It's because
- Government policy still relies on paper-based tracking systems
- On-trail checkpoint verification
- Manual logging for rescue tracking
- Limited digital infrastructure in remote areas
Why Use a Registered Travel Agency
The answer is pretty straight forward. You, as a trekker, in Nepal have been to enjoy Nepal's beauty and culture and don't want to entangle yourself in the hustle and bustle of paperworks, which can be quite bothersome at times. On top of that, the management part of the trail like booking a guest house, making sure your trekking conditions are ideal and sometimes unfortunate incidents which may result in abandoning the trek may arise. This is where a travel agency comes in. They are the ones expert on this matter and know ins and outs of trekking in Nepal which helps you to keep your full attention on the trek and leave aside things that matter less. Apart from that, obtaining Everest Base Camp Trek Permits may seem straightforward, but mistakes in documentation, restricted area regulations, or recent rule updates can cause delays or penalties. A registered trekking agency ensures your permits are processed legally, efficiently, and in compliance with Nepal Government regulations.
- Ensures legal permit processing
- Handles restricted area applications properly
- Provides guide and safety support
- Prevents documentation errors
If you are ready to trek to EBC, Heaven Himalaya is ready to offer its help. With over 5 years of experience, the agency has been providing exceptional trekking services throughout Nepal. We offer seamless support for obtaining permits required for EBC Trek and ensuring a smooth trekking experience.
- We are a registered company under the laws of the Nepal government, licensed by the ministries, and a member of trekking associations such as TAAN.
- We are trusted by the largest travel bands and organizations like Trip Advisor, Trip Viator, LonelyPlanet, TourHub etc
- We have extensive business networks all over Nepal to provide you with a smooth and cost-effective journey.
- We are here to provide 24-hour service help for any emergency incidents.
- We set a high benchmark for ourselves and are 100% committed to making our customers happy and satisfied.
Most Popular Questions about permits for Everest Base Camp Treks
What are the permits required for the trek to Everest Base Camp from Lukla?
– Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit (Now changed into Trek Card) and Sagarmatha National Park Permit
Either you trek to Gokyo Lakes with Chola Pass or the Three Passes, these permits will govern their movement and keep track of their progress on the route. The local and central governments of Nepal issue these authorizations. Also, it’s all single-entry permits.
What is the total cost of the Everest trekking permits?
– The total cost of the Everest Base Camp trekking permit from Lukla is around 50 USD.
Can I pay Everest entry permit fees in Foreign Currency?
No, you can’t pay the permit costs in USD or any other foreign currency. You will need Nepalese currency to pay for them. You can easily get Nepalese rupees from ATMs and money exchanges.
Is TIMS necessary for trekking in the Everest region?
-No, the new rural municipality permit has displaced the Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) from October 1st, 2018, so you don’t need to get TIMS Card for any treks to Everest Base Camp.
Where do we get our EBC Trek permits?
-You can directly get the EBC Trek permits on the trails either in Lukla or Monjo at the National Park Counter.
Does my local guide need an entry permit to the Everest region?
No, local Nepalese guides do not require permits to trek in the Everest region.
In the end,
These were the Everest Base Camp Trek Permits necessary to get into the Khumbu region. It only costs around 50 USD. So, make sure you get them all as required. Otherwise, you may get into trouble and also be fined and caught by the police.
After you get the permit, keep it safe with you. So whenever you are asked by the officials at different points, you can show it to them. These permits will be useful for any tours to Mt. Everest and are like the licenses to enter the region.
If it’s an organized trek, then your agency will get those for you so that you don’t deal with them yourself.
