What are the required permits for Everest Base Camp Trek?
Are you planning to embark on the Everest Base Camp Trek? Then do you know the required permits for Everest Base Camp Trek and why you need them?
Located in the Khumbu region of Nepal, the Everest Base Camp Trek is a popular and adventurous journey that takes you through some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery and is considered one of the best hiking experiences.
But before you take the first step on this journey, there are numerous things you need to know and understand about the EBC trek such as difficulty, cost, packing list, preparations, foods & so on; among which the permits are also very important.
Hence, in this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to the required permits for Everest Base Camp Trek, including their significance, costs, and procedures to obtain them.
Importance of obtaining the permits for Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest Base Camp Trek lies within the Sagarmatha National Park which is why obtaining the permits for the Everest Base Camp Trek is crucial.
The government of Nepal has made it mandatory for all trekkers to acquire permits to enter the Sagarmatha National Park and the Khumbu Rural Municipality.
These permits are essential to ensure the safety and protection of trekkers, as well as to preserve the environment, local communities, and cultural heritage of the region.
Sagarmatha National Park Permit
The Sagarmatha National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Khumbu region of Nepal which covers an area of 1,148 km. sq. It is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including some endangered species such as the snow leopard and the red panda. Additionally, this park is also home to some of the world’s highest mountains, the largest glaciers and not to mention the Sherpas.
Therefore, obtaining a Sagarmatha National Park Permit is mandatory for anyone trekking in the Everest region.
Where can I get the Sagarmatha National Park Permit?
Now, you can obtain the permit at Lukla checkpost or Lukla permit counter. Previously you had to get these permits on Monjo (Sagarmatha National Park Entry Gate) on your second day of trekking from Phakding to Namche Bazaar.
Also, you can get to Kathmandu, either through a trekking agency or directly from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation or the Nepal Tourism Board.
You need your passport to get this permit and children below the age of 10 are entitled to free entrance.
Sagarmatha National Park Permit Cost
For foreigners: NRS 3000 / US $ 24
For SAARC Nationals: NRS 1500 / US $ 12
Note: During the peak season the queue to get this permit will be very long so it is better to get in Kathmandu beforehand to avoid such hassle.
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit, also known as the Khumbu Trekking Permit, is another essential permit required for the Everest Base Camp Trek. The permit is issued by the local government and is required for all trekkers visiting the Khumbu region, including the villages of Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and others.
Where can I get a Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit?
You can obtain the permit at the Lukla Checkpost (Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Office) in Lukla on your first day of the trek. But for those who are trekking through the Jiri or Salleri, you can get this permit at the Monjo checkpoint.
Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit cost is NRS 2000 / US $16 and you will need your passport to get this permit.
New Update on the Khumbu Municipality Permit
For ensuring the safety of the trekkers and the Khumbu ecosystem they have introduced the “Trek Card.” This is a digital system where all the information of trekkers are stored in the system safeguarding and managing the well-being of all tourists arriving in the Khumbu area.
You have to fill out the certain form (including your country of origin, name, and permanent and temporary contact numbers) which is available at the counter and they will take your photo and your trek card will be ready within minutes.
Lukla Counter: Where you can get all permits for Everest Base Camp Trek?
Now, it is very easy to obtain all the permits required for the EBC trek. You can easily purchase these permits from Lukla counter on the very day.
At the end point of the Lukla main street, you will see the Lukla gate with the Pasang Lamhu statue and walking few downstairs from there, you will reach this Lukla counter.
Here, you have to pay the required permit fee and they will issue you the permits.
If you are trekking with the agencies then your guide will take care of everything for you.
Everest Base Camp Trek Permits Check-in and Check-out
| Check-in (check post) | Check-out (check post) |
| Lukla (Day 1) | Phunki Thanga |
| Monjo (Day 2) | Namche Bazaar |
| Namche Bazaar (Day 2) | Monjo |
| Phunki Thanga (Day 4) | Lukla |
Do I need a Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) permit for the Everest Base Camp Trek?
The TIMS permit was previously required for all treks in Nepal, including the Everest Base Camp Trek, but it was replaced by Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality from 1st October 2018. These permits cover the TIMS permit requirements and provide all the necessary information for the trekking authorities.
Can I pay Everest entry permit fees in Foreign Currency?
No, the permit fees cannot be paid in USD or any other foreign currency. To purchase them, you will need Nepalese cash.
Do my guide and porter need the permit?
No, they don’t need any of these permits.
Why are the permits for Everest Base Camp Trek Important?
While obtaining the necessary permits may seem like an inconvenience, they play a crucial role in protecting the environment and local communities. The Sagarmatha National Park Permit fees go towards conservation efforts, while the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit fees are used for local development projects, such as building schools and hospitals.
Additionally, these permits help to regulate the number of trekkers in the region, ensuring that the fragile ecosystem isn’t overwhelmed by mass tourism. By obtaining the permits, you’re also helping to support the local economy by providing jobs and income to the communities along the trekking route.
This blog is recently updated with all the latest changes in the Khumbu region in 2023/24.
Get in touch with Nepal Peak Adventure. We arrange and obtain all the necessary permits for you.
