Can I fly a Drone On The Everest Base Camp Trek: Drone Bans, Starlink Wi-Fi and New Rules 2026
Sristi AdhikariCan I fly a Drone On The Everest Base Camp Trek? It is one of the main things that will cross your mind the moment you start planning the journey to the Everest region. The answer is complex due to strict bans in Sagarmatha National Park, local government permits, and military airspace considerations.
It requires serious planning for flying drones in the Khumbu regions along with Starlink-style satellite Wi-Fi and tighter enforcement on the trail. Flying drones above snow-capped mountain ranges, capturing footage of Everest from the sky, sounds pretty amazing, but it comes with smart travel planning.
Before you pack your drone, or leave it at home, here’s what every trekker needs to know: what’s allowed and what’s risky in the context of Can I fly a Drone On The Everest Base Camp Trek.
Drone Regulation in the Everest Region
The Everest region is a part of the Sagarmatha National Park, which is filled with Sherpa villages like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche, each adorned with fluttering prayer flags, colorful stupas (chortens), and ancient monasteries. It is a home to wildlife such as Himalayan thar, snow leopards, and yak herds that roam the hillsides.
This is the reason why there are strict drone rules and regulations in the Everest Base Camp trek. Can I fly a Drone on the Everest Base Camp Trek includes the following key drones regulation:
- No free flying drones in the Evrest trails.
- Special permission is needed from multiple levels of approval from CAAN, DNPWC, the Ministry level, and the local administration.
- Bans in recreational flight, no matter the size or use.
- No guarantee of legal video uploaded on social sites.
Can I Fly a Drone on the Everest Base Camp Trek?
The answer to Can I fly a Drone On The Everest Base Camp Trek is no without the official permission. You need to get approval from multiple sources for flying drones in the EBC trek. Flying a casual recreational drone is strictly prohibited in the Everest regions.
Permit Requirement
To legally fly drones in the Everest region, trekkers normally need permission, and it could take weeks to get the approval:
- CAAN (main drone flight permission)
- Ministry of Home Affairs (security clearance)
- Sagarmatha National Park or Department of Wildlife Conservation
- Local authorities (municipality check) and Community
Risks of Flying Without Permission
If you are those trekkers who don’t care about the rules and regulations, and fly drones without permission, you will be risked of:
- Confiscation of your drone
- Hefty fines (often NPR 10,000–200,000 or more)
- Trekking permit cancellation or being forced off the trail
- Future bans on trekking regions of Nepal
- Legal action under aviation or wildlife protection laws.
These rules are not meant to scare the trekkers, but to remind you that even a small mistake can make you lose a hefty sum of money or may halt the further journey to Everest.
Responsible Drone Flying Tips in Nepal
Trekkers should be responsible for flying drones in Nepal, like:
- Always apply for the drone permits 1 to 2 weeks before arriving in Nepal.
- Trekkers should not fly a drone near the Sagarmatha National Park as it will disturb the birds, yaks, and other animals.
- Flying drones is highly restricted at night.
- Always keep your drone within 120 meters of altitude and within a radius of 500 meters.
- You should always declare your drone at custom in order to avoid confiscation at the airport.
How is Pro Drone Footage Made in the Everest Base Camp trek?
Despite how locked-down personal drone use is around Everest, those jaw-dropping aerial clips don’t appear by accident. Almost all of the stunning Everest drone footage you see is captured by professional teams operating under tightly controlled permissions.
These flights are usually part of documentaries, scientific surveys, or sponsored expeditions, with special clearances and coordination that regular travelers simply don’t have access to.
Documentary and Filmmaker
They are the most legitimate and common source of legal drone footage in the Everest region. These professionals often get approval from authorities and often fly very short and controlled flights with the use of certified pilots.
They carry a printed permit every time, and they fly cautiously while avoiding people and helicopters at off-hours.
Licensed Travel Agencies
Some high-end trekking companies like Awesome Holidays Nepal are only allowed to use drones under special permits. They do this for promotional videos, rescue documentation, and expeditions only after getting permission from officials.
Research Projects for Government
Many people are involved in research or government projects like glacial monitoring, climate change research, mapping trails, and landline zones while following the high regulations. Only a few people publish this type of footage, but uploading it requires a controlled and legal way.
Illegal Footage
Those uploaded footage of Everest, such as trekkers flying at dawn to avoid rangers, short launch and land near villages arehighly illegal, and those people only upload it months after taking the footage. If they upload in real time, they risk confiscation of the drone and gear, heavy fines, trek permit cancellation, pand otential lifetime ban from Sagarmatha National Park.
Starlink and Satellite Internet at EBC
Starlink is a satellite internet service launched by SpaceX. It is believed to ensure that you will have a high-speed internet connection no matterthe place you are, even in extreme and isolated environments. It is also available above 5,000 meters. It is not available legally in any part of Nepal.
What is Going On?
Starlink is not legally available. Trekkers exploring the EBC are using Everest Link Wi-Fi, a solar-powered network. The speed is limited, and trekkers can buy a pre-paid data card at lodges and teahouses of the Everest trails. EBC trek rules 2026 includes avoid using Starlink as responsible trekkers.
Trekkers can also rely on the Mobile Sim of NTC or Ncell for data purchase in the lower Everest regions like Lukla and Namche Bazaar. NTC and Ncell is both regarded as the best sim card for Everest Base Camp trek.
Satellite Phones are quite expensive, but it is very reliable for emergencies. Trekkers can buy Iridium and Thuraya for better voice and data connectivity than Everest Base Camp Wi-Fi.
Regulatory Reality of Starlink in the EBC Trek
Starlink has not been approved for official use in Nepal as of now. Nepal’s Telecommunications Authority (NTA) even published a warning news that using unauthorized satellite internet services violates the Telecommunications Act and may result in penalties for providers and users.
It is strictly prohibited to use unauthorized Starlink in the Everest regions. There is a high chance of licensing with SpaceX in the near future till then, trekkers can use Everest Link Wi-Fi.
What Starlink Could Mean for the Everest Regions
If Starlink become liscenced and legal, trekkers can contact their loved ones via Video calls, live streaming, and work remotely as the broadband speed will be high. There will be high coverage even in the wifi dead zones.
Final Takeaway: Drone Flying and Starlink Wi-Fi
Can I fly a Drone On The Everest Base Camp Trek comes requires a respectful and legal approach. Capturing the Himalayas’ pristine landscape and the world’s tallest mountain beauty demands the following of drone laws like obtaining required permits, local regulations respect, and taking security precautions.
Similarly, trekkers should use Everest Link, SIM cards, or satellite phones rather than Starlink, as it is not legally authorized in Nepal. When trekking to the remote regions of Nepal, you should embrace the beauty of nature and take yourself away from digital chaos.
Contact Awesome Holidays Nepal to bring a drone on your EBC trek, as we offer the best guidance regarding permits, travel plan, which will surely make your journey filled with lifetime memories, and you can capture unique scenes in your drone.
FAQs
Expand AllAre drones banned on the Everest Base Camp trek in 2026?
No. Drones are not banned on the Everest Base Camp trek, but you must have the necessary permits from officials.
Which offices approve drone flights in the Everest (Sagarmatha) region?
The drone flights in the Everest (Sagarmatha) region are approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC), Ministry of Home Affairs, and Local Municipality/Village Council.
How do foreigners register a drone with CAAN in Nepal?
Foreigners can register their drone with CAAN in Nepal by following:
- Duly filled Application Form- RPA/Form/001 for Drone Registration
- Passport-size color Photograph of applicant
- Photograph of a drone showing the drone’s serial number
- Copy of a foreign passport with a valid visa for Nepal
- Tribhuvan International Airport Custom Declaration of Drone
- Registration fee USD 50 plus 13 % VAT
- Purpose of Operation and Letter of commitment – RPA/Form/002
Do I need separate permission to fly a drone inside Sagarmatha National Park?
Yes. You will need a separate permission to fly a drone inside Sagarmatha National Park from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC), Ministry of Home Affairs, and Local Municipality/Village Council.
Where are drones most likely to be restricted (airports, villages, viewpoints)?
Drones are most likely to be restricted in villages and viewpoints due to protect residential privacy and reduce disturbance, while in airport there is a high risk of collison to aircraft.
Is Starlink available and legal in Nepal in 2026 for trekkers or expeditions?
Starlink is not available or legal in Nepal in 2026 for trekkers or expeditions.
What’s the most reliable internet option on the EBC trail: Everest Link, SIM, or lodge WiFi?
The most reliable internet option on the EBC trail is the Everest Link, rather than SIM, or lodge WiFi.
How much does WiFi typically cost per day on the Everest Base Camp trek?
The Everest Link WiFi costs around NPR 600-800 ($5-7) per 1GB in lower regions, while it rise upto NPR 1000-1200 ($9-10) per 1GB at higher altitudes.
Where can I buy Everest Link WiFi cards along the route?
Teahouses or shops in places like Namche, Dingboche, and Lobuche sell Everest Link WiFi cards along the route.
What permits do I need for Everest Base Camp trekking in 2026?
You will need the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit and the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit for the Everest Base Camp trek in 2026. If you are traveling via the Jiri route, you will need a Gaurishankar conservation area permit.
Is the TIMS card required for Everest Base Camp in 2026, and is it enforced?
A TIMS card is not required for Everest Base Camp in 2026 because the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit replaces it.
Are Lukla flights still diverted to Ramechhap (Manthali) in peak season?
Yes, Lukla flights are still diverted to Ramechhap (Manthali) in peak season.
What should I do if my Lukla flight is cancelled due to weather?
You should immediately ask your airline/agent to rebook you on the next available flight, or switch to a helicopter charter, in case your Lukla flight gets cancelled due to weather.
Can I work remotely while trekking to Everest Base Camp (power + connectivity realities)?
If you want to work remotely while trekking to Everest Base Camp (power + connectivity realities), it will comes in an expensive price, and also there is no reliable connection in the higher regions of the Everest.
What documents should I keep on my phone vs printed copies for checkpoints?
You should keep digital copies of your passport, visa, permits, travel insurance, itinerary or hotel confirmations, and emergency contacts on your phones, while you must have a physical copy of your passport, Sagarmatha National Park entry permit, Khumu Pasang Lhamu Rural municipality, passport-sized photos in 2 to 4 copies, passport photocopy or visa copy for checkpoints.
Is there a complete drone ban in Sagarmatha National Park?
The drone ban in Sagarmatha National Park is for those who don’t have any permitsfor flying.
What permits are required to fly a drone in the Everest region?
You need to have CAAN Registration & Permit, Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) & Tourism Department Approval, Sagarmatha National Park Permit, and Local Municipality/Police Permission to fly a drone in the Everest region.
Can foreign tourists register a drone legally in Nepal?
Yes, foreign tourists can legally register a drone in Nepal.
Are drones prohibited near Lukla Airport and flight paths?
Yes, drones are prohibited near Lukla Airport and flight paths.
Is drone flying allowed in Namche Bazaar or nearby villages?
Flying a drone is only allowed in Namche Bazaar or nearby villages with special permits.
Are drones banned near monasteries and religious sites in Khumbu?
Drones are banned near monasteries and religious sites in Khumbu.
Do I need to declare my drone when arriving in Nepal?
Yes, you must declare your drone at the Customs Red Channel upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).
Do YouTubers need special filming permits in the Everest region?
Yes, YouTubers need special filming permits in the Everest region.
Is GoPro or handheld camera filming allowed without permits?
GoPro or handheld camera filming is allowed without permits in unrestricted areas only.
What photography rules apply inside Sagarmatha National Park?
Photography rules inside Sagarmatha National Park include obtaining necessary entry permits, respecting monasteries, sacred space, and local privacy, and abiding by strict, mandatory Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) drone restrictions.
Where are EBC permit checkpoints located on the trail?
Monjo (Sagarmatha National Park entry), Lukla (local municipality permit), and others along the key trail are some of the EBC permit checkpoints.
Which SIM card works best on the Everest Base Camp trek?
Both Ncell and NTC SIM card works best on the Everest Base Camp trek.
Does Ncell or Nepal Telecom work better in Namche Bazaar?
Both Ncell and Nepal Telecom (NTC/Namaste) work well in Namche Bazaar.
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