Everest Base Camp Trekking Permits
Sristi AdhikariThe Everest Base Camp Trekking permit is one of the most critical requirements for trekking to the base of Everest. The trekking permits will allow you to explore the remarkable beauty of the Everest region.
Everyone’s bucket list includes the sunset view of Everest from Kalapathar. Everest Base Camp Trek allows you to experience the deadliest airport in the world, Lukla Airport. The beautiful Khumbu Glacier, Khumbu Icefalls, and historic Tengboche Monastery are the most popular attractions of the route to Everest Base Camp.
Been dreaming of standing at the top of the world, Mount Everest, but couldn’t achieve this, then the Everest Base Camp Trek will be the perfect destination for you. but it requires permits to explore this region. Everest Base Camp trek permits for Indian passport holders are NPR 1,000 less than those for any other foreigners.
Want to explore the Everest route without any hassle of permits and other requirements? Then, book our Heli-sightseeing tour, the Everest Scenic Flight, or any other package. Click more to learn more about the trekking permits for Everest Base Camp.
Permits For The Everest Base Camp Trekking
Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit
You cannot enter the Khumbu region without the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu rural municipality permit cost for the individual trekkers is NPR 3000. The permit cost for the Khumbu Rural Municipality is the same for locals as well as foreigners.
The paid money is used to support and develop the local government, maintain trekking trails, build infrastructure, and promote sustainable development for the Sherpa community.
The need for a permit was introduced in 2018. You can buy it on arrival at Lukla or Monjo. Do not expect to buy it in Kathmandu, and everyone either trekking or touring via helicopter must obtain this permit.
Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS Card)
The TIMS card helps to maintain the trekker’s record, and it ensures safety. Independent trekkers have to pay NPR 2000 for the TIMS card for the Everest Base Camp. It is not mandatory for the Everest trek, but a few routes, like the protected trekking zones, do require a TIMS card plus a licensed trekking guide.
Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit
Trekking to the Everest base camp requires the Gaurishankar Conservation Area permit. Even though you traveled on flights to Lukla or chose the hiking alternative from Jiri/Salleri, you couldn’t get entry without these permits.
The Gaurishankar permits costs NPR 3,000. If you are a SAARC Country member, it costs NPR 1000, while Nepali citizens have to pay only NPR 100.
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
The Everest base camp trekking trails include the exploration of the Sagarmatha National Park, and without a Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, you cannot enter. The Sagarmatha National Park entry permit for 2025/2026 is NPR 3000 per person, and this fund is used to protect the park’s pristine environment, wildlife, and cultural heritage.
If you’re from a SAARC Country, you have to pay NPR 1,500, and Nepalese citizens need to pay only NPR 100. You can buy this permit at the Tourist Service Center (TSC) located at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu, and at the entry point of Sagarmatha National Park at Monzo, Solukhumbu. The trekking companies registered with the Government provide themselves.
Requirement Documents For Everest Base Camp Trek Permits
The Everest Base Camp Trek requires the following documents at the time of buying permits:
Passport
You must have multiple copies of your passport for the permit application and checkpoints. The passport must have a valid Visa for the Everest base camp trek and one with at least six months from the date of entry into Nepal.
Passport-Sized Photos
Every client should have more than three copies of passport-sized photos. Bring extra copies in case of an emergency, for extra permits or documentation you might need.
Additional Information
Permits can be bought in Kathmandu, and obtaining them before wouldn’t disrupt/ delay the trail. Make sure to have four permits while embarking on your adventurous journey to the Everest Base Camp. Make sure to have cash for permits and travel insurance papers.
Importance of Trekking Permits in Everest Base Camp
Everest Base Camp can only be completed if you have the trekking permits. It is important because it gives legal access to the Everest region and helps track safety and emergency support. Some of the other key points are :
Legal Access
The Everest Base Camp trek requires permits like the TIMS Card, Sagarmatha National Park entry permit, and Khumbu Rural Municipality permit. These areas are protected areas, and without these permits, you cannot enter. The Nepal Tourism Board will provide you with all sorts of knowledge regarding the permits if you are travelling in a group without a guide.
Safety and Protection
These permits help to keep a record of the trekkers inside the Everest region. The permits will track your location and help you to rescue in case of an emergency.
Sustainable Conservation
The fund collected from these permits is used for the conservation of the trekking trails. It is also invested in the preservation of wildlife, waste management, and the development of the community.
Uplift local People
The local people get financial benefits from these collected funds. Also, they get opportunities to work in their familiar environment.
Regulation and Management
The data helps to regulate the number of trekkers in a particular time period. It also manages overcrowding and ensures of smooth and legal trek.
Permit That Keeps Off the Hassle
The unique and most popular trekking destination to the Everest Base Camp trek, can only be completed if you have all the trekking permits. The success of your journey depends on the permits, and you must have them during the checkpoints.
You must have permits like the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, TIMS Card(not mandatory), the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit, and the Gaurishankar Conservation Area Entry Permit.
The stamps on your paper determine the success rate of your journey. Do not forget to contact Awesome Holidays Nepal for booking the vacation of your choice.
FAQs
Expand AllDo I need permits for Everest Basecamp trekking?
Yes, the Everest base camp trek requires permits. You must have the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit, a TIMS card, and sometimes a Gaurishankar Conservation Area permit.
What permits are required for Everest Basecamp?
The permits, like the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit, a TIMS card, and sometimes a Gaurishankar Conservation Area permit, are mandatory while trekking for the Everest Base Camp.
How much does Everest permit cost in 2025?
Everest permits cost for 2025 is updated. You must pay NPR 3000 per person for the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit and NPR 2000 for the TIMS Card.
It costs each NPR 3000 per person for the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Gaurishankar Conservation Area permit.
How to get TIMS card for Everest trek?
You can get a TIMS card from the Nepal Tourism Board office. If you are planning your trip with a registered trekking company, they will arrange them for you.
What is TIMS card in Nepal trekking?
A TIMS card in Nepal trekking means a mandatory permit, which helps to track trekkers in case of an emergency and to ensure the trekkers’ safety and security.
How much does Sagarmatha National Park permit cost?
Sagarmatha National Park permit costs NPR 3000 per person for foreigners, and SAARC nationals have to pay NPR 1500 per person.
Can foreigners trek Everest Base camp without permits?
No one is allowed to trek without permits in the Everest Base Camp. From a Nepalese citizen to a foreigner, everyone must have all the necessary permits for trekking in the Everest region.
How long is Everest permit valid?
The Everest trek permit is valid for 4 weeks. The extension of these permits is only possible through a checkpoint, but we advise you to align permit dates with your vacation.
Where to buy Everest trekking permits online?
The Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and TIMS card are available online, but you cannot buy the Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit online.
What documents needed for Everest permit?
You must have documents like a valid passport, a few passport-sized photos, a visa for Nepal, and proof of foreign citizenship in order to buy the Everest trek permits.
How many days does Everest permit take to get?
The Everest base camp permits can be obtained on the same day if you have all the documents ready. You must have a valid passport, a few passport-sized photos, a visa for Nepal, and proof of foreign citizenship in order.
Is travel insurance required for Everest Base Camp?
Yes, travel insurance is required for the Everest Base Camp. This helps you in case of an emergency rescue and covers the treatment cost of altitude sickness and other health issues.
What is the difference between TIMS and National Park permit?
The purpose of TIMS is to provide general registration and to track trekkers’ records for safety and emergency response, while the National Park permits you to allow entry inside the protected areas.
Can I trek Everest without guide and permits?
No, you cannot trek to the Everest without a guide and permits. If you are a regular trekker and have detailed knowledge about the Everest trek route, you can trek alone, but we recommend that you go with a guide. No one can enter the trekking regions without a permit.
What happens if I trek without Everest permits?
If you are planning to go to the Everest base camp without permits, get ready to face issues like access denial, fines, and expulsion from the route. You will be stopped at checkpoints and have to pay heavy sum of penalty money.
When is the Best time to get Everest permits?
The best time to obtain permits for the Everest base camp trek is in Spring and Autumn. Spring starts from March to May, and autumn is from September to November in Nepal.
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