Permits required for Everest Base Camp trek

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Read the guide on trekking permits for the Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp Trek requires a special permit to enter the region and embark on the beautiful journey. The base camp lies in the Khumbu region within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sagarmatha National Park. So, trekkers must get some permits first to trek to EBC and other Everest region treks including Gokyo Lakes Trekking. The permits required are - Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit, Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, and Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit (If you are trekking by Jiri).

These permits not only ensure that your trek is authorized but also contribute to the conservation and management of the pristine environment surrounding Everest.

Understanding which permits are required, where to obtain them, and how much they cost is an essential step in planning your Everest Base Camp Trek. Always include the trek permits and other documents while planning your Everest Base Camp Trek packing list.

So, what are the required permits, costs, and documents for Everest Base Camp Trek? Let us find out.

Everest Base Camp Trek Permits and Associated Costs

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit is the newest permit introduced in the Khumbu region to replace the TIMS card. It replaced the old TIMS Card and became necessary on October 1, 2018. So, the permit fees of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality will be collected directly by the local government of the Khumbu region.

Cost of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

The permit costs NPR 2000 per person for the first four weeks and NPR 2500 per person who stays longer than four weeks. No VAT applies to the permit fees.

The cost of the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit is the same for everyone outside of Nepal, including SAARC nationals, foreign nationals, and NRNs (Non-Resident Nepalese).

The permit fee is payable only in the Nepalese currency.

Where Can You Get a Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit?

If you are trekking from Lukla, you can get this permit in Lukla. Trekkers trekking from Jiri or Salleri can obtain this permit in Monjo at the Sagarmatha National Park Counter.

Please remember you cannot get this permit in Kathmandu.

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

The Everest Base Camp is a part of Sagarmatha National Park (designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site), a restricted and protected area, it is a must-needed permit. You can obtain it either in Kathmandu at the Nepal Tourism Board Office or in Monjo at the Park Entrance Gate.

Cost of Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit costs around NRs. 3000 for foreign trekkers. [Outside of Nepal and SAARC countries].

If you are from SAARC Countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka), permit costs around NPR.1500 per person.

Similarly, for Nepalese trekkers, the cost is only NPR 100 per person. Trekkers under 10 can obtain this permit without any charges or fees as a child discount.

You can check out the costs of other National park permits from the official website of NTB (Nepal Tourism Board).

Where Can You Get the Sagarmatha National Park Permit?

You can acquire this permit from the Nepal Tourism Board Office, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu.

You can also get this permit at Monjo's Sagarmatha National Park Entry Gate.

Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit (If you are trekking by Jiri)

If you are following the route from Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek, you must obtain an additional permit for Gaurishankar Conservation Area.

Gaurishankar Conservation Area is another restricted and protected area, so trekkers must get a permit to walk through the area.

Cost of Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit

Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit costs around NRs. 3000 for foreign trekkers. [Trekkers outside of Nepal and SAARC countries].

If you are from SAARC Countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka), permit costs around NPR.1000 per person.

Similarly, for Nepalese trekkers, the cost is only NPR 100 per person. Trekkers under 10 can obtain this permit without any charges or fees as a child discount.

Where Can You Get a Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit?

You can get the Gaurishankar Conservation Area permit at the Conservation Area Permit Checkpoint in Shivalaya or the NTB office.

Once you’ve secured your permits, the next step is to make sure you're properly packed. Don’t forget to check out the Everest Base Camp Trek packing list to ensure you have everything you need.

What are the Required Documents to Obtain Permits For a Trek to Everest Base Camp?

Here is the list of required documents you will need to get the permits for EBC trek;

For the Sagarmatha National Park Entrance Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit, you will need to have your passport details.
For the Gaurishankar Conservation Area permit, you will need 2 passport-sized photos and fill up a short form.
If you are going for an organized trek, your local travel agency will get all your permits.
Permit Fees are payable only in Nepali currency.