Everest Base Camp Permit

The Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek is a dream trekking destination for most of the trekkers who visit Nepal for trekking. EBC lies in the Khumbu region of Nepal, which takes you to a maximum elevation of 5,364 meters (17,598 ft).

The trek offers a majestic view of the world’s highest mountain peak, Mt Everest (8,848.86 m), and experiences the rich Sherpa culture.

However, for a successful, safe and legal trekking experience, a lot of preparations and obtaining permits are important.

Types of Required Everest Base Camp Trek Permits

The trek basically requires only three types of Everest Base Camp trek permits.

i. Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

Mt Everest lies within the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site. The national park was established in 1976, focusing on the protection of rare plants and animals.

There is an abundance of red pandas, snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, and musk deer in the area. It’s also a great site to spot the beauty of blood pheasants and Himalayan monal.

Therefore, it is compulsory to require the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit to enter the national park.

The sum received from the permit goes to maintaining the national park, the salary of the national park’s employees for preserving wildlife and natural vegetation, and the cleanliness of the national park.

ii. Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

Likewise, another required permit for this trek is the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit.

The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit was introduced in October 2018 for the development and maintenance of the Khumbu region. This permit was introduced in place of the TIMS card.

Back then, the central government transferred authority to look over the Everest trek to the local government, thus starting to supply the new permit. This Everest base camp permit is issued as a tax by the visitors.

Collected money goes to the sustainable development of tourism and maintaining the quality of the Khumbu region. It is used to keep accommodations in good shape and develop infrastructure.

After you issue this permit, the local government will be responsible for your safety. If you are lost or suffer from any natural calamities, you will be rescued by the government. This permit can be received in Lukla, the starting point of the Everest View trek.

iii. Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit

Flying from Kathmandu to Lukla directly takes you to the Khumbu region. However, if you are planning to trek to Everest base camp from Jiri and skip the flight from Lukla, you will need three permits, including a Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit.

For foreigners: NPR 3000 per person
For SAARC country: NPR 1,000 per person
Nepalese: NPR 100 per person
Discount: Only for children below 10 yrs
Issue location: Kathmandu or entry gate

Everest Base Camp Permit Total Cost

The total permit cost for the EBC trek can be divided into two permits.

i. Cost of Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

For Nepalese citizens: NPR 100 per person
For SAARC nation citizens: NPR 1,500 per person
For Foreign nation citizens: NPR 3,000 (appx. $25)
Discount: Only for children below 10 yrs
Issue location: Kathmandu or Monjo

ii. Cost of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

For Nepalese citizens: Free
For SAARC nation citizens: NPR 1,000 per person
For Foreign nation citizens: NPR 2,000 (appx. $15)
Issue Location: Lukla

Where can you obtain permits for Everest Base Camp Trek?

The Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permits for the Everest Base Camp trek can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu, Nepal or at the Lukla Checkpoint in Lukla. Alternatively, they can be acquired on the way to Namche Bazaar at the Monjo Checkpoint.

Likewise, the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permits for the Everest Base Camp trek can be obtained at the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality office in Lukla.

Required documents for Everest Base Camp Permit

• A passport with at least 6 months validity is one of the everest permit requirements.
• 2 passport-sized photos are another everest permit requirement.
• Nepal entry visa (not needed for Indian citizens)
• A filled application form should be submitted.
• Nepalese rupees for permit fees
• Proof of travel insurance (optional)

Mount Everest Base Camp Permit Acquisition Process

Permits for the trek can be issued either from Kathmandu or at the Lukla checkpoint and Monjo checkpoint. Nevertheless, all the permit costs are included in the trip package, so you can trek freely without any worry.

Nepal Tourism Board Office

Location: Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu
Working hours: Sunday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm

Both the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and TIMS cards can be obtained here if required.

Trekking Agencies

If you book a trekking package with Himalayan Masters, we will arrange the permit for you. Also, all the permits are included in the package itself. You can trek without any hassle of issuing permits.

However, if you are a solo trekker, you need to arrange all the permits yourself.

Lukla Checkpoint

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit for the Everest Base Camp trek can be obtained after arriving in Lukla prior to your trek.

Further, the office for issuing the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit has shifted to Lukla. So, it can be issued in Lukla itself.

Permits for Everest Base Camp Trek Acquisition Tips

• Carry extra passport-sized photos; they are required to apply for permits.
• Carry extra copies of your documents; they might come in handy anytime.
• Not everywhere in Nepal there is availability of ATM or mobile banking service, so make sure you have enough Nepali Rupees (NPR) in cash for obtaining permits.
• Keep in mind that your passport must have at least 6 months of validity.
• Double-check your travel insurance; it must cover high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.

Importance of Mount Everest Base Camp Permits

Acquiring a trekking permit at Everest Base Camp is important not just for legal formalities but also for the conservation and maintenance of trekking regions and the Sagarmatha National Park.

The money collected from permits is directly used to conserve the environment, support local communities, and develop infrastructure.

Therefore, by obtaining the permits, the trekkers are not only helping themselves with pristine mountain views but are also helping the livelihoods of local people.

Rules and Regulations to follow during Trekking Mt Everest Base Camp

When trekking Mt Everest Base Camp, there are certain rules and regulations that you need to abide by.

Permits: Obtaining the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit is a must.

Protect Environment: You are not allowed to litter and are requested to dispose of waste materials properly.

Respect Local Culture: Respect local norms and traditions, and ask for permission before taking any photographs.

Stay on the Trekking trail: Do not stray from your trekking route; maintain the balance of the ecosystem and respect nature.

Use Local Services: To support local communities and businesses, remember to use local guides, porters, teahouses, and amenities.

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is not compulsory, but it is recommended.

Everest Permit Need for Mountaineering

Climbing beyond the Everest base camp requires a special permit to climb Everest and other nearby peaks. Mountaineers need to pay big Royalties to the Government for climbing Everest in different seasons. These climbing Everest permits can only be issued from the Ministry of Culture in Kathmandu and cost the following.

• Spring Season – USD 11,000/person
• Autumn Season- USD 5,500/person
• Winter/Summer- USD 2,750/person

Additionally, there will be a certain deposit for Garbage Management, i.e., USD 4,000. This amount can be refunded after you submit evidence and receive confirmation from the Liaison Officer; the Ministry will refund the deposited amount.

Conclusion

When planning for trekking, acquiring a trekking permit at Everest Base Camp is essential. For this reason, understanding which types of permits you need and why you need the permit is more important.

Hence, after you have sorted which type of Everest Base Camp permit is required, inquiring how, where, and which documents are required is equally critical.

Moreover, the journey to Everest Base Camp is an opportunity of a lifetime, so it is important to abide by the rules and regulations to ensure your comfort and safety.

Once you are all ready and packed, get ready to witness the panoramic view of Mt Everest and experience its cultural aspects.

FAQs

Can you just go to Everest Base Camp without permits?

No, you cannot just go to Everest Base Camp without permits. You need to acquire the required permits for the trek and be physically fit to face any environmental challenges.

Do you need a permit for Everest Base Camp?

Yes, you need to obtain the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit to trek to EBC.

Is Everest Base Camp worth it?

Yes, every bit of Everest Base Camp is worth it due to the stunning scenery, rich culture, and personal achievement from the trek.

Is Everest Base Camp open all year?

Yes, EBC is normally open all year, but the recommended trekking seasons are spring and autumn.

Is there any Everest Base Camp age limit?

There isn’t any specific age limit for the trek, but trekkers should be in good health to enjoy the journey to the fullest. Therefore, anyone with good health and permits can trek to EBC.

Is TIMS care needed for the EBC trek?

No, it is not necessary to issue a TIMS card for the EBC trek. This permit has been replaced with the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit after 2018.

When should the Everest base camp permit be issued?

You can issue an Everest base camp permit when you arrive in Nepal, any time before your trek.

What is the validity time of the EBC permit?

Normally, EBC permits have a validity of 3 months. Once you issue a permit, you can traverse inside the Everest region until the validity period and until you check out.

Do Everest base camp helicopter tours also need these permits?

Yes, visitors planning to land at Everest base camp via Heli tour also need a permit. Usually, the tour manager, i.e. the company who books your Everest tour, will issue these permits to climb Everest. However, you can also get the permit once you get to Lukla.

Do Indians need to Issue the Everest base camp permit?

Yes, all non-Nepalese need to issue both permits. All Indians and people of SAARC country must issue a permit before entering the Everest region.

Should I carry the permit with me all the time?

Yes, foreigners are required to carry these permits throughout the trek. There are a few check posts along the Everest base camp trek trail where the Nepalese staff check the permit.

What will happen if I lose the permit?

If you lose your permit on the trail, you can re-issue it at the checkpoint on the trek route. However, you might need to pay an additional dollar to issue the new Everest permit cost.