Before you lace up your boots for the trail to Everest Base Camp, there's some paperwork to sort out. Nepal requires trekkers heading into the Khumbu region to carry specific permits — not just as a formality, but as a way of funding conservation, supporting the local Sherpa community, and keeping track of everyone on the trail for safety reasons. This guide walks you through exactly which permits you need, what they cost, where to get them, and how to avoid the common mistakes that trip up first-time trekkers.
Why Do You Need Permits for the Everest Base Camp Trek?
The Everest Base Camp trek passes almost entirely through the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site established to protect the fragile high-altitude ecosystem of the Khumbu region — its forests, wildlife, and glacial landscapes. On top of that, the trail runs through villages governed by the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, the local authority responsible for maintaining trails, bridges, and infrastructure in the area.
Because of this dual jurisdiction, trekkers need to secure permits from both bodies. The fees collected go directly toward conservation efforts, trail maintenance, and community development — and they also allow local authorities to keep a record of who is on the trail, which matters a great deal in an environment where weather and altitude can turn dangerous quickly.
The Permits You'll Need
There are two mandatory permits for the standard Everest Base Camp trek via Lukla:
1. Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
This permit grants access to the national park itself, which covers roughly 1,148 square kilometers of protected land, including Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, and the Gokyo Lakes area. It funds wildlife protection, trail upkeep, and the park's visitor centers.
- Cost: NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals, NPR 1,500 for SAARC nationals, and NPR 100 for Nepali citizens, plus 13% VAT. Children under 10 enter free.
- Where to get it: At the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu (Bhrikutimandap), or directly at the park entry checkpoint in Monjo, the village you'll pass through on day two or three of the trek.
2. Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit
Introduced after Nepal's 2018 governance restructuring, this permit is named in honor of Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, the first Nepali woman to summit Everest. It funds local infrastructure — trail repairs, bridges, and community development — in the villages you'll trek through.
- Cost: NPR 3,000 per person for foreign trekkers (this fee rose from NPR 2,000 in September 2024).
- Where to get it: This one is different from the park permit — it cannot be purchased in Kathmandu or through any tourism board office. You'll need to pick it up either at the municipality checkpost in Lukla (if you're flying in) or at the Monjo checkpoint if you're trekking in from Jiri or Salleri.
A Note on the TIMS Card
For years, trekkers also needed a Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card. As of the most recent guidance, TIMS is not required for the standard Everest Base Camp route, having effectively been folded into or replaced by the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit for this specific region. Requirements do shift periodically, though, so it's worth confirming current rules with your trekking agency or the Nepal Tourism Board shortly before you travel.
If You're Trekking from Jiri or Salleri
Trekkers who choose the classic, longer approach on foot from Jiri or Salleri — rather than flying into Lukla — will pass through the Gaurishankar Conservation Area and need an additional permit for that section, priced similarly to the national park permit.
How Much Do EBC Permits Cost in Total?
Putting it all together, a foreign trekker on the standard Lukla route should budget approximately:
| Permit | Cost (NPR) | Approx. Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit | 3,000 (+13% VAT) | ~$21–24 |
| Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit | 3,000 | ~$21 |
| Total | ~6,000+ | ~$40–50 |
These figures are for foreign (non-SAARC) nationals and are subject to change by government or local authorities, so treat them as a close estimate rather than a locked-in figure. If you're booking a guided package, your trekking agency will typically handle both permits as part of the overall cost, which removes the hassle of tracking down offices and checkpoints yourself.
Where and How to Get Your Permits
1. Sagarmatha National Park Permit — Get this in Kathmandu at the Nepal Tourism Board's Tourist Service Center before you fly to Lukla, or pick it up when you pass through the Monjo checkpoint on the trail. Getting it in Kathmandu ahead of time saves a bit of queuing later.
2. Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit — This can only be obtained locally, either at the municipality office right at the end of the Lukla airstrip, or at the Monjo checkpoint. There is no way to arrange this one from Kathmandu.
Documents you'll need: Your original passport (with a valid Nepal visa) is the key document required for both permits — your details are recorded directly from it. It's a good idea to also carry a few passport-sized photos and proof of travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking, since some offices or agencies may ask for these as well.
There is currently no complete online system for securing these permits independently, though many registered trekking agencies are able to arrange them in advance on your behalf. For most trekkers, this is the simplest route — it avoids any risk of delays or confusion at the checkpoints and means one less thing to manage during your trip.
A Few Practical Tips
- Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable, so make sure your travel dates and personal details are accurate before you pay.
- Don't lose your permit. You'll need to show it at checkpoints along the trail (Monjo being the main one), and losing it means applying for a costly, time-consuming replacement.
- Fees can and do change. The Khumbu municipality permit rose 50% in 2024, for example. Always confirm current rates close to your travel date rather than relying on older blog posts or guidebooks.
- Going with a guided operator simplifies everything. A licensed local agency will typically arrange both permits as part of your package price, handle the paperwork, and make sure you're not held up at any checkpoint.
Planning Your Trek
Getting your permits sorted is one of the first practical steps in preparing for Everest Base Camp — but it's just one piece of a trip that also involves acclimatization planning, Lukla flight logistics, gear, and choosing the right itinerary for your fitness level and time frame. If you'd rather not manage the permit process yourself, going with an experienced local operator who handles it all as part of a complete package is often the easiest route.
You can check out a ready-made 12-day itinerary that includes permit arrangements here: Everest Base Camp Trek – 12 Days
Permit fees and requirements are subject to change by the Government of Nepal and local authorities. Always verify current costs and rules with the Nepal Tourism Board or your trekking agency before departure.
Permits for Everest Base Camp Trek: FAQs
1. What permits do I need for the Everest Base Camp trek?
You need two permits for the standard Lukla route: the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. If you're trekking the classic overland route via Jiri or Salleri, you'll also need a Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit for the initial stretch of the trail. A TIMS card is not required in the Khumbu region, since the municipality permit replaced it in 2018.
2. How much do Everest Base Camp trek permits cost in 2026?
For most foreign trekkers, budget around NPR 6,000 (roughly USD 45) total:
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit: NPR 3,000 (~USD 23)
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit: NPR 3,000 (~USD 23)
SAARC nationals pay reduced rates (around NPR 1,500 for the national park permit), and Nepali citizens pay a nominal fee. Prices are set in Nepali rupees, so the USD equivalent shifts slightly with the exchange rate.
3. Where can I get my EBC trekking permits?
- Sagarmatha National Park Permit: Available at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu, or at the park checkpoint in Monjo.
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit: Only available in Lukla or Monjo — it cannot be purchased in Kathmandu or through the Tourism Board.
Most trekkers get the national park permit in Kathmandu before flying out, then pick up the municipality permit on arrival in Lukla.
4. Do I need a TIMS card for the Everest Base Camp trek?
No. The TIMS card is not required for treks within the Khumbu region. It was effectively replaced by the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit in 2018. TIMS still applies to some other trekking regions in Nepal, so don't assume it's universal — but for EBC specifically, the municipality permit covers you.
5. Do I need a licensed guide to trek to Everest Base Camp?
Yes. Since 2023, independent foreign trekkers are required to hire a licensed local guide for treks in Nepal's national parks and conservation areas, including the Everest region. This is enforced alongside your permits, so factor a guide into your planning and budget from the start.
6. Can I get Everest Base Camp permits online before arriving in Nepal?
Not fully. There is currently no complete online application system for either permit. Some licensed trekking agencies can arrange your Sagarmatha National Park permit in advance, but the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit must be collected in person in Lukla or Monjo. In-person purchase remains the standard and most reliable method.
7. What documents do I need to buy my EBC permits?
Bring the following when applying:
- Original passport (a photocopy may also be requested)
- Passport-sized photographs
- Cash in Nepali rupees (card payment is generally not available at checkpoints)
- Travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking (recommended, sometimes checked)
8. Are Everest Base Camp permits refundable if I change my plans?
No. Permit fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, regardless of whether you complete the trek. If you lose a permit along the trail, you'll need to apply for a replacement rather than get a refund, so keep your permits in a waterproof pouch and easily accessible for checkpoint inspections.
9. Is the permit cost different for the Jiri or Salleri route compared to flying into Lukla?
Yes. If you start your trek by road from Jiri or Salleri (the classic overland approach) instead of flying into Lukla, you'll pass through the Gaurishankar Conservation Area, which requires an additional conservation permit on top of the two standard EBC permits. Trekkers flying directly into Lukla skip this extra permit.
10. Do children or SAARC nationals get discounted EBC permits?
Yes. Discounts apply on the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit:
- Children under 10: Free entry
- SAARC nationals (India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, etc.): Reduced rate, roughly half the standard foreign fee
- Nepali citizens: Minimal nominal fee
The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit also offers a lower rate for SAARC and Chinese nationals compared to other foreign trekkers.
