Everest Base Camp Trek Permit Cost
Everest Base Camp Trek Permits are the tickets to the world’s most popular base camps. If you want to trek to the camp, you must have some permits. There is no option otherwise. This is an informative blog on the Everest Base Camp Trek Permits, where we provide all the details.
When we say you require permits, please do not think there are too many. Two basic permits are necessary if you do a standard Everest Base Camp Trek: a Sagarmatha National Park Permit and a Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit.
Unlike in old times, you do not need the popular Trekker’s Information Management System(TIMS) Card. Likewise, a new update revised the existing Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality into a Digital Trek Card.
If you do the Everest Base Camp Trek via Jiri, you’ll need another Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit. Or if you join Everest Base Camp Trek with peak climbing in the region, you need another permit.
These permits are to enter protected areas like Sagarmatha National Park, rural areas like Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, etc. And they are not super expensive. These EBC trekking permit fees are used to upgrade, preserve, and maintain those areas.
This blog is all about Everest Base Camp Trek Permits and the Cost of permits for Everest Base Camp. Below, it explains what you must know for every Everest Base Camp Trek Permit. What is the Cost of permits for Everest Base Camp? What are the required documents? Or Where to get the EBC trekking permit? All is covered in this blog.
Do read it until the end.
Everest Base Camp Trek Permits
Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most exciting treks that is there to do. You require good preparation, proper clothing and gear, a flight to Nepal, a Nepalese visa, enough money for the trek, and some permits.
Yes, permits are the real tickets to the trek. You will only be permitted to do it if you have them. All have to take necessary permits, including locals. Otherwise, the authority will say a straight no, leaving you with no choice but to return.
Let’s dig into the necessary permits a foreign trekker must possess for Everest Base Camp Trek.
Sagarmatha National Park Permit
The first Everest Base Camp Trek Permit is the permit to Sagarmatha National Park, a natural world heritage site. You will need this permit as you enter the park during the trek.
You will trek via the park’s woods as you touch down at Lukla Airport. However, the park’s entrance gate is in Monjo, which you reach on the second day of Everest Base Camp. You have to show the permits at the gate. Then, you will trek further in the park.
About Sagarmatha National Park
FYI, Sagarmatha National Park is an attractive protected area home to Mt Everest, lush vegetation, and wealthy flora and Fauna. From the Dudh Koshi River in the south to Mt Everest in the north, the park covers 443 sq mi.
The flora is spread up to 5000m in the park. Himalayan Birch, Rhododendron, Juniper, and Mosses are the major flora inside the park. Likewise, it is home to various bird and animal species. Himalayan Thar, Musk Deer, Snow Leopard, and Himalayan Serow. The park hosts around 208 bird species, including Bearded Vulture, Impeyan Pheasant, Snowcok, etc.
Similarly, the park houses Mount Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Pumori, and Thamserku. All these attractions make this park a beautiful place to walk.
How much is the permit for Sagarmatha National Park?
The permit is NPR 100 per person per entry for Nepali trekkers. Likewise, it is NPR 3000 per person per entry for foreigners. If you are from a SAARC country, you can get the permit at NPR 1,500. The permit is free for children aged below ten years.
Where can I get a Sagarmatha National Park Permit?
The permit is obtainable from the Nepal Tourism Board Office located in Kathmandu. You can also acquire this permit at the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park, located in Monjo. The VAT(13%) is subject to be added.
During high times, there can be a long queue for obtaining the permit in Monjo. Hence, we recommend to obtain the permit from Kathmandu. It is easy, managed, and hassle-free.
What are the necessary documents for the Sagarmatha National Park Permit?
You must present a valid passport, a valid visa, and copies of photos. All of these may not be necessary. But you should have them to avoid any trouble.
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit is the second necessary Everest Base Camp Trek permit. It is a newly introduced permit that you need to enter the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality. You will pass the municipality during the trek. Thus, you need it. Also, people doing climbing, mountain flights, and helicopter tours in the region require this permit.
Recently, in September 2022, the permit has seen some changes. Now, it is digitalized and known as the Everest Trek Card. The card monitors the visitors and keeps the travelers’ data. You can view the information by scanning the card’s QR code.
About Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality is a rural municipality in Nepal’s Khumbu Region. With an area of 1539.11 square kilometers, the municipality is home to Namche Bazaar, Lukla Airport, Khumjung Village, and Mount Ama Dablam, among others.
It is named after Pasang Lhamhu Sherpa, the first Nepalese lady to climb the region. She hailed from the municipality, so the municipality is named as a homage. Sherpas are the major tribe of the municipality. The hamlets of Sherpas are across the municipality. Khumjung Village, one of the largest Sherpa settlements, is also in the municipality.
How much is the permit for Khumbu Lhamu Rural Municipality?
The Khumbu Lhamu Rural Municipality costs NPR 2000 per person per entry. If you are in the region for more than four weeks, you must pay 2,500 per person. Unlike the Sagarmatha National Park Permit, the permit is the same for all foreigners. The VAT is also not applicable.
Where can I get a Khumbu Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit?
The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit is obtainable at Lukla or Monjo Checkpost, the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. You cannot get this in Kathmandu like the Sagarmatha National Park Permit. The municipality is the only authority body of the permit.
What are the necessary documents for the Khumbu Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit?
A valid passport copy or passport details is enough for the permit. However, do have extra passport-sized photos for some cases.
Other Major Everest Region Trekking and Climbing Permits
Those above are the necessary permits for the standard Everest Base Camp Trek. Nevertheless, other itineraries also go about Everest Base Camp. Here are the permits for different itineraries.
Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit
Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit is a compulsory permit if you do Everest Base Camp from Jiri, which is the classical route. During the EBC Trek from Jiri, you will trek across the conservation area. Hence, you will need it.
About Gaurishankar Conservation Area
Established in 2010, Gaurishankar Conservation Area is a protected site in the Himalayas of Nepal. Spread over three districts and 22 Village Development Committees, the site’s total area is 2,179 km square.
It is home to 34 mammal species, which include the Himalayan Thar, Himalayan Black Bear, Snow Leopard, rare Red Panda, Asian Golden Cat, etc. Likewise, there are around 235 species of bird recorded so far in the park. It touches two popular national parks, Sagarmatha National Park and Langtang National Park.
How much is the permit for the Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit?
The permit cost is NPR 3000 per person per entry. The cost for SAARC nationals is NPR 1000 per person per entry. The children aged below can get it freely. In contrast, the locals can get the permit for NPR 100.
Where can I get a Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit?
You can acquire this permit from the Nepal Tourism Board, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. Alternatively, you can get it at the checkpoint of the conservation area located in Shivalaya.
What are the necessary documents for a Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit?
Valid Passport Details and Passport-sized photos are required for the permit.
Mera Peak and Island Peak Permit
Mera Peak and Island Peak are two of the most popular trekking peaks in the region. These are quite famous among beginners as they are non or less technical. Hence, many people do peak climbing along with Everest Base Camp Trek. The trek is great for acclimatization before the climb.
You will need peak permits when you do Mera Peak, Island Peak Climbing, or both with Everest Base Camp Trek.
How much is the permit for Island Peak and Mera Peak Climbing?
Both peaks are categorized as the trekking peak(under 6500 meters); thus, the permits are the same. However, it is different in each season. The permit cost is highest during Spring, the best time for climbing. Likewise, it is cheapest during Winter and Summer, the two low times for peak climbing.
The peak climbing permits are as follows:
Spring Season: 250 USD per person
Autumn Season: 125 USD per person
Winter and Summer: USD 40 per person
Note: You also must keep a garbage deposit of USD 500 for the peaks. It will be refundable after the review.
Where can I get Island Peak and Mera Peak Climbing Permits?
Nepal Mountaineering Association(NMA) issues the permits. You can get the permits from NMA’s office in Kathmandu.
What are the necessary documents for Island and Mera Peak Climbing Permits?
A valid passport copy, passport-sized photos, itinerary, and garbage management deposit.
Mt Everest Climbing Permit
The climb of the world’s tallest peak, Mt Everest Expedition, begins where the Everest Base Camp Trek ends. The real journey is after Everest Base Camp. Everest Climber has to trek via the trail and then start the expedition. Hence, along with the Everest Base Camp Trek Permits, you will need a Mt Everest Climbing Permit.
How much is the permit for Mt Everest Climbing?
The climbing permit is different in each season. It is higher in the peak season and lower in the low times. The permit costs for each season are as follows:
Spring Season: USD 11,000 per person
Autumn Season: USD 5,500 per person
Winter and Summer Season: USD 2,750 per person.
Note: You must deposit a refundable garbage deposit of USD 4000 for Mt Everest Climbing.
Where can I get Mt Everest Climbing Permits?
To obtain the Mt Everest Climbing permits, you must visit the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Aviation. It is the government body responsible for distributing the climbing permits.
Permits Checkpoints On Everest Base Camp Trek
There are checkpoints to examine Everest Base Camp Trek permits in several spots of the trek. As trekking permits are compulsory, authorities from the municipality office, protected area committee members, army officials, and police officers will check them. Those who do not have to face the legal consequences.
For the Sagarmatha National Park Permit, there are three checkpoints. The first one is in the Monjo, which is the entrance to the park. Your EBC trekking permit will be checked at the Jorsalle by army officials. Most of Nepal’s protected areas lie in the Nepal Army’s inspection. You will be allowed to trek ahead only after verification.
The second point is in Namche Bazaar, the crux of the region. Your Everest Base Camp Trekking permit will be scrutinized, along with your belongings. Any kind of unallowed and illegal items detected here will be answerable by you. The final spot for permit check is at Phunki Thanga, another national park checkpoint. Army officials, like earlier, will check your Everest trek permits and other things.
In the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality Permit, there are two checkpoints. The first one is in Lukla, the starting point of the trek itself. The committee members of the municipality check the tickets. You can get one if you do not have one.
The second and final point to show the permit is Toc Toc. Like earlier, the buffer zone members will check the permit. The card will be checked as the Digital Trek Card can be offered in place of the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality Permit.
There is a station to check the digital card in Namche Bazaar itself.
Keeping all aside, if you trek to Everest Base Camp through the Gokyo side, there is one extra checkpoint in Phortse. All Everest Base Camp Trek permits are checked here, too.
Therefore, these are the various EBC Trekking permits lying in the trail. Everest Region is one of the popular trekking regions in Nepal. The security and check-over are strict.
Best Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary
There are multiple EBC Trek itineraries, so you might be baffled about which is right. It is okay to be confused for which we are here. Well, there is no best itinerary for EBC. Every trip is unique and worthwhile as they happen in one of the world’s most celestial parts.
You should look for the itinerary that fits best for you. As you know, you can reach the Everest Base Camp in several ways. There is one standard Lukla to Everest Base Camp itinerary. Then, there is a classical Everest Base Camp Trek, which begins from Jiri.
Add Gokyo Valley to the Everest Base Camp Trek if you love adventure and long trips. The ardent climbers add peak climbing trips with the EBC Trek. Similarly, you can dodge the return walk and return from the base camp on a helicopter.
You have to ask yourself which itinerary suits you. Here are the popular Everest Base Camp itineraries:
- 12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek
- 7 Days Everest Base Camp Trek
- Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek with Helicopter Return
- Everest Three High Passes Trek
- Salleri to Everest Base Camp Trek
- Everest Base Camp Trek via Jiri
These are our best-selling Everest Base Camp Trek packages. Our expert team and our experience in organizing treks to different parts of Nepal make us a trustworthy tour operator.
Have any queries regarding the Everest Base Camp Trek Permit or the trek? Reach out now.
FAQs
What are the necessary Everest Base Camp Trek Permits?
Sagarmatha National Park Permit and Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit(Now known as Digital Trek Card) are the basic permits for the trek. If you trek from the Jiri side, you also need a Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit.
What is a Khumbu Digital Trek Card?
Previously known as Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, Khumbu Digital Trek Card is the entrance to the municipality area. It is a digitalized version of the former Everest Trek permit through which a trekker can be navigated and his record stored. Scanning the card, you can get information about the region.
How does the Sagarmatha National Park Permit differ from the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality?
Sagarmatha National Park Permit is to set foot into the Sagarmatha National Park. Likewise, the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality is for entering the local Sherpa municipality.
Do I need a TIMS Card for the Everest Base Camp Trek?
Since October 2018, you do not need a TIMS(Trekkers Information Management System) Card to trek in the Everest Region. It is replaced by the local area permit, the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Permit.
Can I pay in US Dollars for the Everest Base Camp Trek Permits?
No, you have to pay in NPR(Nepalese Rupees).
Does a local guide need Everest Base Camp Trek Permits?
The local guides are free to wander without trekking permits. They have a government license to do so. Hence, no permits are required.
How much is the permit for Everest Base Camp Trek?
The total Everest Base Camp Trek permit Cost will be around NPR 5000(around 40 USD). You can obtain a Sagarmatha National Park Permit and a Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality Permit at this price.