Visiting Everest Base Camp is a dream for many adventurers, but it requires more preparation than simply booking a flight and packing your backpack.
You must obtain the required permits for the Everest Base Camp trek before starting the trail. The government and local authorities issue these permits to govern tourism, ecological safeguarding, and the safety of trekkers.
To trek to Everest Base Camp (EBC), you need two permits:
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
👉 TIMS Card is NOT required for the Everest Base Camp trek.
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
The local government of the Khumbu region issues the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. It serves as a replacement for the older TIMS card used by EBC trekkers.
This permit can be obtained at the Lukla entry checkpoint or at the permit counter in Monjo. While you’re trekking with us, we will arrange it for all our clients.
Key Information
- Required for: All trekkers entering the Khumbu region
- Khumbu region begins: Lukla
- Purpose: The revenue from this permit directly supports infrastructure, environmental protection, and community development in the Everest region.
Where to Get This Permit
- Lukla entry checkpoint
- Monjo permit counter
⚠️ This permit is not available in Kathmandu.
Expert Insight:
At Lukla and Monjo, the permit counter might be busy during high seasons such as October and April. Having the correct cash ready helps avoid queues. When trekking with World Alpine Treks, we arrange this permit for our clients before the trek continues.
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, covers much of the Everest region.
To enter the park, every trekker is supposed to have a Sagarmatha National Park entry permit. This permit supports the conservation of wildlife, forests, and the cultural heritage of the region.
This is used in managing the park, conserving the environment, and contributing to the sustainability of tourism. As with any other permit, you need to carry this permit with you as you hike and present it at several checkpoints.
Where to Get the Permit
- Kathmandu: Nepal Tourism Board (Bhrikutimandap)
- On the trail: Monjo entry checkpoint
⚠️ On-Trail Note:
The Monjo checkpoint is the official entry gate to Sagarmatha National Park. During peak trekking seasons, lines can form here, especially in the morning.
Is the TIMS Card Still Required for Everest Base Camp?
No, the TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System) was previously required for many trekking routes in Nepal. However, based on current regulations and daily permit checks in the Khumbu region, a TIMS card is no longer required for the Everest Base Camp trek.
It has been replaced by the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit, allowing local authorities to manage tourism directly.
⚠️ Important Note:
If you’re trekking to Everest Base Camp via Jiri, you will need to obtain a Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit (NPR 3,000 or $22)
Where to get EBC Trek Permits?
There are two mandatory permits for the Everest Base Camp trek.
| Permits | Kathmandu | Lukla | Manjo |
| Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
Cost of Everest Base Camp Trek Permits
The permit cost of the Everest Base Camp trek differs depending on the permits.
| Permits | Cost (Foreign National) |
| Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit | NPR 3,000 ($22) |
| Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit | NPR 3,000 ($22) |
| Total Permit Cost | NPR 6,000 ($44) |
SAARC Nationals: NPR 1,500 (Sagarmatha Permit)
Nepali Citizens: NPR 100
Children under 10: Free
Cost Transparency Tip:
Permit fees are fixed by the government and local authorities (Last updated: 2026), not trekking agencies. Reputable trekking companies charge only official rates.
Learn more: A comprehensive cost breakdown for the Everest Base Camp Trek
Documents required for EBC Trek permits
Obtaining your Everest base camp trekking permits is easy, though there are several documents that you must have with you.
- Valid passport (original)
- Photocopy of passport (recommended)
- Passport-sized photos (carry 2-3)
- Sufficient Nepalese rupees
What to Pack: A detailed packing list for trekking in Nepal
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need a guide to get permits for Everest Base Camp?
No, independent trekkers can obtain permits themselves, but a licensed guide ensures accuracy and saves time.
2. Can I get the permits in Kathmandu?
Only the Sagarmatha National Park Permit is available in Kathmandu; the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit is available in Lukla or Monjo.
3. How much do the EBC permits cost?
Sagarmatha National Park Permit: NPR 3,000, Khumbu Permit: NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals. SAARC nationals and Nepali citizens have different rates.
4. Is the TIMS Card required for the EBC trek?
No, a TIMS card is no longer needed for the EBC trek. The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit has replaced it.
5. Can I pay for permits with a credit/debit card?
Card payments may work in Kathmandu, but cash is mandatory at Lukla and Monjo to acquire the EBC permits
Final Thoughts
When trekking to Everest Base Camp, always carry enough cash to obtain your permits, keep the permits with you throughout the trek, and take a photo of them as a backup. Many trekkers even like to bring their permits home as a memorable keepsake from this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
To make your journey smooth and stress-free, contact World Alpine Treks—we’ll handle all permits, logistics, and planning so you can focus on enjoying the Himalayas.
