Permits Required for the Everest Base Camp Trek: Complete Guide 2026/27
The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most iconic adventures in the world, attracting thousands of trekkers to Nepal every year. From breathtaking Himalayan views to the rich Sherpa culture of the Khumbu region, this journey offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the foot of Mount Everest (8,848.86 m).
However, before starting the trek, understanding the Everest Base Camp trek permits is essential. Many travelers are confused about permit requirements, costs, and where to obtain them. This complete guide explains everything you need to know for a smooth and hassle-free trekking experience in 2026/27.
Why Are Permits Required for Everest Base Camp Trek?
The Everest region is more than just a trekking destination; it is a protected Himalayan ecosystem with rare wildlife, old monasteries, and traditional Sherpa settlements. Much of the trekking path is within Sagarmatha National Park, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Everest Base Camp Trek Permits are required for several crucial reasons.
- To protect the fragile ecosystem of the Everest region
- To regulate tourism and trekking activities
- To maintain trekking trails and local infrastructure
- To support conservation efforts in the national park
- To monitor trekkers for safety in high-altitude areas
These Everest Base Camp Trek Permits ensure that trekking in the Everest region remains sustainable while allowing travelers to experience its incredible natural beauty.
Permits are required for the Everest Base Camp trek.
If you plan to trek to Everest Base Camp, you will require two major permits. Thankfully, the permission procedure is basic and understandable.
- Sagarmatha National Park Entrance Permit
The first EBC Trek Permit needed for the Everest Base Camp trip is a Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit. This permission allows trekkers to enter the protected region where many of the trekking routes are traversed.
Trekkers can receive this permit at two primary locations:
- Nepal Tourism Board
- At the national park entrance at Monjo.
Permit Cost:
- Foreign trekkers pay NPR 3,000 per person.
- SAARC nationals pay NPR 1,500 per person.
- Nepali citizens pay NPR 100 per person.
Where to Get the Sagarmatha National Park Entrance Permit?
Many trekkers opt to obtain permission in Kathmandu before traveling to the Everest region, which saves time on the journey.
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
The second permit needed for the Everest Base Camp trek is the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. This is a local permit issued by the Khumbu municipality to help with tourism management and infrastructure development.
This permit replaced the previous TIMS card that was necessary for trekking in the region.
Permit Cost:
- Foreign trekkers pay NPR 2,000 per person.
Where to Get the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit?
This permission can be obtained at numerous checkpoints around the Everest region, including:
- Lukla Monjo
If you are trekking with a guide or a trekking organization, such as Nepal Tibet Trekking Pvt. Ltd., they will typically apply for this permission for you.
Do you need a TIMS card for the Everest Base Camp trek?
Previously, hikers in Nepal were obliged to obtain a TIMS card (Trekker’s Information Management System) before beginning their journey. The Nepal Tourism Board and the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal oversaw managing this system.
However, the rules have altered in the Everest region.
Trekkers no longer require a TIMS card for the Everest Base Camp trip. It has been superseded by a permit issued by the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality. This local permit system serves to manage tourism in the Khumbu region.
Documents Required for Everest Base Camp Permits
To obtain trekking permits for the Everest Base Camp Trek, you must have a valid passport (with photocopies), passport-sized pictures, a valid visa (if applicable to your nationality), and proof of high-altitude trekking insurance. You must also pay the permit costs for the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality Entry Permit.
Detailed requirements:
Passport: A valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond your intended return date. You will have to give you photocopies of your passport
Passport-Sized Photos: You must send a few current passport-sized images (often 2-4).
Visa: If you require a visa to enter Nepal, you must produce a copy of your current visa.
Travel Insurance: Proof of comprehensive travel insurance that includes high-altitude trekking is required.
Emergency Contact Information: You may also be asked to give information about an emergency contact.
Permit Fees: You must pay for both the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality Entry Permit.
Additional Permits (if applicable): If you are hiking on a route that requires additional permits (such as the Jiri route), you must additionally obtain those permits.
Itinerary and Other Details: You may be required to give a comprehensive trek itinerary, entry and exit dates, and the name of your tour operator or trekking guide.
