You need to have trekking permits to go on one of the best treks in the world, Everest Base Camp Trek. There is a little difference in trekking permits when starting your trek from Lukla and Jiri/Salleri. You need an entry permit for Sagarmatha National Park and entrance permit of the Khumbu region for an EBC trek from Lukla.
A trek to EBC from Jiri/Salleri will require an additional entrance permit of the Gaurishankar Conservation Area than a standard trek from Lukla. In this travel guide you will get all details on trekking permits for Everest Base Camp Trek.
It is important to know about trekking permits before doing Everest Base Camp Trek among many other significant things. These are the trekking permits that you will need when starting your trek from Luka and Jiri/Salleri.
Trekking Permits for Everest Base Camp Trek starting from Lukla
You will need two Everest Base Camp Trek permits when hiking from Lukla. The trekking permits are:
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
- Khumbu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit
Trekking Permits for Everest Base Camp Trek starting from Jiri or Salleri
You will need three trekking permits when starting your EBC trek from Jiri or Salleri
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
- Khumbu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit
- Gaurishankar Conservation Area Entrance Permit
Everest Base Camp Trek Permits cost
The amount payable for trekking permits remains the same regardless of the starting point of your trek; Lukla or Jiri/Salleri.
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit costs NRP 3,000 per person for foreigners and citizens of SAARC nations can get it at NRP 1,500 per person. Nepalese are charged NRP 100 per person.
Khumbu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit costs NRP 2,000 per trekker. It is the same for every trekker regardless of their nationality. You need to pay NRP 2,000 to obtain the Gaurishankar Conservation Area permit. The cost of this permit is the same for everyone.
Let’s find out which are the trekking permits that you will require among abovementioned permits & costs when trekking from Luka or Jiri/Salleri.
Total Cost of EBC Trek Permit from Lukla
Here are the details of all trekking permits with its cost when flying to Lukla and beginning your EBC Trek.
| Trekking permits for EBC trek from Lukla | Cost per trekker in NRP |
|---|---|
| 1. Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit (Foreigner/SAARC Nations/Nepalese) | 3,000/1,500/100 |
| 2. Khumbu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit 2,000 | 2,000 |
| Total Cost of Permits (Foreigner/SAARC Nations/Nepalese) | 5,000/3,500/2,100 |
Total Cost of EBC Trek Permit from Jiri/Salleri
If you are thinking to take the classic trekking route to EBC starting from Jiri/Salleri then here are its cost details.
| Trekking permits for EBC trek from Jiri/Salleri | Cost per trekker in NRP |
|---|---|
| 1. Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit (Foreigner/SAARC Nations/Nepalese) | 3,000/1,500/100 |
| 2. Khumbu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit | 2,000 |
| 3. Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit | 2,000 |
| Total Cost of Permits (Foreigner/SAARC Nations/Nepalese) | 7,000/5,500/4,100 |
Documents Required to Get Everest Base Camp Trekking Permits
A passport with validity of 6 months or its copy is required to fill out a form. You need details from your passport to fill in the form and obtain Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and Khumbu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit.
You will need two photographs and fill up a form to get the Gaurishankar Conservation Area Entrance Permit. The permit is required only when trekking from Jiri or Salleri.
Where to get Everest Base Camp Trek Permits?
You will be acquiring trekking permits from different places when starting your trek from Lukla and Jiri or Salleri.
Where to get an EBC trek permit when starting your EBC Trek from Lukla?
You can get the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit at Monjo, the entrance of the national park while trekking. If you want to get the permit before the trek then you can get it from Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu.
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit is available at the rural municipality counter which lies at the edge of the village in Lukla. You cannot get this permit in advance in Kathmandu as the local government of Khumbu directly collects the fee. The benefit from permit fees will go to the locals of the region.
Where to get an EBC trek permit when beginning your EBC Trek from Jiri/Salleri?
You can get Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit either at Monjo during the trek or from Nepal Tourism Board’s office in Kathmandu.
When trekking from Jiri or Salleri, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit will be available at Monjo. The local government of Khumbu directly takes the permit fees so you cannot get this permit in advance from Kathmandu.
Gaurishankar Conservation Area permit can be acquired from Nepal Tourism Board’s office in Kathmandu prior to your trek.
Do you need a trekking permit for a helicopter tour of Everest?
Well, you do not need to obtain trekking permit/s for a helicopter tour of the Everest. But if you will stop at Everest view hotel for breakfast then have to pay RS 3000 for Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit.
Do you need TIMS Card for Everest Base Camp Trek?
As of October 2018, a new rule is into effect and trekkers do not need TIMS card for Everest Base Camp Trek.
Before 2018, trekkers needed 3 trekking permits- Sagarmatha National Park, TIMS (Trekker’s Information Management System), and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality.
A TIMS card used to cost USD 10 for trekkers in a group and USD 20 for independent trekkers. Moreover, the price of the TIMS card was NRP 300 for trekkers in groups and NRP 600 for independent trekkers from SAARC countries.
Important Tips for EBC Trek Permits
Trekkers are expected to respect the local custom and traditions of the region and should not do any activity against the tradition and values of the community.
You need to carry cash to pay for your Everest Base Camp Trek Permits that are payable in Nepalese Currency. The trekking permit fees could be quoted in the US dollar but are payable in Nepalese Currency.
You are highly recommended to get travel insurance which covers high altitude trek up to 5,550 meters and emergency rescue via helicopter. It will be thoughtful to get the insurance that covers you in the event of lost or stolen baggage and cancellation of both domestic and international flights.
Travel with A Trusted Trekking Company
Trekking companies or agents generally handle the process of obtaining Everest Base Camp Trek permits. Choose a travel company with a professional and experienced guide like Third Rock Adventures for your treks.
An experienced guide from a trusted company will add value to your trek and make your trek wonderful. Everest Base Camp will shower you with memories to cherish for a lifetime!
