Lots of people from across the globe plan to embark on the Everest Base Camp Trek at least once in their lives. Thousands of travelers, international and domestic trekkers, visit the Everest region every year.
Whether you’re just planning an Everest Base Camp Trek or a chopper tour to the base camp, you need specific permits before you begin. Trekking anywhere in Nepal requires individual licenses. Without a permit, you’re not allowed to explore the trekking destinations of Nepal. The same applies to the Everest Base Camp.
If you’re a non-Nepalese citizen, it is mandatory to hold all permits before trekking. There are a few permits that even the Nepalese people need to trek the Everest Base Camp.
So, whether you’re a native or a foreigner, you need to know about the trekking permits required for the Everest Base Camp.
Also, keep in mind that,
Some changes have been made in rules by the Nepal Government after the implementation of federalism in 2015 in the country. Thus, some permits are entirely replaced.
So, it’s essential to know about the Trekking Permits for the Everest Base Camp Trek.
Contents
Trekking Permits for Everest Base Camp Trek
1. Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit
Details About the Permit
Permit Cost: About USD 20 (NPR 2,000)
Documents required: Passport
The central government decided to transfer the authority to the local government. Following the implementation of new rules, the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit replaced the TIMS card. This new permit replaced the traditional TIMS card from October 2018.
This permit is a form of tax that the local government collects from the visitors. As per the new constitution, local governments can charge tourism fees to visitors. Thus, this permit is now a compulsory requirement.
Even visitors who plan on reaching the Everest Base Camp directly via a helicopter flight need to get this permit.
This permit is available at Lukla or at Monjo.
2. Sagarmatha National Park Permit
Details About the Permit
Permit Cost: About USD 30 (NPR 3,000)
Permit Cost for SAARC Countries: About USD 15 (NPR 1,500)
Permit Cost for Nepalese: About USD 1 (NPR 100)
Documents required: Passport, citizenship or other types of identification
Some areas of the Everest Base Camp Trek fall within the Sagarmatha National Park. So, you need to obtain a permit before entering the parklands.
The park, established in 1976, conserves the rare plants and animals of the Everest Region. Some of these unique animals include snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, red pandas, and musk deers. Additionally, rare birds like blood pheasant and Himalayan Monal are also major attractions.
So, during your Everest Base Camp Trek, the Sagarmatha National Park is a significant highlight. You can get your permit from the entry point of the park.
3. Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit (Optional)
Details About the Permit
Permit Cost: About USD 30 (NPR 3,000)
Permit Cost for SAARC Countries: About USD 10 (NPR 1,000)
Permit Cost for Nepalese: About USD 1 (NPR 100)
Documents required: Passport and two passport-sized photos
You can choose one of two options to begin your Everest Base Camp trek, either via a flight or via roadways. If you want the latter, you need to reach Jiri to start this trek.
Jiri to Everest Base Camp is a popular alternative to the classic trek, as it allows you to hit the roads and extend a few days of trekking. Some parts of the trek fall in the Gaurishankar Conservation Area. So, if you plan to trek this route, you require a permit to the conservation area as well.
This permit is available at the Nepal Tourism Board Office in Kathmandu. Or, you can get it from the entry point of the area.
You can buy this permit from the head office of Nepal Tourism Board at Pradarshani Marg, Kathmandu or at the entry point itself. For foreigners, the charge is US$ 30 (NRs 3,000) per person. While for the SAARC countries, it is US$ 10 (NRS 1,000).
Is TIMS Card required for Everest Base Camp Trek?
Before TIMS card was necessary along with other few permits for the Everest Base Camp Trek. TIMS stands for Trekkers’ Information Management System. This permit is essential for almost every other trek in Nepal.
But, TIMS cards are no longer necessary for the Everest Base Camp trek. The changes in the Government policies led to its replacement. So, you do not need a TIMS card for the Everest Base Camp Trek.
However, if you plan on trekking to some other places from the main trail, you need the TIMS card. So, it is best if you consider getting it. You never know where you might wanna or have to go later.
TIMS Card Details
Documents Required:
Passport size photos (two) and a copy of passport
For TIMS Card (other nations):
Cost for Group trekkers: About USD 10 (NPR 1,000)
Cost for Solo travellers: About USD 20 (NPR 2,000)
For TIMS Card (SAARC nations):
Cost for Group trekkers: About USD 3 (NPR 300)
Cost for Independent travellers: About USD 6 (NPR 600)
Final Say,
Receiving all these trekking permits for the Everest Base Camp Trek is necessary before you start. It’s wise to exchange your foreign currency with the local Nepalese currency. All checkpoints may not accept dollars or pounds, or any other money.
After you furnish all the necessary documents for the permits, you are issued the licenses in a few minutes. Carrying adequate copies of your passport and passport-sized photos is essential.
Then, you’re all set to travel the Everest Base Camp Trek.
