Everest Base Camp Trek Permit

Update: July 3rd, 2023, TIMS Card is no longer valid for Everest Base Camp Trek

With decentralization, a new permit system has been implemented in Everest Region. You will no longer require a Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) Card. With lots of controversy and dispute, this new local entry permit has completely replaced the old trek permit in Khumbu. This article will give you complete information about the Everest Base Camp Trek Permit.

Everest Trek Permit

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit

This new permit was imposed on the 1st of October 2018, replacing an existing TIMS Card. The local government of Khumbu directly collects NPR 2000 Per Person from each foreigner. Please note that these permits cannot be obtained in Kathmandu. First, if you are flying through Lukla, you can obtain this is Lukla. If you are trekking from Jiri or Salleri, this can be obtained in Monjo.

Note: Additional permit is required if you trek from Jiri; more information is below.

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

This is an existing permit system for entering National Park. You can obtain it either in Kathmandu at Nepal Tourism Board Office or in Monjo at Park Entrance Gate. This will cost NPR 3000 Per Person. The most convenient way is to obtain this at Monjo. There is an office at Monjo, where they also showcase different information about the Khumbu Region.

Additional Permit for Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek

If you are following the classic Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek, you will need to obtain an additional permit for Gaurishankar Conservation Area. This permit has to be obtained at Kathmandu in Nepal Tourism Board. This will cost NPR 3000 Per Person.

You also need permits for the Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour.

Required documents for trekking permits

You need your passport detail for Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality and Sagarmatha National Park Entrance Permit. You will need two photos for the Gaurishankar Conservation Area Project Entry Permit, and you also need to fill up a short form to obtain the permit. All these fees are payable in local currency only.

Note: For the organized trek, your agency will obtain all the permits.

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Article by Pradeep Guragain

Pradeep is the co-founder of Magical Nepal. He was born and bred in Nepal and is a seasoned hiker and rider.

59 Comments

  • Ron

    March 1, 2019 at 4:04 am

    You can no longer obtain a Sagarmatha National Park Permit from the tourism board in Kathmandu. You have to get it at Monjo, as of 2018.

    Reply
    • Pradeep Guragain

      March 4, 2019 at 1:29 pm

      Hey Ron, I don’t think so as you can still obtain the national park entry permit in Kathmandu. Price is same whether you obtain it in Kathmandu or Monjo so it doesn’t make sense to issue national park entry permit in Kathmandu.

      Reply
  • Pleuni Visser

    March 2, 2019 at 10:55 pm

    Is a TIMS card required or not for the EBC trek?

    Reply
    • Pradeep Guragain

      March 4, 2019 at 1:25 pm

      You do not need TIMS Card for Everest. You will only need a local entry permit and national part entry permit. Additional you will need Gaurishankar Conservation Area Project Entry Permit if you are starting from Jiri.

      Reply
      • Dawid

        March 15, 2019 at 2:24 pm

        You or you do not ?

        Reply
        • Pradeep Guragain

          March 16, 2019 at 2:21 pm

          Thanks for pointing out, you do not need TIMS Card for Everest. I already correct on comment above as well.

          Reply
  • Narayana Swamy

    March 9, 2019 at 11:25 am

    Hi Pradeep,

    I am an Indian and planning for base camp solo first time in April. Please let me know the basic approval and permission requirements. I heard that Indian has exemptions compare to other nationalities. Please suggest.

    Reply
    • Pradeep Guragain

      March 9, 2019 at 3:53 pm

      Hi Narayan,

      As an Indian you still need to obtain both permits for Everest, i.e. Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit. You will only pay cheaper.

      Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit NPR 1500 instead of NPR 3000

      I am not sure whether or not there is discounted price for Indian on Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit.

      April is a good month for Everest Base Camp Trek, have a good one.

      Reply
    • Apratim

      November 5, 2019 at 4:25 pm

      Hi Pradeep, I want to get a permit for the trek to EBC from LUKLA, as I would like to do an independent trek to the base camp. How can I obtain the permit. Could you please let me know?

      Thanks

      Reply
      • Pradeep Guragain

        November 6, 2019 at 8:13 am

        Hi Apratim,

        You can get one in Lukla and one in Monjo. Have a nice trek!

        Regards Pradeep,

        Reply
  • MINESH

    March 14, 2019 at 5:11 pm

    Hi narayana ,this is MINESH, on which date of April are you going to EBC? I am also solo trekker and seeking any likewise company.

    Reply
  • Werner Schabasser

    March 19, 2019 at 12:06 pm

    Dear Pradeep
    Is there a possibility to buy the The Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit on the way (eg Shivalaya) or only in Katmandu?
    The Kumbu and Sargamata Entrance Permit – you wrote we have to by them in Monjo.

    Reply
    • Pradeep Guragain

      March 20, 2019 at 2:53 am

      Hi Werner,

      I am not very sure but they do have a counter in Shivalaya, NTNC office for Gaurishankar Conservation Area. You should be able to obtain the permit there, but I suggest you to check with NTNC office at Kathmandu for confirmation. This you can request your hotel to make a phone call and confirm.

      Here is the recommended itinerary for Jiri to EBC Trek: https://www.magicalnepal.com/trip/jiri-to-everest-base-camp-trek/

      Have a nice trek.

      Regards Pradeep,

      Reply
    • Malina

      February 6, 2020 at 11:05 am

      Hi! Do you know if it is now (2020) possible to get Gaurishankar Conservation Area permit somewhere else than in Kathmandu? Can I get it in Jiri or Shivalaya? I will be grateful for answer, many useful information here, thank you!

      Reply
  • Sashank Panwar

    March 24, 2019 at 2:45 am

    Hi Narayana and Minesh , I’m leaving for Everest base camp on 2nd of April , contact for company on trek I’m going solo too. Contact [email protected]

    Reply
  • Matthew TenEick

    March 30, 2019 at 12:20 pm

    Hello Pradeep- Where in Lukla do you go to get the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit? Cheers- Matt

    Reply
    • Pradeep Guragain

      March 31, 2019 at 2:44 am

      This local entry permit counter is right on the main trail, you don’t have to be worried 🙂 They will make sure you get a one. Have a nice trek.

      Reply
  • James Miller

    April 8, 2019 at 7:04 am

    Hi there. May we pay the EBC permit fee in US dollars or must we bring Nepal Rupees? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Pradeep Guragain

      April 11, 2019 at 4:06 pm

      Hi James,

      It is recommended to bring Nepali Rupees. Please note that you have to pay in Nepali Rupees in the teahouses for food and accommodation. They might accept USD but with less exchange rate and very very few teahouses accept card payment.

      Have a nice trek.

      Regards Pradeep,

      Reply
  • Yuliya

    April 12, 2019 at 2:27 am

    Hi Pradeep.
    We are planning to do a 3 passes trek. I am a bit lost with all the permits and licences.
    What do we need for 3 passes trek and would it possible to buy them while trekking. We are not plannng to go to Kathmandu as we are arriving late in the evening and taking a flight to Lukla early in the morning.

    Many thanks,

    Yuliya

    Reply
    • Pradeep Guragain

      April 13, 2019 at 3:20 am

      You will need only national park permit and local entry permit. Both you can get while trekking, one in Lukla and one in Monjo. You do not need to do anything in Kathmandu. Have a nice trek. Here is a link to high copy map of Everest Region:

      https://www.magicalnepal.com/everest-base-camp-trek-map/

      Have a nice trek!

      Reply
  • Anurag Singh

    April 30, 2019 at 5:39 pm

    Hi…
    I’m an Indian. I’m doing ebc via 3 passes including Island peak in June. What is cost of Climbing permit of Island peak of an Indian in June.
    Another question is-
    If I have Island Peak permit, Do I also need national park permit and local fee

    Reply
    • Pradeep Guragain

      May 1, 2019 at 4:06 am

      Hi Anurag,

      It will cost you USD 70 for Island Peak Climbing Permit in June. You will still need to obtain National Park Entry Permit and Local Entry Permit additional to Island Peak Climbing Permit. Have a nice trek and a safe climb.

      Regards Pradeep,

      Reply
  • kristy

    May 23, 2019 at 11:55 pm

    Hi i am trekking to everest base camp in december we are walking in from Jiri, so do i need to get any permits in Katmandu at all or not? just at Monjo? is it ok to start trekking without it? we were planning on doing 3 passes but would you recommend that in dec and jan with no guide?

    Reply
  • Cyril

    September 2, 2019 at 10:11 pm

    Hi Pradeep,
    Many thanks for all the information.
    I just have an other question : I’m going to start my trek at Phaplu.
    Do I need The Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit or other permit ?
    Thanks a lot,
    Cyril

    Reply
    • Pradeep Guragain

      September 3, 2019 at 1:54 am

      Hi Cyril,

      Glad you like the information. No you do not need Gaurishankar Conservation Area or any other additional permit other than local entry permit and national park.

      Have a nice a trek!

      Regards Pradeep,

      Reply
  • Cyril

    September 3, 2019 at 9:09 am

    Hi Pradeep,

    Thanks a lot for your quick answer and your help 🙂

    Regards,

    Cyril

    Reply
  • Joel

    October 31, 2019 at 6:47 am

    Hi Pradeep,

    I will be traveling via Lukla for the EBC trek, if i have a local guide with me, can he also get the permit in Lukla and one in Monjo on the hike itself? what documentation does a local need vs foreigner ?

    Reply
    • Pradeep Guragain

      October 31, 2019 at 6:51 am

      Hi Joel,

      Local guide doesn’t required any permits to trek to Everest Base Camp. You will only need your passport copy for the details and your local guide won’t need anything.

      Regards Pradeep,

      Reply
  • Apratim

    November 5, 2019 at 4:26 pm

    Hi Pradeep, I want to get a permit for the trek to EBC from LUKLA, as I would like to do an independent trek to the base camp. How can I obtain the permit? Could you please let me know? Can I do it when I arrive there in Kathmandu / Lukla? I mean adhoc, just when I arrive?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Pradeep Guragain

      November 6, 2019 at 8:11 am

      Hi Apratim,

      You don’t need to do the permits in Kathmandu. You can do one in Lukla and one in Monjo.

      Regards Pradeep,

      Reply
  • Leila

    November 10, 2019 at 9:01 am

    Hi pradeep
    If i didnt get the permit and TIMS in Kathmandu can i get both in Lukla?

    Reply
    • Pradeep Guragain

      November 10, 2019 at 9:47 am

      Hi Leila,

      Yes, you can permit in trail. One in Lukla and one in Monjo, there is no need to do the permits in Kathmandu. Have a nice trek!

      Regards Pradeep,

      Reply
  • Jan Van Hove

    November 13, 2019 at 10:13 pm

    Hi Pradeep,
    I trekked in the Khumbu region a couple of times, always out of season and solo. This time i will be going in March. Since i love very much to trek alone i’m a bit concerned there will be a lot of people on the path most of the time. This will be the trek (allowing some improvisation): Bus to Phaplu, then Ringmo/Namche/Porthse/Ama Dablam base camp/Chuckhung/Lobuche/Gorak Shep/Dzongla/Gokyio/Thame/Phakding and back to Phaplu and Kathmandu.. You think it will be very busy everywhere, or just on the classic EBC route? One more thing: Permit Sagharmata in Monjo and no permit for the Phaplu/Namche trek right?

    Reply
    • Pradeep Guragain

      November 14, 2019 at 3:16 pm

      Hi Jan,

      March is the start of spring season, so it will start getting busier mainly in between Lukla and EBC no the side routes. You will need to obtain the local entry permit of NPR 2000. Normally people obtain this in
      Lukla. Since you won’t be going through Lukla you will be getting that somewhere before Monjo.

      Have a nice trek!

      Regards Pradeep,

      Reply
  • Sunny K

    March 12, 2020 at 1:53 pm

    Hey I was wondering if you had any information on the base camp and if it was still accessible with the virus going around.

    Reply
  • Maxim

    December 8, 2021 at 7:52 pm

    Hello, is it possible to go track to Base camp in January 2022 without guide?

    Reply
  • Marcin

    March 11, 2022 at 5:31 pm

    Hello in April, I am coming to Nepal. I have a complete vaccination program for Ciovid, do I still need a test? Greetings Marcin

    Reply
    • Pradeep Guragain

      March 12, 2022 at 8:32 am

      They are implementing new rule that PCR Test is not required for vaccinated travelers to enter Nepal. I recommend you to check with your airlines for this and also, check the immigration’s website.

      Have a nice trek!

      Reply
  • Mildred

    March 19, 2022 at 8:01 pm

    Hello Pradeep,

    Thank you so much for all your time to answer all the tourist question. I am planning to visit the beautiful country of Nepal. I am originally from the Philippines who move to U.S. I plan to hike EBC. What is the best month to hike EBC. How will I get my own private porter to help me incase of my emergency situation. Also, is the tea houses are available to tourist in every village that you hike daily. Now where will I get my park permit to hike EBC. I will really appreciate your help to answer my question.
    Thank you,
    Mildred

    Reply
  • John

    September 14, 2022 at 10:39 pm

    Hello, do Nepali citizens require permits as well?

    Reply
    • saugat

      November 21, 2022 at 1:27 pm

      No, Nepali citizens doesn’t need permits.

      Reply
  • Thomas

    September 20, 2022 at 3:24 pm

    Hello
    Still don’t need TIMS for EBC trek?

    Reply
    • saugat

      November 21, 2022 at 1:27 pm

      Hi Thomas,

      You don’t need a TIMS card.

      Reply
  • Krzysztof

    February 4, 2023 at 1:18 am

    Hi. Traveling from Salleri to EBC, in addition to the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit and Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, do I need any additional permit? You mentioned that going from Jiri there is Gaurishankar Conservation Area permit, Is anything like that required for going from Salleri.
    Thanks

    Reply
  • Martin

    March 10, 2023 at 6:54 am

    Hi, just wanted to ask with the new rule that you need the guide for trekking. Does it apply to EBC trek as well where you do not need the TIMs card? Thanks.

    Reply
    • saugat

      March 12, 2023 at 12:29 pm

      Hi Martin,

      You don’t need a TIMS card.

      Reply
  • Mike

    March 14, 2023 at 5:56 pm

    Hello,
    Is it true that the new rule of a mandatory guide is not necessary for the EBC trek because you don’t need the TIMS card in the EBC region? So we can just get the Sagarmatha Park permit plus the Khumbu permit and then we are able to hike the EBC trek solo without any guides (in April)?
    Regards,
    Mike

    Reply
  • Ryan

    March 15, 2023 at 7:54 am

    Hello, I just wanted to make sure that you are still able to get the Khumbu permit in Lukla, and the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit in Monjo. Meaning that there is no need to get any permits in Kathmandu.
    Thanks
    Ryan

    Reply
    • saugat

      March 15, 2023 at 11:10 am

      Hi Ryan,

      Yes, you are correct. You do not need to get any permits in Kathmandu. You can get it in Lukla and Monjo.

      Reply
      • Christian

        March 20, 2023 at 4:11 pm

        Hey saugat, thanks for your detailed transparent informations.
        We’ll arrive at 10th april in Kathmandu to start at 11th april the EBC Trek. Please confirm that we only need the visum for nepal from kathmandu airport and we’ll get the other permits (Sagarmatha National Park & Khumbu) while we are trekking?

        Thanks, best regards from germany

        Reply
        • saugat

          March 22, 2023 at 6:53 pm

          Hi Christian,

          Yes, You can get all the permits while on the trek. You don’t need to obtain any permits from Kathmandu.

          Reply
  • Warren

    April 9, 2023 at 5:29 pm

    Hi, as of the 1st of April 2023, do I need a TIMS (or a guide) to do Jiri to Lukla trek apart from a Gaurishankar Conservation Area Project Entry Permit ? Can I still get all permits required for the EBC trek at Lukla?

    Reply
    • saugat

      August 1, 2023 at 1:34 pm

      Hi Warren,

      Yes, You can get all the permits along the trek. You don’t need to obtain any permit from Kathmandu.

      Reply
      • Henning

        August 7, 2023 at 2:46 pm

        Sorry to ask again: what kind of permit do I need to trek from Jiri to Lukla, or maybe even Lukla to Jiri, and where can I obtain it? – Thank you.

        Reply
  • Gary Wagman

    September 1, 2023 at 5:40 am

    Namaste Saugat,

    I will be trekking from Thamdanda (Bupsa) to EBC and Three Passes. Do I need to get a permit for Gaurishankar Conservation Area?

    Thank you so much.

    -Gary

    Reply

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