Planning to trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal in 2026 or 2027 and wondering what permits you need, how much they cost, and where to get them? You’re in the right place.In this guide, we’ll cover all the permits required for the EBC including their costs, where and how to obtain them, and the documents you need before starting your trek
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
As you know, the Khumbu region lies within Sagarmatha National Park, a protected area in Nepal that is home to Mount Everest and several other Himalayan peaks. To enter the national park during the Everest Base Camp journey, you need to obtain a Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit. This is one of the main permits required for the EBC trek and helps regulate visitors while supporting the conservation and management of the park.
How much does the Sagarmatha National Park Permit cost?
The Sagarmatha National park permit cost is NPRs. 3000 for foreign trekkers, NPRs. 1500 for the SAARC nationals and NPRs, 100 for Nepali trekkers for the single entry as per the Nepal Tourism Board office.
How to obtain the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit?
You can obtain the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit from the trekking agency which you booked for your EBC package. If you are doing solo or any other reasons you can get it from the Kathmandu Tourism Board office located at the Bhrikutimandap tourist service centre.
If you forget to get it from the capital city you can also get the required permits from the Monjo entry point before entering the national park.
What Documents Are Required for the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit?
The documents required for the Sagarmatha National park entry permit are your passport photocopy.
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit is another document required for the Everest base camp hiking as you know the region lies inside the Khumbu and it is the local trekking permit issued by the local municipality. The trek card helps the local government manage tourism and trekking activities within the Khumbu region. The revenue generated from tourism-related fees contributes to the management and development of the local area.
How much does the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit cost?
The cost of the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit is 20 USD per person for first 4 weeks and beyond 4 weeks it would cost you 25 USD per weeks for the foreign trekkers and NPRs. 2000 for SAARC nationals and Chinese citizens.
How to obtain the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit?
To obtain the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit or sometimes known as the Trek card you can get it Tourist Information Center in Lukla within 15 minutes. You will require a valid passport and recent photographs to obtain it. If you are going with the trekking agency the guide will generally arrange it for you even before you land at the Lukla airport.
Is a TIMS Card Required for the Everest Base Camp Trek?
Yes, a TIMS card is required for the Everest base camp trek in Nepal as it helps the government to identify the trekkers and help them during the emergencies and there is a mandate to get these permits from the government-registered trekking agency such as Adventure Vision Treks. The current TIMS fee is NPR 2,000 for non-SAARC nationals and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals.
What documents are required to get the EBC trek permit in 2026 and 2027?
The documents required for Everest Base Camp Trek permits in 2026 and 2027 may vary depending on the permit. In general, you should carry a valid passport and passport copies, recent photographs where required, and your trekking details. If you are booking through a registered trekking agency, the agency will generally handle the required permits on your behalf.
Check the table for the quick scan for the documents required.
| Permit | Main Documents Required |
|---|---|
| Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit | Passport or passport copy |
| Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Trek-Card | Passport + recent photograph |
| TIMS Card | Passport, trekking details, and required agency informati |
How Much Do Everest Base Camp Trek Permits Cost?
The Everest base camp trek permits costs depends upon your nationality. If you are a non-SAARC country national then you will need to pay the amount of 20 USD to 30 USD and the SAARC national might need to pay less than that. Check our table below for the quick scan of the details.
| Permit | Foreign Nationals | SAARC Nationals |
|---|---|---|
| Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit | NPR 3,000 | NPR 1,500 |
| Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Trek-Card | USD 20 | NPR 2,000 |
| TIMS Card | NPR 2,000 | NPR 1,000 |
Do You Need a Permit for Everest Base Camp Trek Without a Guide?
Yes. You still need the required permits even if you trek to Everest Base Camp without a guide. You generally need the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. These are separate from the guide requirement and must be obtained before or during your trek.
Can You Get Everest Base Camp Trek Permits Yourself?
Yes, you can get the required EBC permits yourself without hiring a trekking agency. The main permits, including the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit, can be obtained directly at the designated offices or checkpoints.
However, TIMS can be only obtained by the government licensed trekking agency due to which you will need to get the package before getting the permits.
What Happens If You Trek to Everest Base Camp Without the Required Permits?
Trekkers are expected to carry the required permits when entering the Everest region and Sagarmatha National Park. Permit checkpoints operate along the route, and officials may check your documents. Trekking without the required permits can result in being stopped at checkpoints and being required to obtain the necessary permits before continuing.
Rules and Regulations for Trekking in Sagarmatha National Park
The rules and regulations for Trekking in Sagarmatha National Park are:
- Carry your entry permit.
- Follow designated trekking routes.
- Do not damage vegetation or wildlife.
- Do not litter.
- Respect wildlife and the natural environment.
- Follow Park regulations and checkpoint instructions.
- Camp only in permitted/designated areas where applicable.
- Follow local and park authorities' instructions.
Everest Base Camp Trek Permit FAQs
How many permits are required for the Everest Base Camp Trek?
For the standard EBC route, you need two main permits: the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. TIMS is a separate requirement and depends on the current rules for your trek.
Is TIMS mandatory for the Everest Base Camp Trek?
TIMS may be required for the Everest Base Camp Trek, particularly when trekking under the current regulated system. Since TIMS and guide requirements can change, check the latest rule before your trek.
Can I get the Everest Base Camp permits in Kathmandu?
Yes, you can arrange the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit in Kathmandu. However, the Khumbu local entry fee is normally handled after reaching the Everest region, so you do not necessarily need to arrange every permit in Kathmandu.
Can I get the Everest Base Camp permits in Lukla?
Yes, you can obtain the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit in Lukla. This is particularly convenient for trekkers flying directly to Lukla and starting the trek from there.
Do children need an Everest Base Camp permit?
Yes, children entering the Everest trekking area must follow the applicable permit requirements. The requirement is based on entering the protected and local administrative areas, not simply on whether the trekker is an adult.
Are Everest Base Camp permits refundable?
No, Everest Base Camp permits are generally non-refundable once they have been issued. If you cancel your trek or turn around early, you normally cannot claim the permit fee back.
How long are the Everest Base Camp permits valid?
The permits are valid for the trekking period covered by your entry, rather than being a separate daily permit for every village. Their practical validity depends on the type of permit and the applicable regulations.
Do I need permits for the Everest Base Camp Trek if I have a guide?
Yes, you still need the required permits even when trekking with a guide. A guide does not replace the Sagarmatha National Park or Khumbu entry permits; your guide or trekking agency can usually arrange them for you.
Do I need a separate permit for Everest Base Camp itself?
No, there is no separate permit specifically for entering Everest Base Camp. Your required Everest-region and national park permits cover the trek to Base Camp, so you do not purchase another permit when you reach the destination.
