Everest Base Camp Trek Permit: Cost, Requirements & 2026 Guide

Quick Takeaways

• The standard Lukla route needs the Khumbu local Trek-Card and the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit.
• EBC trek permits cost NPR 6,000 (USD 39) for most foreign nationals and NPR 3,500 (USD 23) for SAARC nationals.
• TIMS is not currently collected for the standard Khumbu route. Central Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) information still gives different guidance, so verify before you travel.
• A guide is not treated as mandatory on the standard Khumbu route in current local practice. You can still choose an agency and a licensed guide.
• The Jiri approach can require an additional Gaurishankar Conservation Area permit.

The permit for the standard Everest Base Camp trek, the Lukla route, consists of two permits: the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Trek-Card and the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit. Together, they cost NPR 6,000 (USD 39) for most foreign nationals. TIMS is not currently collected on this route under the Khumbu local system, and trekkers are not currently required to hire a guide.

This guide covers costs, requirements, where to get each permit, whether you can buy them online, and how the rules change on the Jiri approach.

What Permits Do You Need for the Everest Base Camp Trek?

You need two permits for the standard route from Lukla: a local Khumbu permit and a national park permit. They are issued by different bodies and collected at different points, so paying for one does not cover the other.

The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality is the local government that administers the Everest region treks. Its permit is a local entrance fee, issued as a Trek-Card. The Sagarmatha National Park permit covers entry into the protected area that the EBC trail passes through. Other approaches to the region can add further permits, which are covered in the route section below.

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit

The Khumbu Trek Card is the local entrance permit required to trek in the Khumbu region. The municipality introduced it as its own registration and fee system for the area, and it has replaced TIMS on the standard route.

The fee is NPR 3,000 (USD 20) for foreign nationals, NPR 2,000 (USD 13) for SAARC nationals, and NPR 2,000 (USD 13) for Chinese nationals. Trekkers normally collect it on the trail at Lukla or Monjo, not in Kathmandu. Details are in the issuing-location section below.

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

The EBC trail enters Sagarmatha National Park shortly after Lukla, so every trekker on the route needs this permit. The fee is NPR 3,000 (USD 20) for foreign nationals and NPR 1,500 (USD 10) for SAARC nationals.

You can obtain it in Kathmandu before the trek or at the park entry checkpoint at Monjo/Jorsale if you have not already done so.

Everest Base Camp Trek Permit Cost in 2026

The two permits together cost NPR 6,000 (USD 39) for most foreign nationals and NPR 3,500 (USD 23) for SAARC nationals. The table shows the full breakdown by nationality.

Fees set by government and local bodies can change, so confirm the current figures shortly before you travel.

Note on National Park Permit Fees & Taxes:

While the base fee for the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit is NPR 3,000 (USD 20) for foreign nationals, official government collection counters or authorized agencies may charge an additional 13% Value Added Tax (VAT), bringing the total cost to NPR 3,390 (USD 22). It is recommended to carry extra cash in Nepalese rupees to cover potential tax adjustments at checkpoints.

Additional Costs to Consider

Permit fees are only one part of the budget. They are separate from:

• flights
• accommodation
• guide
• porter
• insurance
• visa
• food
• personal expenses

TIMS and Guide Requirements on the Everest Base Camp Trek

The Khumbu region runs its own local permit system, so its TIMS and guide position differ from the broader Nepal trekking policy. The Khumbu position below describes current local practice. It is not a nationwide rule.

Is TIMS Required for the Everest Base Camp Trek?

TIMS is not currently collected for the standard Lukla to EBC route under the Khumbu local system. The Khumbu Trek Card and local registration are used instead.

Some online sources, including current Nepal Tourism Board information, still give different TIMS guidance. That is the main reason you will see conflicting answers. Check the latest requirement with your agency or the local authorities before departure, and do not buy a TIMS card you may not need.

Do You Need a Guide for the Everest Base Camp Trek?

Independent trekking is currently possible on the standard EBC route under local practice. Guide requirements and enforcement in Khumbu can differ from the nationwide rule, so do not assume the national position applies here.

A licensed guide is not currently required for the standard EBC route, but using one can make the trek easier and safer, especially for navigation, acclimatization, emergencies, lodge arrangements, and changes to Lukla flights. If you need help with any of these arrangements during your Everest Base Camp trek, Nepal Gateway Trekking can assist you with the necessary support. 

Where Can You Get the EBC Trek Permits?

The two standard permits are issued in different places, and there is no single office or online portal for both. The Sagarmatha National Park permit can be obtained in Kathmandu. The Khumbu Trek card is collected in the Khumbu region.

Getting the Permits in Kathmandu

The Sagarmatha National Park permit can be obtained in Kathmandu before you fly to Lukla, which saves time on the trail.

Before travelling to Lukla, you can sort out your passport details, your route information, and the national park permit. Carry enough Nepalese currency for the local permit.

Getting the Khumbu Permit in Lukla or Monjo

Trekkers collect the Khumbu Trek-Card at the physical collection and checkpoint locations in Lukla or Monjo. Bring your passport and enough Nepalese rupees to pay the fee. Registration records your details for the local system, so expect to fill in your information at the counter.

Getting the National Park Permit in Monjo

If you have not bought the Sagarmatha National Park permit in Kathmandu, you can obtain it at the park entry checkpoint at Monjo/Jorsale. The park permit and the Khumbu local permit are separate. Having one does not replace the other.

Can You Get Everest Base Camp Permits Online?

Not currently for both permits through one independent online portal. Trekkers cannot buy the standard permits that way.

Agency pre-registration is different from direct online purchase. A trekking agency can arrange parts of the process in advance, such as the national park permit and your registration details. The local Khumbu permit is still collected in the region.

What Do You Need to Get an Everest Base Camp Trek Permit?

You need your passport and some personal details, plus enough cash to pay the fees. Here is a practical checklist.

Passport and Personal Details

• Passport details
• Nationality
• Personal information
• A recent photograph, where required
• Trekking route information, where applicable

Permit Payment

Both the Khumbu and Sagarmatha permits require payment in the amounts above. Carry enough Nepalese currency for trail-side collection, since you may be paying at a checkpoint far from a bank. Payment methods at each counter have not been verified here, so do not assume cards or online payment will work.

Do Permit Requirements Change by Trekking Route?

Yes. The standard Khumbu and Sagarmatha permits apply on the Lukla route, and other approaches can add further requirements. The Gaurishankar Conservation Area permit is specific to the Jiri approach.

Lukla Route

The standard route runs from Lukla through Monjo and Namche to Everest Base Camp. It requires:

• the Khumbu Trek Card
• the Sagarmatha National Park permit

The current local TIMS position and the guide nuance described above apply here. The Gaurishankar permit is not required on the standard Lukla route.

Salleri and Phaplu Routes

Salleri and Phaplu are road-based approaches into the Everest region. The standard Khumbu and Sagarmatha permits apply once you trek into the Khumbu area. Salleri and Phaplu are not automatically on the Jiri route, so the Gaurishankar permit should not be assumed for them.

Jiri Route and Gaurishankar Conservation Area

The traditional Jiri approach is the longer walk-in to the Everest region. The Gaurishankar Conservation Area permit becomes necessary where the route passes through that conservation area. The current fee is NPR 3,000 (USD 20) for foreign nationals and NPR 1,000 (USD 6.50) for SAARC nationals.

This permit is not part of the normal Lukla EBC permit requirement. The TIMS position for the Jiri approach should be checked separately before you travel, since it may differ from the Khumbu position.

Important Things to Know Before Getting Your EBC Permits

Permit problems on the trail are usually avoidable. Knowing where permits are checked and what your package covers helps.

Where Are Trekking Permits Checked?

The Sagarmatha National Park checkpoint is around Monjo/Jorsale. The local Khumbu registration is checked at the local points described above. Keep your passport and permit details accessible, because you may be asked for them at checkpoints.

Are Permit Fees Included in Trekking Packages?

It depends on the trekking agency. Package inclusions vary, so check the inclusion list rather than assuming all permit fees are covered. Nepal Gateway Trekking’s Everest Base Camp package currently lists the required permits among its inclusions. Whichever operator you choose, confirm in writing which permits are covered before booking.

Nepal Gateway Trekking can arrange and manage the EBC trek, including permit arrangements and guide support. This helps if you would rather not handle the Kathmandu and Lukla steps yourself. Check the current package inclusions before booking.

You can learn more about Why Travel With Us, read our legal documents, and see our approach to responsible tourism.

Final Thoughts

The standard EBC route needs two permits: the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Trek-Card and the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit. In 2026, they cost NPR 6,000 (USD 39) for most foreign nationals and NPR 3,500 (USD 23) for SAARC nationals. TIMS are not currently collected in Khumbu, and independent trekking is currently possible on the standard route, though a licensed guide is still worth considering.

Requirements differ by route, especially on the Jiri approach, and fees and rules can change. Verify current permit rules before departure. For help with permits and trip planning, contact Nepal Gateway Trekking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Need a Permit to Trek to Everest Base Camp?

Yes. The standard Lukla route requires the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Trek-Card and the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit.

How Many Permits Do You Need for the EBC Trek?

Two main permits on the standard route. TIMS is not currently collected in Khumbu, though other sources may say otherwise, so check before you travel. Route-specific permits can apply, such as the Gaurishankar Conservation Area permit on the Jiri approach.

How Much Does the Everest Base Camp Trek Permit Cost in 2026?

• Foreign nationals: NPR 6,000 (USD 39) 
• SAARC nationals: NPR 3,500 (USD 23) 
• Chinese nationals: NPR 5,000 (USD 32), or NPR 6,000 (USD 39) if categorized under general foreign rates

The Jiri approach may involve an additional conservation-area permit.

Can You Get the EBC Trek Permit Online?

Not both standard permits through one independent online portal. An agency can pre-arrange parts of the process, but the local Khumbu permit is collected in the region.

Is TIMS Required for the Everest Base Camp Trek?

Not under current Khumbu practice, because the local Trek-Card system is used instead. Some online sources, including central NTB information, give a different answer. Check the latest official or local rule before you travel.

Do You Need a Guide for the Everest Base Camp Trek?

Not as a mandatory requirement on the standard Khumbu route under current local practice. A guide is still recommended for safety, navigation, and logistics.

Do You Need an Extra Permit for the Jiri Route?

It can. The Gaurishankar Conservation Area permit costs NPR 3,000 (USD 20) for foreign nationals and NPR 1,000 (USD 6.50) for SAARC nationals. It applies to the Jiri approach, not the standard Lukla route.