Complete Guide to Everest Region Trekking Permits
A complete 2025 guide to Everest region trekking permits, covering required permits, updated costs, and the latest rules. Ensure full compliance for your Everest region trek.
Overview of the Everest region’s popularity for trekking
The Everest region, nested in the Khumbu region of Nepal, is one of the world’s most well-known trekking destinations. The Everest region draws tens of thousands of adventurers annually. The primary draw of the Everest region is undoubtedly the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest (8,848.86 m) itself.
Obtaining an Everest region trekking permit will allow you to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime trek, a bucket-list achievement for outdoor enthusiasts worldwide. It offers unforgettable views of towering peaks, ancient monasteries, vibrant Sherpa culture, and their renowned hospitality and resilience.
The Everest region trekking permit is a mandatory requirement for anyone planning to hike through the Khumbu region, including iconic stops such as Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, the serene Gokyo Lakes, and ultimately, Everest Base Camp, the gateway to the world’s highest peak.
Are you planning a trek in the Everest region? This blog is your go-to guide for understanding the Everest region trekking permit and the latest updated rules you need to know before heading to Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes, or beyond.
Planning your EBC journey? Check out our Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary for day-by-day details.
Permits Needed for Everest Trekking
At present, the two types of permits required for the Everest trek are;
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
The Sagarmatha National Park entry fee is mandatory for all trekkers to access the park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its dramatic alpine landscape, unique biodiversity, and Mount Everest.
You can obtain a Sagarmatha National Park entry permit from:
- Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu
- Park entrance gate in Monjo
Sagarmatha National Park entry fee
- Foreign nationals: NPR 3,000 per person, plus 13% VAT
- SAARC nationals: NPR 1,500 per person, plus 13% VAT
- Nepalese: NPR 100 per person
- Children under 10: Free
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
Trekkers are also required to obtain the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. This permit is essential for accessing local areas, including Lukla, Phakding, Namche Bazaar, the Gokyo Lakes, and Everest Base Camp. It helps support the local community through sustainable development, waste management, and tourism-related services.
You can get the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit from:
- After arriving in Lukla or Namche Bazaar
- Park entrance gate in Monjo
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit cost
- NPR 2,000 per person for foreign nationals
Note: No alternative office in Kathmandu that issues this permit.
Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card
The TIMS card for Everest trekking was once a mandatory permit for all trekkers in the Everest region. However, as of recent updates, the TIMS Card is no longer required for treks in the Everest region.
The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit has only replaced the need for a TIMS card in the Everest region. Trekkers heading to other areas of Nepal, such as Annapurna or Langtang, still require a TIMS Card; however, if you’re only trekking in the Everest region, you can skip it.
Conclusion
Trekking in the Khumbu region is a dream for many, and it’s more than just a trek—it’s a journey into the heart of the Himalayas. Securing the proper permits is the first step toward making that dream a reality. Trekking in the Khumbu region is an adventure of a lifetime that offers breathtaking glimpses of the world’s highest peaks, an immersive experience in unique Sherpa culture, and memories that will last forever. If you’re ready to take the next step, start your Everest Base Camp trek with us today, and let us handle the logistics while you focus on the experience. When hiking with a licensed guide, obtaining all necessary permits in advance is essential to avoid any issues along the trail. As you pack your gear, lace up your boots, and set forth on your Himalayan adventure, carry your permits and a deep appreciation for the privilege of walking among the world’s mightiest mountains. The paperwork may be temporary, but the impact of your responsible trekking choices will echo through these valleys for years to come.
FAQ
1. Are permits refundable?
No, Permits are non-transferable and non-refundable.
2. What documents are required for the application?
- Original passport.
- 2 passport-sized photos.
- Cash (NPR) for fees (cards rarely accepted).
3. Can I apply for permits online before arriving in Nepal?
A direct online application is not currently available for individual trekkers. However, if booking through a trekking agency like Eagle Trail Escape, they can arrange your permits in advance with digital copies of your documents.
4. Do permit fees increase during peak trekking season?
No, permit fees remain consistent throughout the year. However, other trekking costs, such as accommodation and guide services, may vary seasonally.
5. If I hire a guide, do I still need to handle my permits?
Most guides or trekking agencies will handle the permit process for you as part of their service. However, verifying this in advance and keeping personal copies of all permits during your trek is essential.
6. What happens if I’m caught trekking without proper permits?
Trekking without proper permits can result in substantial fines (often double or triple the permit cost), immediate removal from the trekking area, and potential restrictions on future trekking activities in Nepal.