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

At Lukla, the permit process starts with your passport, not a long application form. Local officials register your trek, while the Sagarmatha National Park checkpoint later verifies your entry before you continue toward Namche.

For the standard Everest Base Camp trek permit process in 2026, foreign trekkers should plan for two main regional charges: the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Trek-Card. The traditional Jiri route adds a Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit.

There is one important complication. Nepal Tourism Board’s current national guidance still lists Everest Base Camp among routes covered by its TIMS and licensed-guide requirement, while the Khumbu municipality continues to operate its separate local Trek-Card system.

This guide explains that difference directly instead of repeating outdated claims that no longer match the current official pages.

Key Takeaways about Everest Permits

• A standard Lukla EBC trek costs NPR 6,000 for most foreign trekkers when you combine the current NPR 3,000 Sagarmatha National Park fee with the current NPR 3,000 Khumbu Trek-Card.
• The traditional Jiri route adds a NPR 3,000 Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit for foreign nationals.
• TIMS is the main area of conflicting guidance: NTB still lists EBC under its national TIMS provision, while Khumbu operates its own Trek-Card and local practice treats that card as the regional registration.

What Permits Are Required for the Everest Base Camp Trek?

The permits required for Everest Base Camp depend on the route you choose.

For the standard flight route from Kathmandu to Lukla, trekkers need the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Trek-Card. The same two permits apply for common road approaches through Salleri, Phaplu, Thamdanda and Surke.
The traditional Jiri approach is different. That route enters the Gaurishankar Conservation Area, so trekkers need an additional conservation-area permit.

Everest Base Camp permits by Trekking Route:

For SAARC nationals, the current totals are NPR 3,500 (USD 25) on the standard two-permit route and NPR 4,500 (USD 30) on the traditional Jiri route.

The Khumbu municipality currently publishes NPR 3,000 (USD 21) for citizens of countries other than SAARC countries and China, and NPR 2,000 (USD 14) for SAARC countries and China for its Trek-Card.

Nepal Tourism Board currently lists the Sagarmatha National Park fee at NPR 3,000 (USD 21) for foreign nationals and NPR 1,500 (USD 11) for SAARC nationals.

Note: SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation)

Everest Base Camp Trek Permit Cost 2026

The current EBC permit cost for 2026 is easiest to understand by separating each fee. The Sagarmatha National Park entry permit costs NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals, NPR 1,500 for SAARC nationals, and NPR 100 for Nepali citizens (Including 13% VAT). Children under 10 years enter for free.

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

• Foreign National: NPR 3,000
• SAARC National: NPR 1,500
• Nepali Citizen: NPR 100

The Nepal Tourism Board also lists children below 10 years as free for the protected-area entry fee.

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Trek-Card

The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Trek-Card is a mandatory local digital entry permit required for all trekkers entering the Everest (Khumbu) region. It serves as a traveler safety tracking system, replacing the old TIMS card for this specific route.

Other foreign nationals: NPR 3,000
SAARC nationals and Chinese nationals: NPR 2,000

The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality’s current service page lists the Trek-Card as an active municipal service, with a published service time of approximately 15 minutes and a passport as the required document.

Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit

• Foreign nationals: NPR 3,000 (USD 21)
• SAARC nationals: NPR 1,000 (USD 7)

This applies when the chosen route enters the Gaurishankar Conservation Area, including the traditional Jiri approach. Nepal Tourism Board’s current protected-area information lists Gaurishankar under its conservation-area entry fees.

How much is the EBC trek permit in dollars?

For a standard foreign trekker, the two main fees total NPR 6,000.
Using a rough exchange rate of around NPR 145 to NPR 150 per US dollar, that works out to roughly US$40 to US$43.

The dollar amount is only a guide. Permit authorities charge in Nepali rupees, and exchange rates change.

Permit Price Breakdown

Read our complete Everest Base Camp Trek Cost 2026 breakdown

Why Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit for EBC?

The Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit is the principal protected-area permit for the Everest Base Camp route.

Sagarmatha National Park was established in 1976 and covers approximately 1,148 square kilometers of the Khumbu. The park contains Mount Everest and the main trekking corridor used by visitors travelling from Monjo toward Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche and Everest Base Camp 5,364 m.

The Sagarmatha National Park permit is an entry fee for the protected area. It is separate from the local Khumbu municipality charge.

Where do you buy the Sagarmatha National Park permit?

Nepal Tourism Board states that protected-area entry fees can be paid through its Tourist Service Center in Kathmandu or at the relevant entry point(recommended). On the Everest trekking route, Lukla and Monjo are the key park-entry area before the trail continues toward Namche Bazaar.

For a trekker arranging the trip independently, getting the permit in Kathmandu can make the airport-to-trail process easier. A trekker already travelling toward Khumbu can also use the authorized entry-point process.

The important distinction is that the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Fee is a national protected-area fee, while the Khumbu Trek-Card is a separate local registration.

Why Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit for Trekking in Everest Nepal?

The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit, officially presented by the municipality as the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Trek-Card, belongs to the local government of the Everest region.

This system developed from a long-running dispute over tourism registration and revenue in Khumbu. The municipality had already introduced its own tourism fee before the national trekking-rule changes of 2023. In 2023, the dispute became much more visible after Nepal introduced its nationwide guide and TIMS provision.

The municipality still lists the Trek-Card as an active service on its website. The current page gives:

• SAARC countries and China: NPR 2,000
• Other countries: NPR 3,000

It lists the Tourist Information Centers in Lukla as the service office and a passport as the required document.

Where do you get the Khumbu Trek-Card?

For the normal flight route, the municipality identifies its Tourist Information Centers in Lukla as the service point.

This is why you will still find older articles saying the Khumbu permit costs NPR 2,000. Some sources have not updated their figures.

The current municipality page is the stronger source for the local fee, and it now lists NPR 3,000 for other foreign nationals.

Do You Need a TIMS Card for Everest Base Camp in 2026?

This deserves more explanation than a simple yes or no.

Nepal Tourism Board’s current official TIMS page says its Revised TIMS Provision took effect on March 31, 2023. The page explicitly lists Everest Basecamp Trek, Gokyo Trek, Chho La Pass Trek, Three Passes Trek, Everest View Trek, Mera Peak Trek and Amphu Labtsha among the Everest routes covered by the guide-and-TIMS provision.

NTB also currently operates an online TIMS system. Its current published charge is NPR 1,000 for SAARC applicants and NPR 2,000 for other applicants, with the e-card generated through the agency process.

At the same time, Khumbu has maintained its own local Trek-Card system. Most of the trek and tour operators in Nepal claims current EBC guide states that a separate TIMS card is not required for its standard Khumbu itinerary.

That creates the exact confusion seen in Google searches and trekking forums.
So this article should not tell a foreign trekker that TIMS has disappeared from Nepal. It has not.

Nor should it ignore Khumbu’s local Trek-Card.

The accurate 2026 position is that NTB’s published national rule includes EBC under TIMS, while Khumbu continues to operate its local Trek-Card system and local trekking practice treats that card as the regional registration.

Before your departure, have your registered trekking agency confirm which documents apply to your exact EBC itinerary. That is the safest way to handle a rule that remains administratively disputed.

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Can You Trek to Everest Base Camp Without a Guide?

Under Nepal Tourism Board’s current published national provision, foreign trekkers on the Everest Base Camp route and any other trekking in Nepal, must travel with a licensed trekking guide. EBC appears specifically in the NTB list of routes covered by the revised provision.

The guide mandatory rule dates from 2023, not 2026.

Khumbu local authorities disputed the national restriction when it was introduced. Some independent trekkers have continued to report entering the Everest region without a guide, which keeps the online discussion alive. Recent Reddit discussions show that travelers are still receiving conflicting answers about solo EBC trekking.

That online practice should not be presented as the official national rule.

For a foreign visitor planning an EBC trek in 2026, the published national position is licensed guide required.

The guide requirement is separate from the permit fee. Your guide’s daily rate does not form part of the NPR 6,000 permit total.

See our Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty guide

Everest Base Camp Trek Permit Checkpoints

Permit checks are part of the trek itself, not something that ends when you leave Kathmandu.

Lukla Tourist Information Center / Check Post: For the standard air route, the Khumbu municipality identifies the Tourist Information Centers in Lukla as the Trek-Card service point. Your passport forms the basis of the registration.

Monjo – Park Entrance: The Sagarmatha National Park entrance lies around Monjo and Jorsale. This is the major protected-area checkpoint before the route climbs toward Namche Bazaar.

Namche and additional monitoring: Trekkers may also encounter further registration or document checks along the trail. Monitoring around the Khumbu route and we advise travelers to keep permit records accessible.

You do not need to carry a permit loose in your backpack. Keep it inside a waterproof document pouch where you can reach it quickly.

What Documents Are Required for an EBC Trek Permit?

You need a valid original passport, 2 to 4 passport-sized photographs, and cash in Nepali Rupees to get your Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek permits.

Required Documents and Items for Everest Base Camp Trek Permit 

• Original Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond your travel date, accompanied by a few physical photocopies.
• Passport-Sized Photos: Bring 2 recent photographs for the local municipality registration and national park paperwork. However, they takes pictures using technologies and machines these days.
• Nepal Tourist Visa: A valid visa stamp or copy (available on arrival at Kathmandu airport).
• Cash (Nepali Rupees): Bring enough physical NPR cash to pay for the permits on site, as digital or card payments are unreliable at trail checkpoints like Monjo or Lukla.
• Supporting Details: Your planned trekking itinerary, an emergency contact person, and proof of high-altitude travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation are strongly recommended and occasionally requested.

The Khumbu municipality specifically lists a passport for its Trek-Card service and provides a recent-photo registration option.

A travel-insurance copy can also be useful during a guided trek, but the current Khumbu municipality page does not list insurance as a Trek-Card requirement.

How Do You Apply for an Everest Base Camp Trek Permit?

For an organized trek, the trekking agency normally handles most of the administrative work.
The process is:

1. Confirm your trekking route and entry point.
2. Check the current fee for your nationality.
3. Prepare your passport and photograph.
4. Obtain the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit through Kathmandu or the relevant authorized entry point.
5. Register for the Khumbu Trek-Card at the appropriate local tourism-information center.
6. Obtain the Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit if your route begins through Jiri or another route entering that conservation area.
7. Confirm the latest TIMS and guide requirements with your registered trekking agency.
8. Keep the permit records accessible throughout the trek.

The municipality currently states that its Trek-Card service takes about 15 minutes at the listed Tourist Information Center.

For agency-organized trips, Explore Vision Nepal can coordinate the permit process with the trekking itinerary rather than sending each traveler from counter to counter.

Do You Need the Gaurishankar Permit for Salleri?

No, not simply because your trek begins overland.

This distinction matters.

Jiri and Salleri are different approaches.

The traditional Jiri route enters the Gaurishankar Conservation Area and therefore requires the additional conservation-area permit.

Common approaches through Salleri, Phaplu, Thamdanda and Surke normally join the Everest route without entering the Gaurishankar zone.

The route you actually walk determines the requirement.

The Traditional Jiri to Everest Base Camp Permit

The Jiri approach adds another layer to the paperwork, but it also offers a much longer historical approach to Khumbu.

Trekkers on this route enter the Gaurishankar Conservation Area before reaching the Everest region.

The three main requirements are:

• Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit
• Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Trek-Card
• Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

Nepal Tourism Board currently lists the Gaurishankar fee at NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals.

Explore Vision Nepal: Nepal Visa and Permit Information for Trekking in Nepal

Can Permits Be Bought at the Everest Base Camp Trek Trailhead?

Yes, at least for the protected-area entry process, Nepal Tourism Board allows payment at applicable entry points.

The local Khumbu Trek-Card is also tied to the regional entry process, with the municipality currently identifying Lukla Tourist Information Centers as the service location.

Buying permits before the trek can reduce delays, but the issuing point depends on the permit.

The safest approach is not to assume every permit can be purchased online or at one Kathmandu counter.

Can You Buy the EBC Permit Online?

This is another search query where people often combine different systems.

Nepal Tourism Board currently operates an online TIMS system through registered trekking agencies. Once the agency submits the trekker, guide and route details and completes payment, the system generates an e-card with a QR code.

That does not mean every Everest regional permit is an online product.

The Khumbu municipality’s current Trek-Card page identifies its Tourist Information Centers in Lukla as the service office.

So do not assume you can buy the entire EBC permit package from one online checkout.

What Happens If You Lose an Everest Permit?

A lost permit can turn a routine checkpoint into an unnecessary delay.

Keep a photograph or digital scan of your permits and passport information on your phone, while storing the originals in a waterproof pouch.

A replacement depends on the document and issuing authority. The information supplied by the tourism operators does not establish a single universal replacement procedure for every Everest permit, so travelers should report a lost document to their guide and the issuing authority rather than assume a replacement is automatic.

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Are Everest Base Camp Permits Refundable or Transferable?

Do not assume that an unused Everest permit can be transferred to another traveler or refunded.

The rules depend on the authority that issued the document.

For TIMS specifically, Nepal Tourism Board’s published information describes the card as non-transferable and non-refundable and valid for the prescribed route and duration.

For the Khumbu Trek-Card and protected-area fees, confirm the current terms with the issuing authority before payment.

How Long Are Everest Base Camp Permits Valid?

Everest Trek Permit validity depends on the permit type and the conditions attached to the route.

The Nepal Tourism Board protected-area fee is an entry charge, while the Khumbu Trek-Card functions as local route registration. Do not treat either document as a generic Nepal trekking permit that covers every trek in the country.

Your permit should correspond with the route you have registered.

This also matters if your plans include side trips such as Gokyo Lake Trek, Cho La  Pass or the Three Passes Trek. Your guide or agency should confirm whether the additional route changes the documentation required.

Do Children Need Their Own EBC Permit?

The current Nepal Tourism Board protected-area fee schedule states that children below 10 years are free for Sagarmatha National Park entry.

However, the Khumbu municipality’s current Trek-Card page does not publish a child-specific exemption. It lists the passport as the required document without giving a separate child fee category.

Therefore, we would not publish that children automatically receive free Khumbu Trek-Cards.

A child’s passport details should still be registered where required, and families should confirm the local Trek-Card treatment before departure.

EBC Permit 2027: What Can Trekkers Expect?

There is no verified official 2027 fee schedule yet.

The safest prediction is administrative rather than numerical.

Nepal already operates a digital TIMS process for applicable routes, while Khumbu operates a digital registration option for its Trek-Card. Further digitization and closer coordination between local and national tourism systems are plausible.

Visitor-management measures are also possible as tourism authorities and local governments look for ways to manage high-volume trekking routes.

However, no peak-October trekker cap should be presented as an active 2026 or 2027 policy without an official announcement.

Likewise, we do not have an official basis to promise that today’s permit fees will remain unchanged throughout 2027.

For an EBC permit 2027 budget, use the current rates only as a planning reference and recheck the municipality and Nepal Tourism Board before departure.

Everest Base Camp Trek Permit 2026: Final Cost Summary

For a foreign trekker taking the standard route through Lukla:

• Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit: NPR 3,000
• Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Trek-Card: NPR 3,000
• Total: NPR 6,000

For SAARC nationals:

• Sagarmatha National Park: NPR 1,500
• Khumbu Trek-Card: NPR 2,000
• Total: NPR 3,500

For the traditional Jiri route:

• Most foreign nationals: NPR 9,000
• SAARC nationals: NPR 4,500

Nepal Tourism Board and the Khumbu rural municipality remain the primary sources for the protected-area and local fees.

To Conclude

Securing your Everest Base Camp trekking permits is a straightforward but strictly managed process.

For travelers trekking with an authorized agency like Explore Vision Nepal, this administrative burden is entirely removed. The agency pre-arranges, funds, and manages all documentation on your behalf, with your licensed guide safely carrying the physical permits to clear all trail checkpoints smoothly. In the unlikely event that a permit is lost, your guide will coordinate with local authorities for a re-issuance using your original Passport to verify your digital registration.

Promptly resolving a lost permit with your guide is vital, as trekking without verified documentation carries a penalty of up to NPR 12,000 (USD 80-85), denied trail access, and potential insurance complications.

Ultimately, letting an agency handle the logistics ensures you can focus entirely on the incredible journey to Everest Base Camp — whether you choose the 14-Day Classic Everest Base Camp Trek or the 16-Day Upgraded Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek. Moreover, the 11-Day Everest Base Camp Heli Trek and the 12-Day Luxury Everest Base Camp Heli Trek are other comfortable options for you.