Different Types of Permits for the Everest Base Camp Trek
The three permits for the Everest Base Camp Trek include:
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit
- Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit (Optional)
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
The boundary of the Sagarmatha National Park covers an area of 124,400 hectares in the Solu-Khumbu district. The area is very rich in ecological biodiversity and is home to a number of species of rare and endangered flora and fauna. Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as a protected area, the permit is to ensure the conservation and protection of the national park. As the entire trekking route of the Everest Base Camp falls within its boundary, therefore the entry permit is required.
There are two places from where you can acquire the entry permit. The first is in Kathmandu’s Nepal Tourism Board. And another is once you have begun your trek, in Monjo village, which is the official entry point of the Sagarmatha National Park. If you are planning your trek through a company, then they will take care of all the work for the permit, and if you are planning for a solo trip, then you can get yours in either one of the places.
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit
The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit is a recently introduced permit system by the local government of the Khumbu region. It was introduced so the money obtained from the permit can be used to support the development of the local communities. This permit can be obtained in the office of the Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality in Lukla.
This permit was introduced in replacement of the Trekker’s Information Management Card (TIMS Card). So for the Everest Base Camp Trek, unlike other protected area trekking destinations, you just need the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit and not the TIMS Card.
Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit (Optional)
The Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit is required if you wish to trek the original route that goes from a place called Jiri. Since a portion of the old route falls under the area of the Gaurishankar Conservation Area, you are required to pay for the entrance permit as well. You can get the permit either at the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or the entry point of the Gaurishankar Conservation Area. Please note that this permit is only required if you plan to do the original Everest Base Camp Trek route; otherwise, you won’t need it.
Everest Base Camp Trek Permit Cost Information
The costs differ from the types of permits as well as being different for different nationalities. The costs for different permits per person are listed below:
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
For Nepalese Nationalities: NRs. 100
For SAARC Nationalities: NRs. 1500
For Foreign Nationalities: NRs. 3000
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit
For Nepalese Nationalities: Not Required
For SAARC Nationalities: NRs. 1000
For Foreign Nationalities: NRs. 2000
Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit (Optional)
For Nepalese Nationalities: NRs. 100
For SAARC Nationalities: NRs. 1000
For Foreign Nationalities: NRs. 3000
Note: You need to pay for the permit in Nepalese rupees or any other currencies will not be accepted.
Documents required for the Permits
It might seem a little scary at first thinking about all the paperwork and documents that you need to gather to get your entry permit into the protected area, but it’s quite easy. You only need a copy of your original or the original passport. They need your passport to go over your details and put your information for safety reasons.
Before, it used to be a bit complicated, as you needed to have not only your passport but your photos along with Visa copies and so on. It has become significantly easier now.
Is getting the permit for the Everest Base Camp Trek mandatory?
Yes, getting the permit for the Everest Base Camp Trek is mandatory. The permit not only helps to increase your safety and security during the trek by tracking your route. It also helps the officials know if someone gets lost and where to search. Apart from that, the money garnered from the permits is used for the conservation and protection of the environment and to support the local communities and their people.
Do I need the permits for helicopter rides and mountain flights to the Everest Base Camp?
For doing a mountain flight, where you get the aerial view of the entire mountains of the Everest Region, no, you do not require a permit. However, you do require permits for the helicopter rides to the Everest Base Camp.
The helicopter flights are only allowed in the spring season. You can get your permit for the national park in Kathmandu, and you can get the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality permit once the helicopter lands in Lukla.
There will not be a direct helicopter ride to the Everest Base Camp, as the helicopter stops at Lukla to refuel and do other side quests before resuming your journey. This is applicable for both arrival and departure.
The Importance of the Permits during Trekking the Everest Base Camp
The permits are an essential part of travelling and trekking in Nepal. Permits help in a lot of ways:
Safety and Security
Permits will have your information recorded, so in case of emergencies, identifying a person will be easier. Not only that, in case anyone gets lost, it can also make navigating their location easy with the help of a permit.
Contribution in Conservation
The Everest Base Camp Trek falls inside the area of the Sagarmatha National Park, which is one of the important protected areas of Nepal and is not only very rich in biodiversity but also is home to a number of rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. The conservation of the environment and biodiversity requires a lot of human resources, which is helped by the funds generated by the permits.
Support to the Communities
The permits help in supporting the local communities of the region, as a portion of the revenue from them goes towards sustainable development of the village infrastructure. The revenue from the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit goes directly to the betterment of the Khumbu communities.
Guides and Porters Support
The permits also help the local guides and porters. Some portion of the revenue collected from the permits is set aside for emergency rescue of the guides and porters in the mountain.
Generation of Revenue
One of the biggest benefits of permits is that they generate revenue that can be utilized in different areas. Not only does it help in the economy of the country, it is also very beneficial toward the local communities as well as the environment. The revenue is used for the betterment of both.
Management of Resources
The Everest Base Camp is the most popular trekking destination in Nepal and a lot of tourists visit annually. This can sometimes lead to crowding. So to manage such situations and avoid overcrowding, permits can be used in an efficient way.
Can I get a refund if I were to cancel my permits?
No, you cannot get a refund on an already-issued permit. So, make sure you are all set and your other schedules do not clash before applying for the permit.
If I hire a mountain guide, do they need the permits as well?
No, the local guides do not need any permits as they have their guide license.
What do I do if I lose my permit?
In any case where you lose your permit, you can reapply at the nearest checkpost with your documents. This can cost you some extra charges.
Do children also require permits?
Yes, children do require permits for the trek. However, children under the age of 10 will not have to pay for the permit.
For how long can the permit be used?
The permit’s validity time is up to 3 months; however, that is if you stay inside the National Park for that period of time. If you check out and fly out of Lukla, your permit will lose its validity, and you will have to get a new one.
Ending Summary
The Everest Base Camp Trek is always going to be the top destination for many people. However, there are a number of things you need to know before embarking on a thrilling journey to the base of the world’s tallest mountain. Acquiring permits for the trek is one of the most crucial parts of your trekking journey.
Whether you want to get tickets by yourself or with the help of the company, getting a permit beforehand will make your trip a lot easier. Once you have acquired them, make sure to carry your documents and keep your permits in a safe place to avoid tearing or losing them.
Follow the regulations set by the park, which can also be found on the backside of the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit. And finally, enjoy your trek and make m
