Everest Base Camp Trek Permits: What You Need To Know And How To Get
Them

Everest Base Camp trek permit should be sorted out before you leave Kathmandu. It is one of the most important steps in your trek preparation.

If you are missing a permit or carrying the wrong documents, you might have to  turn back from a trail checkpoint .

This guide covers every permit you need for 2026. You will know the exact cost of each one and where to get them.

Both independent trekkers and those who book through us need to read this. Independent trekkers must arrange all permits themselves before leaving Kathmandu. Trekkers who book through a registered Nepali agency like us handle everything.

It is best if you know what is required and what can go wrong . This saves your time and stress on the trail.

For the 2026 EBC trekking season, every trekker needs three documents to enter the Khumbu region legally.

These are the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, the TIMS Card, and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Fee. The standard EBC route does not require a restricted area permit.

Note: A climbing permit is also not needed  trekking to Base Camp . You know what, climbing Everest and trekking to Base Camp are two entirely different activities with completely separate permit systems. Himalayan Odyssey guides you in every way.

Which Permits do you actually need for EBC?

There is a short summary of permits necessary,your costs/ and where you will get them below. Each one is covered in full detail in the sections that you need below:

Permit 1 ( Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit )

The Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit is your official permit to enter the national park. Sagarmatha is a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

It  covers the entire EBC trekking region from Monjo upward. Every trekker must hold this permit whether it is  independent or guided, or of what nationality you are. It is mandatory.

Check on 2026 Permit Fees

Where do you get the Sagarmatha Permit ?

There are two places to get this permit . One is in Kathmandu before you fly. The next is at the Monjo checkpoint on the trail. But Kathmandu is the better option for most trekkers.

Kathmandu (Recommended)

The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) office on Pradarshani Marg is the main permit office for EBC trekkers. It is a five-minute walk from Thamel main chowk.

The office opens Sunday to Friday from 9am to 5pm . It is closed on Saturdays and public holidays.

If your documents are in order, your processing takes 30 to 60 minutes. You have to pay in cash. NPR or USD are both accepted.

Some offices these days also take card payments, but it is best if you carry cash as a backup.

Monjo Checkpoint (On Trail)

If you do miss the Kathmandu option, the permit is also available at the national park entrance gate at Monjo.

You will reach there around Day 2 or Day 3 of trekking. The drawback is that queues here are long during peak season in April and October.

On busy days, the checkpoint can be understaffed, which causes major delays for you. For independent trekkers, especially, this option is not recommended.

Sorting your permit in Kathmandu gives you the best start on the trail.

Documents Required

The documents that you require for the permits are listed below :

• Valid passport (original)
• 2 passport-sized photographs
• Completed permit application form (available at the office)
• Payment in cash

Permit 2 is a TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System)

The TIMS Card is a trekker registration and safety tracking document. It is managed jointly by the Nepal Tourism Board and the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN).

The card is mainly for your safety . If you go missing on the trail, our rescue teams use your TIMS records to locate you.

All foreign trekkers on the EBC route must carry one, whether trekking independently or with a guided group.

Check on 2026 TIMS Fees

If you are someone booking through a registered Nepali agency like Himalayan Odyssey ,pay half the TIMS fee.

This fee difference is one of the practical cost advantages of trekking with a guided operator rather than going independently.

Where to get the TIMS Card ?

You can get your TIMS card in Kathmandu before you start the trek. Two offices issue it . Both follow the same opening hours.

Kathmandu:

The Nepal Tourism Board office on Pradarshani Marg issues TIMS alongside the Sagarmatha permit, so you can collect both documents in a single visit.

If the NTB queue is long on the day you go, the TAAN office in Maligaon is an alternative. Though it is further from Thamel and less convenient for most trekkers.

Note : Both offices open Sunday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

On the trail:

TIMS is not available anywhere along the EBC trail. So, do not leave Kathmandu without it. Trekkers caught without a TIMS card at checkpoints face fines . You may also be restricted from continuing on the trail. Better safe than sorry, guys.

Documents Required

The documents that you need for the TIMS permit are:

• Valid passport (original)
• 2 passport-sized photographs
• Completed the TIMS application form
• Emergency contact details (name, relationship, phone number)
• Payment in cash

Permit 3 ( Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Fee)

The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Fee is a local government entry charge. It was introduced to fund trail maintenance, community infrastructure, and conservation across the Khumbu region.

Unlike the Sagarmatha permit and TIMS card, this fee is newer . It may not appear in many older travel blogs and guidebooks.

Because of this, many trekkers arrive at the checkpoint without knowing about it or without the right cash on hand. They then get into trouble.

The fee is  NPR 2,000 (~$15) per person.

Do you know where to pay ?

This fee is collected at checkpoints in Lukla or Monjo. It cannot be paid in Kathmandu, so you must have NPR cash ready when you land in Lukla.

There are no ATMs between Lukla and Namche, which makes cash planning before your flight very important.

Local government representatives collect the fee at staffed checkpoints.

They also check your other two permits at the same time, so keep all your documents accessible when you arrive at the checkpoint.

Step-by-Step Permit Application Guide for Independent Trekkers

Independent trekkers need to handle all three permits on their own. The process is straightforward if you follow the right order.

These six steps take you from preparation in your home country to your first trail checkpoint.

Step 1 ( Prepare your documents one week before arriving in Kathmandu)

Start by scanning your passport and saving a digital copy to cloud storage. You can print 6 to 8 passport-sized photos . Thamel photo studios can do this in 15 minutes for around $2 if you prefer to get them on arrival.

Write down your emergency contact details, including name, relationship, phone number, and email, as these are required on the TIMS form.

Also, make sure you confirm your trekking start date, since permits are date-stamped at the time of issue.

Step 2 ( Visit the Nepal Tourism Board Office )

The NTB office on Pradarshani Marg is opposite the National Stadium . It is a 10-minute walk from Thamel. A taxi from the airport costs around NPR 600 to 800.

You can go early in the morning .

Collect both application forms , one for TIMS and one for the Sagarmatha permit. Then fill them in at the same time to avoid making two separate trips to the window.

Submit both forms together with your photos, passport, and cash payment.

Step 3 (Collect both permits at the counter )

Both permits are issued the same day. The TIMS card is laminated and handed to you at the counter. The Sagarmatha permit is a stamped document . Always check that your name, passport number, and dates are correct before you leave.

Once you have both, store the originals in a waterproof document pouch.

Keep a photocopy of each in a separate part of your daypack in case an original is lost or damaged on the trail.

Step 4 (Fly to Lukla and pay the Rural Municipality fee)

Before you board your Lukla flight, withdraw enough NPR cash to cover the rural municipality fee ,NPR 2,000 per person. This fee is paid at the checkpoint in Lukla on arrival.

The queue is usually short, and the process is quick.

Since there are no ATMs between Lukla and Namche, it is wise to carry extra cash for other trail expenses as well.

Step 5 ( Carry all permits at every checkpoint)

Once you are on the trail, you pass through checkpoints at Monjo (Sagarmatha National Park gate), Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep.

Rangers check all three documents at each point. Missing even one document can result in a fine or being turned back, no matter  how far you have already walked.

Keep all permits in your daypack, not buried in your main porter pack . It will help you get  access to them quickly at each stop.

Step 6 (Keep Permits for the return journey)

Permits are not returned or refunded when you exit the park. Some checkpoints also check documents on descent. Keep everything accessible until you are back in Kathmandu.

Do not discard permits on the trail or pack them into the main luggage once you turn around.

Guided vs. Independent Trekkers ( Permit Comparison)

The permit process looks very different depending on how you trek.

The table below shows the key differences between managing permits yourself and booking through a registered operator.

​For first-time independent trekkers, the permit process is manageable but takes a full morning during peak season.

Guided trekkers save time, pay half the TIMS fee, and carry a lower risk of procedural errors at checkpoints.

If you are choosing between the two options, permits are one factor worth building into your cost calculation.

Where to Get Permits ( Kathmandu Location Guide )

Both of the main Kathmandu permit offices are accessible from Thamel.

The NTB office is the easiest starting point for most trekkers, as it issues both the TIMS card and the Sagarmatha permit in a single visit.

Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) Main Office

• Address: Pradarshani Marg, Kathmandu (opposite National Stadium)
• Issues: TIMS card and Sagarmatha National Park permit
• Hours: Sunday to Friday, 9am-5pm; closed Saturday and public holidays
• Getting there: 10-minute walk from Thamel; taxi from airport around NPR 600–800

TAAN Office (Alternative for TIMS Only)

• Address: Maligaon, Kathmandu (further from Thamel)
• Issues: TIMS card only
• Hours: Sunday-Friday, 9am–5pm
• Best used: as a backup if NTB queues are too long on your permit day

On-Trail Checkpoints (Emergency backup only)

On-trail options are limited and unreliable for trekkers. Use them only if you genuinely missed a permit in Kathmandu.

• Sagarmatha permit: available at the Monjo checkpoint as a last resort
• TIMS: not reliably available on the trail . Do not plan to get it here.
• Rural municipality fee: Lukla or Monjo only. This cannot be paid in advance in Kathmandu.

Tips : Visit the NTB office on your first or second morning in Kathmandu, not the day before your Lukla flight.

If anything goes wrong, such as missing photos, a form error, or an unexpected public holiday closure, you need time to fix it before you fly.

Permit Costs: full 2026 fee summary.

The table below brings all three permit costs together in one place for easy reference. This will help you a lot with your Everest Journey.

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Exchange rates shift regularly. You can carry slightly more NPR than the above table suggests.

The main thing is you can contact Himalayan Odyssey anytime. We will help you with your permits.

Permit fees are set by the government and reviewed periodically. Check the NTB website for the most current rates before you depart.

Common Permit mistakes and how to avoid them ?

Getting permits in Nepal is not tough. But there might be some common mistakes that might lead you to problems. Don’t worry, permit problems on the EBC trail are preventable.

The six mistakes below are the ones that catch trekkers most often.  Each one can be  fixed:

Mistake 1: Leaving Kathmandu Without a TIMS Card

This is the most common permit error on the EBC trail. Some trekkers assume TIMS is available at Lukla or at a checkpoint further along the route. It is not , not reliably.

Being caught without it at Namche results in a fine and a possible trail restriction . It can end your trek early.

Fix: Get your TIMS card on day one or day two in Kathmandu. Do not leave it until the morning of your Lukla flight.

Mistake 2: Not carrying enough Passport Photos

The NTB permit forms require two photos each for TIMS and the Sagarmatha permit , a minimum of four photos in total.

Checkpoints along the trail will ask you for additional copies as well. So, carry extra pictures of your passport to avoid any delays.

Fix: Bring 8 to 10 passport photos from home. If you run short, Thamel photo studios print them in 15 minutes for $1 to $2 per set.

Mistake 3: Relying on Digital Copies above Namche

Above Namche, the mobile signal is unreliable . Your battery life drops fast in cold temperatures. Checkpoints require physical permit documents; a photo on your phone screen is not accepted as a substitute.

Fix: Carry all original permits in a waterproof document wallet inside your daypack. Keep this wallet with you at all times . Do not keep it in your main porter pack.

Mistake 4: Forgetting the Rural Municipality Fee

Because this fee is newer, it does not appear in many older travel blogs or guidebooks. Trekkers who have not read an up-to-date source often arrive at the Lukla checkpoint without NPR cash.

This is especially easy to get caught up in because there are no ATMs between Lukla and Namche.

Fix: Withdraw NPR 2,000 to 3,000 extra per person in Kathmandu before your Lukla flight. Keep it separate from your other cash so it is ready at the checkpoint.

Mistake 5: Visiting the NTB Office on a Saturday or Public Holiday

The NTB office is closed every Saturday and on all Nepali public holidays. The peak trekking months of April and October coincide with several holidays on the Nepali calendar.

It means this is a more common problem than it might seem.

Fix: Check the Nepali public holiday calendar before you arrive in Kathmandu. Plan your permit day for a weekday that falls outside any holiday periods.

Mistake 6: Assuming Permits are transferable or refundable

Permits are neither transferable to another person nor refundable if your trek is cut short or cancelled. Once purchased, those costs are non-recoverable regardless of what happens on the trail.

Fix: Factor permit costs into your travel insurance review before you book. Some policies cover permit costs as part of trip cancellation cover.

Insurance (The document most trekkers overlook)

Insurance is not a government permit, but  it functions like one. No responsible operator or guide will take a trekker above 4,000m without seeing verified insurance documentation before you start the journey.

For EBC trekking, your policy must meet four requirements. You can see below for what they are:

• It must explicitly cover trekking above 5,000m.
• It must include helicopter evacuation cover.
• It must carry your policy number.
• It must include a 24-hour emergency contact number.

If your policy does not meet all four of these, Himalayan Odyssey will not accept it.

Note: Carry a printed copy of your insurance document on the trail. Digital access above Namche is unreliable. You may need to show it at short notice.

A helicopter evacuation from the upper EBC region without insurance costs between $3,000 and $6,000. It is very expensive.

A proper insurance premium for an EBC trek is a fraction of that figure.

So, who are the reliable insurance providers?

We got it covered for you. Policies that commonly cover EBC trekking include World Nomads, True Traveller, and Battleface.

Make sure you read the fine print on altitude limits carefully before you purchase, as some standard adventure policies cap out below 5,000m.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to fly into Lukla?

No, you need a separate permit for the Lukla flight itself. Your passport and flight booking are sufficient at the airport. Permits are checked at trail checkpoints after you land, not at the departure or arrival gate.

Can I get EBC permits on arrival in Nepal?

Yes. All EBC permits are obtained in Kathmandu after you arrive in Nepal. Nothing needs to be arranged from your home country in advance. All you have to do is bring passport photos and NPR cash. You can then visit the NTB office on your first day or two.

Are permits checked on the descent as well a the ascent?

Yes, at some checkpoints. Keep your permits available throughout the full trek , both on the way up and on the way down. Do not pack them into your main bag once you turn around at Base Camp.

What happens if I lose my permit on the trail?

You have to report it to the nearest checkpoint straight away. Rangers can verify your registration using their records in most cases.

Getting a replacement document, however, means travelling back to a staffed office, which can cost you a full day.

Keeping photocopies in a separate location from your originals reduces the impact if an original goes missing.

Do children need separate permits?

Yes. Every trekker, no matter what age you are, needs their own TIMS card and Sagarmatha permit. Children's fees are the same as adult fees for foreign nationals.

Will my operator arrange permits if I book a guided trek?

Reputable operators include permit arrangement as a standard part of their packages. Always confirm this in writing at the time of booking.

Ask specifically for written confirmation that both the TIMS card and the Sagarmatha permit are included in your package price.

Conclusion

The Everest Base Camp trek permit process comes down to three documents, two offices, and one morning in Kathmandu.

You can sort out everything in the first day or two of your stay. Be careful you do not miss out the important documents. After getting your permits, you will not think about paperwork again until you are standing at 5,364 metres.

Everest should be on everyone’s bucket list. It is worth every physical and mental pain.

You can book through Himalayan Odyssey. Your permits, paperwork, and checkpoint logistics are handled before you land because you are our responsibility now.

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