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If you’re planning the Everest Base Camp trek, permits are the first thing you need to get right.
Here’s the truth:
Most guides online overcomplicate it.
In reality, trekking permits for Everest Base Camp are simple, cheap, and fast to obtain.
According to the Nepal Tourism Board you only need a couple of permits to legally enter the Everest region.
The problem:
In this guide, I’ll show you:
You need two permits: Sagarmatha National Park Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Local Permit.
Checked at Monjo
👉 Total permit cost: ~$50–$60
No, you do NOT need a TIMS card for Everest Base Camp.
This is one of the most common misconceptions.
According to the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality
👉 The local Khumbu permit has fully replaced TIMS in this region.
👉 This is a key update many blogs still get wrong.
The total cost is around $50–$60 per person.
| Permit | Cost |
|---|---|
| Sagarmatha National Park | ~$30 |
| Khumbu Local Permit | ~$20 |
| Total | ~$50–$60 |
👉 Compared to total trek cost ($1,000–$3,000+), permits are a small expense.
You can get permits in Kathmandu, Lukla, or Monjo checkpoint.
👉 Best option:
You can get permits instantly by applying in person with basic documents.
👉 No online system required
Yes, solo trekking is allowed and you can obtain permits yourself.
👉 You don’t need:
However:
Yes, most trekking packages include permits in the total cost.
Packages usually include:
👉 DIY trekking = cheaper
👉 Guided trekking = easier
Permits are issued instantly, usually within 10–30 minutes.
👉 No waiting time
👉 No approval process
This makes Nepal one of the easiest trekking permit systems globally.
You only need a passport and cash.
👉 No complicated paperwork
No, Everest Base Camp permits are generally non-refundable once issued.
👉 Plan your trek dates carefully
Get them in Kathmandu or directly in Lukla before starting your trek.
👉 Best approach:
Permits are one of the cheapest parts of the entire trek.
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Permits | $50–$60 |
| Flights | $150–$400 |
| Stay + food | $300–$800 |
| Guide/porter | $300–$1,500 |
👉 Permits are not where your budget goes.
No, permits are issued in person in Nepal.
No, same permits apply to all trekkers.
You can be fined or stopped at checkpoints.
Main checkpoint is at Monjo before entering Sagarmatha National Park.
Yes, permits can be issued in Lukla before the trek starts.
Here’s the simple reality:
👉 Your next step:
That’s it. No confusion needed.
More notes from our writers in Nepal, Bhutan and beyond.