‘Does one need a TIMS permit for the Everest Base Camp Trek?’
– No.
‘How much does Everest Base Camp Trek permit cost?’
– NPR 5,390 (~ USD 50) for the trek permit starting at Lukla
‘Can I get Everest permits directly on the trails?’
– Yes.
We get these questions from trekkers a lot. And now, you have the answers! Keep reading if you need detailed information on Everest permits and costs. Besides, we also have information on permits required to climb Mount Everest, Island Peak, and Mera Peak.
Everest Base Camp Trek Permit Cost
For trekking any route in the Everest Region (including the Gokyo Lakes and Three Passes trek), you will need two permits. But don’t worry, you can easily get them on the trails itself.
1. Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit
Cost for Foreign Nationals: NPR 2,000 per person (for the first four weeks), NPR 2,500 per person (beyond four weeks)
The rate is the same for all foreigners, including SAARC nationals and Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs). And, VAT is not applicable.
Where to Get the permit: You can get this permit at Lukla.
However, trekkers starting from Phaplu will have to get their permits from Sagarmatha National Park Counter in Monjo.
Note: As this is levied and mobilized by the local government, you cannot get this permit in Kathmandu.
2. Sagarmatha National Park Permit
- Foreign Nationals: NPR 3,000 per person per entry + 13% VAT
- SAARC Nationals: NPR 1,500 per person per entry + 13% VAT
- Nepali: NPR. 100 per person per entry + 13% VAT
- Children below 10 years: Free
Where to get the permit: You can obtain an SNP permit either at Sagarmatha National Park Entry Gate in Monjo.
or,
DNPWC Counter- Tourist Service Center Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu.
Tel: 977-1-4256909
Fax: 977-1-4256910
Email: info@ntb.org.np
Website: http://welcomenepal.com/
During peak seasons, the queue outside the National Park Gate can be really long. It will take up a lot of time. So, you can avoid the hassle by getting the permit in Kathmandu if you have time.
Documents Required: For both the permits, all you need is your passport details. If you are trekking with your guides or porter guide, they can help you arrange these permits.
Please note: The amount is payable in local currency only.
However, if you are trekking from Jiri to Everest Base Camp, you’ll need an additional permit. (Mentioned below)
Do I need a TIMS Permit for Everest Region?
No. You don’t need a Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) permit for trekking in the Everest Region anymore. After a lot of to and fro between the decentralized local government of Khumbu and the Central Tourism Authorities, TIMS was finally removed. Now, ‘Khumbu Rural Municipality’ Permit is issued instead of TIMS.
Everest Base Camp Trek Permit Cost via Jiri
A section between Shivalaya and Kinja (a stretch of 8 hours) falls under the conservation area. Thus, you will need an additional ‘Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit.’
Cost of GCAP: NPR 2,000 + 13% VAT
Permit Validity: 30 days
Where to Obtain: DNPWC Counter- Tourist Service Center Bhrikuti Mandap, Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu
Or,
Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit (GSCAP) checkpoint in Shivalaya.
Required Documents: Two passport size photos, Passport Details
Everest Permit Cost for Mountaineering
Mountaineers are subjected to pay Royalty to the Government for climbing the Everest. Below is a quick rundown of royalties one has to pay to climb Mount Everest according to different seasons.
Spring Season (March-April-May)- USD 11,000/person
Autumn Season (September-October-November)- USD 5,500/person
Winter (December-January-February)/Summer (June-July-August)- USD 2,750/person.
Where to Obtain the permit: Ministry Of Culture, Tourism and Aviation.
Additionally, the Mountaineering Expedition team must also deposit USD 4000 for Garbage Management. [Detailed description in ‘Garbage Management Deposit’ section below]
Cost of Mera Peak and Island Peak Permits
Since both Mera and Island Peaks are under 6500 meters, the Royalty one needs to pay are as follows:
Spring Season- USD 250/person
Autumn Season- USD 125/person
Winter/Summer- USD 70/person
Where to obtain the permit: Nepal Mountaineering Association Academy (NMA)
Required Documents: Passport copy, VISA copy, Photos (2 copies), Itinerary
The additional garbage management deposit is USD 500 per expedition team (or equivalent to that in Nepalese rupees).
Garbage Management Deposit:
As per the Mountaineering rule of Nepal, the expedition team should deposit a certain amount to the Ministry for the garbage management.
The deposit should be made before the briefing related to the mountaineering expedition. The garbage is classified into three categories and here’s what mountaineering teams should do:
(a) Garbage which can be destroyed- destroy or dig and cover the trash under this category in the presence of the Liaison officer or representative of the concerned local body.
(b) Garbage which can be recycled- bring the garbage to Kathmandu and hand it over to the institution or body as prescribed by the Government of Nepal.
(c) Garbage which can be reimported- take back the garbage to their own respective countries.
How to get the refund: After the proper evaluation of the submitted evidence and confirmation with the Liaison Officer, The Ministry will refund the deposited amount.
Read full details regarding Mountaineering Expedition waste management, Fees and Garbage management in the Mountaineering Facts and Figures issued by the Ministry of Culture,Tourism & Civil Aviation, Department of Tourism, Nepal here.
