Preparing for the Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most exciting steps in any trekker’s journey. Whether you’re a first-time traveler to Nepal or a seasoned high-altitude adventurer, getting your trek permits sorted is the first real milestone that sets your EBC adventure in motion. At Best Heritage Tour, we have guided trekkers from more than 70 countries, and one of the most common questions people ask us - sometimes even before booking their flights is:
“How early should I apply for an Everest Base Camp trek permit?”
There’s a surprising amount of confusion surrounding Everest permits, especially with recent changes in local regulations, updated municipality entry fees, and differences between trekking independently versus with a local agency. As one of Nepal’s trusted Himalayan specialists, we believe clarity is essential for a smooth trekking experience.
This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know-when to apply, how early is ideal, season-based planning, documentation, costs, and expert advice based on real-life trekking scenarios. Our goal is to help you plan confidently and avoid the common mistakes many trekkers unknowingly make.
Why Permits Matter for the Everest Base Camp Trek?
The Everest region is one of Nepal’s most protected and precious landscapes. The route to Everest Base Camp takes you through the Sagarmatha National Park, home to glacial rivers, alpine ecosystems, and cultural heritage sites. Additionally, the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality regulates trekking to support local infrastructure, trail maintenance, and safety services.
Permits serve multiple purposes:
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Ensuring trekkers’ safety
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Supporting conservation and environmental protection
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Maintaining trails, suspension bridges, and local infrastructure
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Managing tourism sustainably
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Keeping a record of trekkers for emergency search & rescue
At Best Heritage Tour, we ensure that all your permits are handled professionally so you can begin your trek worry-free.
The Two Essential Permits for the EBC Trek
To trek to Everest Base Camp, you need two mandatory permits:
1. Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit (SNP Permit)
This permit allows you to enter and hike through Sagarmatha National Park.
Issued by:
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Nepal Tourism Board Office in Kathmandu
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National Park Entry Gate in Monjo
Cost:
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NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals
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NPR 1,500 for SAARC nationals
2. Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
This permit replaced the old TIMS Card for the Everest region.
Issued by:
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Permit counter in Lukla
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Permit counter in Monjo
Cost:
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NPR 2,000 per person
These are all the permits you need-nothing more, nothing hidden.
So, How Early Should You Apply for EBC Trek Permits?
This is where many trekkers are surprised:
You do NOT need to apply months in advance.
All EBC permits can be issued just 1-2 days before your trek-or even on the same day.
Everest permits are:
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Not limited
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Not seasonal
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Not quota-based
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Not required to be pre-reserved
Unlike restricted area permits in regions such as Upper Mustang or Manaslu, the Everest region keeps its permit system simple and flexible.
However-flexibility doesn’t mean you should wait until the very last minute. As a professional agency, we’ve seen firsthand how early preparation reduces stress and prevents logistical delays.
Below, we have organized the ideal application timeline based on different trekking styles and scenarios.
Best Heritage Tour’s Recommended Timeline for Applying
1. If You Are Trekking With a Registered Travel Agency (Most Recommended)
For travelers trekking with us, the process is extremely simple.
Best Time to Apply:
As soon as you book your trek.
Once your booking is confirmed, our team will start preparing your trekking documents. We handle everything for you-from collecting your details to securing permits before your departure.
This means:
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You do not need to visit permit counters
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You do not need to fill out forms
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You do not need to wait in queues
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You do not need to worry about office hours
Even last-minute trekkers benefit from our fast permit processing system.
Our Advice:
If possible, book your trek 1-2 weeks in advance, so everything (including Lukla flights and guide assignment) is perfectly organized.
2. If You Are Trekking Independently
Independent trekkers must handle their own documentation.
Best Time to Apply:
1-3 days before flying to Lukla.
This buffer helps you:
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Prepare passport photocopies
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Get passport-sized photos
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Withdraw enough Nepalese Rupees
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Avoid closed offices or long queues
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Fix any errors on permits before departure
Independent trekkers often underestimate permit office hours and end up scrambling the evening before their trek.
3. If You’re Trekking During Peak Seasons (Spring & Autumn)
The peak seasons are:
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March-May (Spring)
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October-November (Autumn)
During these months, Kathmandu and Lukla see an overwhelming number of trekkers.
Best Time to Apply During Peak Season:
3-5 days in advance.
This allows flexibility in case:
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NTB offices are crowded
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Airport delays affect your arrival
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Holidays reduce office hours
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You need extra photos or documents
As a travel agency, we handle peak-season logistics constantly. We strongly advise not leaving your permits to the last day during these months.
4. If You’re Traveling on Very Short Notice
Many travelers arrive in Nepal and spontaneously decide to trek to Everest.
Fortunately, same-day permits are possible.
But here’s our expert warning:
Lukla flights depart early in the morning. Permit offices usually open after 10 AM.
So if you're flying out early, you cannot get permits in Kathmandu on the same morning.
Our recommendation:
Get your permits a day prior, or let our team manage everything for you.
5. If You’re Already in the Region
Some trekkers extend their trip locally after reaching Namche or Lukla.
You can easily buy required permits at:
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Monjo checkpoint
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Lukla permit counter
In this case, you do not need early preparation.
Why Applying Early Still Makes the Trek Smoother
Even though Everest permits never sell out, early application prevents many of the issues trekkers often face.
At Best Heritage Tour, we often see last-minute applicants struggle with simple things like broken ATMs or closed photo studios.
Applying early helps you avoid:
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Missing permit office timings
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Holiday closures
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Long queues during peak season
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Last-minute stress before your Lukla flight
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Missing passport-size photos
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Not having enough local currency
When you apply through us, these challenges disappear-but for independent trekkers, early planning is key.
Where to Get the Permits (With Best Heritage Tour Guidance)
1. Nepal Tourism Board (Kathmandu)
Ideal for obtaining the Sagarmatha National Park Permit.
Location: Pradarshani Marg
Timings: 10 AM - 5 PM (Sundays to Fridays)
2. Sagarmatha National Park Entry Gate (Monjo)
If you missed the permit in Kathmandu, this is your next checkpoint.
3. Lukla Permit Counter
Here you’ll obtain the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit.
Our guides assist trekkers at every checkpoint, ensuring documents are stamped and processed properly.
Documents You Must Bring
To obtain your EBC permits, prepare:
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A valid passport
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2 passport-sized photos
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Photocopies of passport
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Nepalese Rupees (cash only)
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Travel insurance details (recommended)
Having everything ready reduces processing time significantly.
How Long Does It Take to Issue Permits?
With Best Heritage Tour: 15-30 minutes total (we handle everything)
Independent Trekkers in Kathmandu: 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on queues
At Monjo or Lukla: 10-20 minutes
Permit Costs and Payment Guide
Sagarmatha National Park Permit:
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NPR 3,000 (Foreigners)
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NPR 1,500 (SAARC Nationals)
Khumbu Municipality Permit:
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NPR 2,000 per person
Important Payment Notes:
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Only NPR cash is accepted
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No credit cards or international currency
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ATMs are limited in Lukla and Namche
Can EBC Permits Sell Out?
Absolutely Not.
Trekkers often worry that permits might run out, especially during peak trekking seasons. As a professional operator, we can assure you:
Everest permits do NOT have a quota. They are issued year-round without limitation.
This makes the Everest Base Camp trek one of the easiest high-altitude adventures in terms of permit planning.
Are Online Applications Available?
Not at the moment.
All EBC permits are processed in person at official counters.
Best Heritage Tour handles this physically on your behalf.
Special Situations That Require Applying Earlier
Even though permits are flexible, there are some cases where earlier planning is smart.
1. Large Trekking Groups: Processing 10-20 permits can take time. This is why group trek bookings with us are prioritized early.
2. Seasonal Weather Uncertainty: Lukla flights are notoriously weather-dependent. If your schedule is tight, secure your permits the moment you arrive.
3. Public Holidays: Nepal celebrates many religious and cultural festivals. Government counters may close, especially on: Dashain, Tihar, Nepali New Year etc. Applying earlier avoids holiday disruptions.
Common Mistakes Trekkers Make (And How to Avoid Them)
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Arriving at permit offices after closing time
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Forgetting passport photos
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Not carrying enough local currency
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Leaving permit collection for the day of the Lukla flight
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Misplacing the permit on the trail
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Assuming online permits are available
As a responsible travel company, we ensure that none of these issues ever affect our trekkers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I need to apply months ahead?
No. A few days is enough.
2. Can my travel agency apply on my behalf?
Yes. Best Heritage Tour handles everything for you.
3. What if I lose my permit on the trail?
Report immediately. Re-issuance takes time but is possible.
4. How many times will my permits be checked?
Multiple times: Lukla, Monjo, Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, and more.
5. Are the permits refundable?
No, permits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Best Heritage Tour’s Final Recommendation:
When Should You Apply?
To give you the most reliable summary from our professional experience:
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Apply 1-3 days early during regular seasons.
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Apply 3-5 days early during peak trekking seasons.
Trekking with Best Heritage Tour? We’ll handle everything for you-zero hassle.
Last-minute trekkers: possible, but not recommended unless you have agency support.
Conclusion: Begin Your Everest Journey the Right Way
The Everest Base Camp trek is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and planning your permits correctly ensures a smooth start to your Himalayan journey. While Nepal’s EBC permit system is designed to be flexible, applying early helps you avoid avoidable stress and ensures that everything is perfectly in place before you step onto the trail.
At Best Heritage Tour, we take pride in simplifying every step of your trek-from permits to guides, Lukla flights, accommodations, safety protocols, and personalized itineraries. With decades of experience in the Himalayas, our team ensures that your Everest Base Camp journey is safe, organized, and unforgettable.
Plan Your EBC Trek With Best Heritage Tour
For professional permit management, guided treks, itinerary planning, and complete trekking support, contact us anytime.
Phone / WhatsApp / Viber: +977-9851149197 / +977-9810043046
Email: info@bestheritagetour.com / bestheritagetour@gmail.com
Website: www.bestheritagetour.com
Office Address: Thamel Marg, Kathmandu, Nepal
Author: Best Heritage Tour
Date: 16th November, 2025
