What is a Permit Card for trekking ?
A Permit Card is basically a small card that looks like a ticket. These cards are given to people to allow them to enter any specific area where a permit card is required. For trekking in Nepal, there are different types of permit cards that has been made mandatory. These cards are different for different regions. For Annapurna Base Camp Trek, it has its own permit card requirements. If you are entering the Everest Base Camp, then you will need three compulsory permit cards. They are the TIMS Card, Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit.
At the present context, the TIMS Card is no longer necessary to enter the Everest Base Camp Trek. Let’s know about these permit cards in detail:
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
The Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit is a compulsory permit card made compulsory to enter the Everest Base Camp. As it is well-known that this park is very popular and is also the UNESCO listed park. So, to preserve the natural beauty of this park, a permit card has been made mandatory for people from other nations to enter it.
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit is the local entry-fee permit needed to trek into the Khumbu region. Before, there used to be a TIMS card, but it's no longer in use. The revenue from the permit fee is invested in trail and building maintenance. It is also used for development projects for the locals in the villages.
What is the cost for the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit ?
The cost of the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit is different for people from different nations.
For People from SAARC nations and China, the cost is NPR 2,000, which is equivalent to US$20
For people from other foriegn countries, the cost is NPR 3000, which is equivalent to US$30
How to get the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit ?
To obtain the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit, you can simply go to the check posts in Lukla or Monjo. If you are going through any agency, then the agency will purchase the permit fee themselves. The cost of the permit fee is usually included in the tour package.
What is the cost for the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit ?
Likewise, the cost of the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit is different for people based on their countries.
For People from SAARC nations, the cost is NPR 1,500, which is equivalent to US$15
For people from other foriegn countries, the cost is NPR 3000, which is equivalent to US$30
For Nepali its around NPR 100
No fee for children who are under 10
How to obtain the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit ?
To obtain the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, you can visit the National Park or the NTB counter at the Tourist Service Center. Its office is located at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu.
It's also possible to get this permit card at the park entry point in Monjo. This area resides on the Everest Base Camp route.
What are the necessary documents required for the Everest Base Camp Trek Permit?
Please make sure that you have the following things with you to get the permit cards:
- Passport(Valid up to 6 months prior you enter EBC)
- 3-4 passport-size photos
- Cash(Preferably NPR)
Is the permit card only for tourists?
The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit is particularly only for tourists. However, Nepali residents are also required to pay for the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, but for a smaller amount.
Final Words
The permit has been made mandatory for foreign trekkers before they enter the Everest Base Camp. It mainly focuses on preserving the rich and natural habitats of the Everest region from any kind of disturbance. The flora and fauna of the Khumbu region is one of the valuable things not only for the local in the region but also for the whole country as well. Nepali governmenat and nepali local in the Everest region are very much concerned about its beauty and greenery nature.
Every year a huge crowd of foreigners come to the Everest Base Camp to experience trekking and feel its gifted nature around. It is a must to make sure the environment around EBC stay same and clean for lifetime. Hence, the government of Nepal has made the permit card compulsory. In better sense, the revenue generated from these permit cards are capitalized for development work around the area for the local communities and the area.
