Undoubtedly the 12 Days Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most popular trekking trails across the world. Many trekkers wish to have this once in a lifetime opportunity to get the majestic and panoramic views of the tallest mountain peak, The Mount Everest.
The Himalayas have the best views but before embarking on this trekking journey, a proper planning is required. A part of the planning and preparation is understanding the rules and regulations around the trek and most importantly taking all the permits beforehand, so that the trekking journey is not obstructed.
In this article we will look at the permit and regulations for EBC trek!
TIMS Card
TIMS card is an abbreviation for Trekkers’ Information Management System. It is the first permit you will be getting for the Everest Base Camp trek. This card is needed to keep a track of the trekkers to ensure their safety. There are 2 types of these cards
Green TIMS card
The green TIMS card is for independent trekkers
Blue TIMS card
This TIMS card is for the trekkers associated with a registered trekking agency.
Cost
The cost of this card depends upon the color of the card. Green TIMS card usually costs NPR 2,000 which is USD 20. The blue TIMS card costs NPR 1,000 which is USD 10.
Where to get it?
You can get your TIMS card either in Kathmandu or Pokhara’s Nepal Tourism Board office or the Tourist Service center.
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
Sagarmatha National Park acts as an entrance to the Everest region. It is home to some of the world’s iconic and tallest mountain peaks including the mighty Everest. To enter the park, trekkers need to obtain the Sagarmatha National Park Permit which is one of the crucial part of Permit and regulations for EBC trek
Cost
This permit costs around NPR 3,000 which is approximately USD 30 for foreigners. For the trekkers of SAARC ( South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) nations, the cost of this permit is NPR 1,500 which is approximately USD 15.
Where to get it?
The Sagarmatha National Park entry permit is available in the Nepal Tourism Board Office in the capital city of Kathmandu.
If not, you can also get it at the national park’s entrance in Monjo. It is a checkpoint where the officials will check whether you have the permit or not.
Local Area Permit
Along with the Sagarmatha National Park permit, you will need to get a different local permit for Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality.
In order to trek through villages like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, etc, you will need this local area permit.
Cost
This local area permit will cost you NPR 2,000 per person. In USD, it is USD 20 per person.
Where to get it?
The local area permit is easily obtainable. You can get it at either of two places : Nepal Tourism Board Office in the capital city of Kathmandu or at the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Office in Lukla.
Now let’s take a look at the crucial Regulations and Guidelines:
Rules and Guidelines
Trek with Licensed Guide
Whether to trek by self or opt for a trekking guide is totally up to you. If you opt to trek with a guide, make sure they are a licensed guide or provided through a registered trekking agency.
Acclimatization and Health
It is really crucial to acclimatize in the higher altitudes in order to adapt to the environment that high. It is beneficial to spend some days at lower heights to adapt to lower Oxygen conditions and to prevent altitude sickness.
Respecting the localities
You have to remember that the Everest region is not just a showcase of beauty but it is a place where people live. You have to be respectful to the locals in the region and make sure to be respectful to the surroundings and environment. Do not pollute and leave your junk behind.
Do a full research
Before embarking this journey, make sure you do a thorough research about various things like weather and seasons, permits, gears, etc.
Obtaining necessary permits and following guidelines is extremely important as a trekker. It is crucial for both parties, the locals and the trekkers!