Nepal issues permit for various mountain climbs and mountain trail treks. These permits are necessary for the maintenance and prosperity of the region. The mount Everest climbing permit is a very expensive permit. If a mountaineer wants to buy a permit only for themselves, the price is USD 25,000.
The local villagers regard Mount Everest as holy. So, the Nepalese government’s money for the permit ensures that it is preserved in perfect condition.
Every year, many Sherpa climbers make a journey to the mountain’s “death zone” (8000meters and higher). They make this trip to clear out the trash left over from earlier expeditions.
The permit only covers the cost of the mountain’s entrance. It might seem that it would also include a tour guide and lodging for that price. But the permit does not cover it. If they are successful in climbing the mountain, people hope for certification of recognition. The permit money would be like an expense for the certificate.
Additionally, the permit gives them the right to be on Mount Everest. It enables Nepalese authorities to save the climbers in need in the event of an emergency. Being there without a permit is not lawful. Those who are on the mountain without a permit are out of luck. They will not be recognized.
The fee for the permit also covers the cost of the liaison officers. They work many hours to serve as camp security along the trek. No climbing is allowed on the mountain after 6 o’clock in the evening. So, the officers keep an eye on climbers’ use of communication devices. They also assist them in getting weather reports. Liaison officers’ duty is to ensure that they adhere to the rigidly enforced climbing schedule.
The cost of climbing Mount Everest without factoring in the permit fee is staggering. Just the “optional” costs will easily exceed USD 200,000. They include round-trip transportation, mountaineering guides, oxygen bottles, tents, communication equipment, etc.
This clearly establishes that the Everest expedition is costly. But compared to that Everest Base Camp trek is quite cheap. You also require permits and trekking arrangements. But it will cost almost 80% less than the expedition.
The Everest Base Camp trek requires two permits. The first is an entry permit for Sagarmatha National Park. The other one is for Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality.
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit costs USD 20 per individual per week. The permit covers the first 4 weeks. Then the additional weeks will require a USD 25 per person per week permit. The Sagarmatha National Park permit will cost you USD 30 per person
These permits are typically obtained in Lukla. On the Lukla trails, you can find an office of the organization that issues permits. So finding them won’t be a problem. You can obtain a permit at the Sagarmatha National Park counter in Monjo too. You can get it from there if you forget to do so at Lukla or are beginning your trek from Phaplu.
The permits you require for the Everest Base Camp trek are necessary for all the same regions as the expedition. It allows the base camp trek area to prosper. The protected area of the national park and the local villages will be uplifted by the permit money.
