Permits Required for Gokyo Lake Trek

You can get the required permits for the Gokyo Lake Trek from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) Office in Kathmandu. For the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, you can also get it at the entry point of Sagarmatha National Park, Monjo. For other permits, like the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit, you can get it either at the Lukla checkpoint or the Monjo checkpoint. If you are going on a trek with Access Nepal Tours and Trekking, all the costs of permits and getting process will be handled by us. We will plan your trip and prepare everything in advance for a smooth trip.

For the Gokyo Lake Trek, you need two main permits: the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit.

The Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit costs about NPR 3,000 (around $25 USD) for foreign nationals. If you are from a SAARC country, it costs about NPR 1,500 (around $15 USD). Nepali citizens can enter for free, but they need to register.

The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit costs about NPR 2,000 (around $20 USD) and is required to enter the Everest region.

If you book your trek with Access Nepal Tours and Trekking, the cost of these permits is usually included in the package, so you don’t need to worry about getting them separately. It’s always good to check with your trekking agency to make sure.

Yes, as of March 31, 2023, a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card is mandatory for the Gokyo Lake Trek. This requirement is part of Nepal’s efforts to enhance trekker safety and streamline trekking regulations. Previously, a TIMS card was optional for the Gokyo Lake Trek, but the regulations have changed to enhance safety and organization. Ensure you obtain your TIMS card through a registered trekking agency before your trek.

How to Get a TIMS Card:

Through a Licensed Trekking Agency: All trekkers must be accompanied by a licensed guide. Your trekking agency will handle the TIMS card application on your behalf. You’ll need to provide:

• A copy of your passport


• Two passport-sized photos


• Details of your trekking itinerary


• Emergency contact information


• Travel insurance details (optional but recommended)

Cost: The TIMS card fee is NPR 2,000 (approximately $16 USD) per person for individual trekkers. Group trekkers may have a different fee structure.

No, trekking permits in Nepal, including the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit, are generally non-refundable, even if you cancel your trek. Once issued, these permits cannot be refunded or transferred.

However, the refund policy might be different for the trek itself, depending on the agency you book with. Many agencies have cancellation policies where they might refund part of the money if you cancel well in advance, but this doesn’t apply to the permits.

To protect yourself from losing money in case of cancellation, it’s a good idea to buy travel insurance that covers trip cancellations. This may help you recover some of the costs, including permits, if you need to cancel your trek. Always check with your agency for their specific cancellation rules and policies before booking.

Yes, our travel agency, Access Nepal Tours and Trekking, will arrange the permits for you. All the costs and processes of it are included in the Gokyo Lake Trek package. If you book the Gokyo Lake Trek with Access Nepal Tours and Trekking, we will arrange all the necessary permits for you. This includes the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. We will handle the paperwork and ensure everything is ready for your trek, so you don’t have to worry about arranging the permits yourself.