Mount Everest Visa: What You Need to Know Before You Go

When people talk about climbing Mount Everest, the world's highest mountain, located on the border between Nepal and Tibet. Also known as Sagarmatha in Nepal and Chomolungma in Tibet, it’s not just a mountain—it’s a legal zone with strict access rules. You don’t get a visa for Everest itself. You need permits from two different countries depending on which side you approach from. Most climbers go through Nepal, which means a Nepal trekking permit, a government-issued document required for all trekkers entering the Everest region. If you’re heading to the north side from Tibet, you need a Tibet travel permit, a special authorization issued by Chinese authorities that controls all foreign access to the region. These aren’t optional. Skip them, and you won’t get past the checkpoints.

The Nepal side is more popular because it’s more accessible and has better infrastructure. But even there, you’re not just buying a ticket to hike. You need a Sagarmatha National Park entry permit, a mandatory pass that funds conservation and local community projects in the Everest region. Then there’s the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee, a local tax collected at the trailhead that supports village services. On the Tibetan side, you need a Tibet Travel Permit, an Alien’s Travel Permit, and often a Military Permit—all arranged through a licensed Chinese tour operator. No independent travel is allowed. You can’t just show up with a passport and expect to walk in.

These rules exist for a reason. The Everest region gets over 50,000 visitors a year. Without permits, the environment would collapse. Local communities rely on the fees to keep trails clear, manage waste, and support Sherpa families. The system isn’t perfect, but it’s the only way to balance tourism with survival. If you’re planning a trip, start with Nepal’s permit system—it’s the most straightforward. Book with a registered agency, submit your passport copy, and get your paperwork sorted before you land in Kathmandu. Don’t wait until you’re in Lukla. Permits can’t be bought on the trail.

What you’ll find below are real posts that cut through the noise. You’ll read about what climbers actually need to carry, how long permits take to process, which side is safer for first-timers, and why some people get turned back at the border even with paperwork. There’s no fluff. Just facts, mistakes to avoid, and the quiet truth: Everest doesn’t care how fit you are. It only cares if you followed the rules.