Climbing Mount Everest is about to become significantly more expensive. Starting this September, Nepal will increase the cost of permits for the world’s highest peak, with fees varying depending on the season.
From the spring season, the most popular period for ascents, climbers will now pay $15,000 (around €13,000) for a permit. The cost drops to $7,500 for autumn (September–November) and $3,750 for winter (December–February).
Extra Costs Add Up
These permits are only the beginning. Mountaineers face a number of additional mandatory fees, including:
- $3,500 per team for collaboration with a local organizer
- $5,000 for a government liaison officer
- A refundable $5,000 garbage deposit
In total, that’s around $13,500 in extra charges before even considering other major expenses.
Flights, insurance, Sherpa guides, and porters add further costs, with luxury expedition packages reaching up to €200,000, promising a degree of comfort even at the extreme altitude of 8,848 meters.
High Demand Despite Rising Costs
Despite the steep increase, Everest’s appeal shows no sign of fading. In spring 2024, about 600 climbers reached the summit, of which only 200 were foreigners. For many, Everest remains not just a natural wonder but also a personal milestone.
Expanding Beyond Everest
Nepal’s government is also seeking to reduce congestion on Everest’s busiest routes while boosting tourism across the Himalayas. As part of this effort, it has opened 97 new peaks in the Karnali and Sudurpashchim regions to international expeditions, offering free access. The move is designed to spread climbing activity more evenly and promote lesser-known areas of the country.
