Climbing Everest Just Got Pricier: Nepal Raises Permit Fees
Dreaming of standing atop the world’s tallest peak? Starting this September, it’s going to cost you more to make that dream a reality. Nepal has announced its first fee increase for climbing Mount Everest in nearly a decade, giving adventurers one more challenge to overcome before they tackle the mountain itself.
During the busy April-to-May climbing season, permits will rise to $15,000 (£12,180)—a steep 36% jump from the long-standing $11,000 fee. Even those braving the mountain during off-peak times will see prices climb, with permits costing $7,500 between September and November and $3,750 in the winter months of December through February.
Climbers React to Price Hike
While some experts have questioned whether the increase will deter climbers, British mountaineer Kenton Cool—who has summited Everest 18 times—said it is unlikely to impact demand significantly.
"In the grand scheme of the cost to climb Everest, it won’t impact most foreign climbers," Cool told the BBC. "Hopefully, the extra revenue will be put to good use."
Nepal’s tourism department confirmed the rise had been under discussion for over a year, with Director General Narayan Prasad Regmi stating, "The royalty [permit fees] had not been reviewed for a long time. We have updated them now." However, Regmi did not clarify how the additional funds would be allocated.
Overcrowding and Environmental Concerns
The fee increase comes amid growing concerns about overcrowding and environmental damage on Everest. Nepal’s Supreme Court ordered the government in April 2024 to limit the number of mountaineering permits issued for Everest and other peaks, citing the need to respect the mountains’ capacity. While no specific cap has been set, the decision underscores long-standing issues of congestion on the mountain.
Each year, Nepal issues approximately 300 Everest permits, with climbers often queuing in perilous conditions to reach the summit. To address the resulting environmental toll, the Nepalese army began annual clean-up missions in 2019. Over five missions, they have removed 119 tonnes of rubbish and recovered 14 bodies, though it is estimated that up to 200 corpses remain on the mountain.
The Bigger Picture
Home to eight of the world’s 14 highest peaks, including Everest, Nepal remains a bucket-list destination for climbers worldwide. Despite rising costs and ongoing challenges, its towering summits continue to attract adventurers drawn to the allure of the Himalayas.
The question remains whether the increased fees will lead to better regulation, improved safety, or enhanced environmental preservation—or if demand for Everest expeditions will remain as insatiable as ever.
Looking for an alternative adventure without the hefty price tag? Check out our blog post featuring five incredible alternatives to Everest.
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