Everest is an extreme, dangerous place that’s difficult to access. Known as the roof of the world, it remains one of its most mysterious destinations. Yet it’s far from inhospitable. Its magnetism is so strong that hundreds of mountaineers, accompanied by Sherpas, strap on their backpacks each year to scale its 29,030 feet. In 2018, before the pandemic, more than 800 climbers reached the summit. For this year’s spring season, forecasts estimate around 700 summits on both the Nepalese and Tibetan sides.
Given these numbers, Nepalese authorities have decided to raise permit fees by nearly 40%.
A demanding and expensive goal. Climbing Everest is neither easy nor cheap. Starting in September, Nepal will increase the cost of climbing permits for the world’s highest mountain, marking the first fee hike in nearly a decade. The price for permits will rise by about 36%, adding thousands of dollars to the already expensive pursuit.
How much will it cost? Beginning in September, climbers seeking a Nepalese permit to ascend Everest during the prime season (April to May) will need to pay $15,000—$4,000 more than the current price. During the less popular seasons, September to November and December to February, fees will also increase by 36%, to $7,500 and $3,750, respectively.
An expected price hike. The Ministry of Tourism described the increase as overdue. Lukas Furtenbach, from Austrian expedition company Furtenbach Adventures, told The Guardian, “We expected this hike in permit fees.”
He added that the decision was “understandable” and expressed hope that the additional revenue would go toward protecting Everest’s ecosystem and improving safety.
Key to the region. Nepal is home to eight of the world’s “eight-thousanders,” making it a coveted destination for mountaineers and a critical source of income for its people. According to the BBC, mountaineering and trekking contribute more than 4% of Nepal’s economy. Experts estimate that mountain tourism generates significant income for the region.
According to the Nepal Economic Forum, “Mountaineering tourism is a significant source of income for the Himalayan people since farming is limited in these locations due to the harsh weather conditions and poor cultivation, tourism plays a vital role in generating income.” In 2022, wages and services tied to mountain tourism reportedly earned villagers between 150 million and 250 million Nepalese rupees annually, alongside revenue generated for agencies and operators.
A valuable source of income. The Nepal Mountaineering Association estimates that 40,000 to 50,000 people are employed seasonally in support roles. Climbing permits alone generate significant revenue: “The spring season of 2021 saw the most Everest expedition teams since COVID-19, with over 400 climbing permits issued,” the Nepal Economic Forum said. These permits brought in approximately 470 million Nepalese rupees ($3.4 million) for the government.
The other cost. The influx of climbers isn’t without consequence. Everest faces issues of waste management, with tonnes of garbage and excrement left behind each year. Authorities have urged climbers to collect their waste in biodegradable bags. Meanwhile, the mountain has also faced overcrowding, with hundreds of people bottlenecking near the summit.
Hundreds of permits. Reuters reports that Nepal issues around 300 permits annually to climb Everest. However, the total number of climbers far exceeds that figure. In 2019, an estimated 807 climbers reached the summit, and forecasts suggest similar numbers this spring for both the Nepalese and Tibetan sides.
Debate over the mountain’s sustainability continues. Less than a year ago, in April 2024, Nepal’s Supreme Court urged the government to set limits on the number of climbing permits. However, the order didn’t specify a maximum.
When money doesn’t matter. The permit fee is just a fraction of what it costs to climb Everest. Estimates place the total expense at $40,000 to $60,000, even $70,000, with some climbers spending as much as $200,000.
For instance, The Financial Times recently reported on a seven-day Everest climb package costing $150,000, driven partly by special pre-acclimatization treatments.
Images Michael Clarke (Unsplash) | Munu Nepal (Flickr)
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