Nepal increases Mount Everest climbing permit fees for first time in a decade

Nepal hikes Mount Everest climbing fee by 36%

For the first time in nearly a decade, Nepal has announced a significant increase in permit fees for those seeking to climb Mount Everest. Starting in September, climbers attempting to summit the world’s tallest mountain during the peak climbing season will need to pay $15,000 (£12,180), marking a 36% increase from the longstanding fee of $11,000.

Revised fees across seasons

The price hike will also apply to climbs outside the peak April-to-May season:

• September to November: $7,500 (up from $5,500).
• December to February: $3,750 (up from $2,750).

The permit fee hike is a vital revenue boost for Nepal, where mountain climbing and trekking contribute over 4% to the national economy.

Concerns about overcrowding and sustainability

Mountaineering experts have criticized Nepal’s government for issuing too many permits each year, with approximately 300 climbers granted access to Everest annually. Overcrowding on the mountain has led to dangerous conditions, including climbers queuing in perilous areas near the summit.

In 2024, Nepal’s Supreme Court ordered the government to regulate the number of permits issued for Everest and other peaks, citing the need to respect the mountains’ carrying capacity. However, the court’s preliminary order did not specify a cap on permits.

Environmental challenges and clean-up efforts

Overcrowding has exacerbated environmental concerns, with Everest often described as “the world’s highest garbage dump.” In response, the Nepalese army launched annual clean-up operations in 2019. So far, these efforts have removed 119 tonnes of rubbish, 14 human corpses, and skeletal remains. However, experts estimate that approximately 200 bodies remain on the mountain due to the harsh and inaccessible conditions.

Uncertainty about demand

It remains unclear whether the increased fees will deter climbers. Narayan Prasad Regmi, director general of Nepal’s Department of Tourism, stated that the permit fees had not been updated in many years. “We have updated them now,” Regmi said, without specifying how the additional revenue would be utilized.

Nepal’s mountaineering legacy

Home to eight of the world’s 14 highest peaks, including Everest, Nepal remains a global destination for mountaineering enthusiasts. The updated permit structure reflects the country’s efforts to balance economic gains, environmental sustainability, and the safety of climbers.

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