Nepal increases permit fees for Everest climbers

Nepal increases permit fees for Mount Everest climbers

For the first time in nearly 10 years, the cost to climb Mount Everest is set to increase, as Nepal announces a significant hike in permit fees. Beginning in September, climbers aiming to summit the world’s tallest mountain during the peak season will face a 36% increase, with fees rising from $11,000 to $15,000 (£12,180), according to government officials.

The price hike will also apply to those climbing outside the prime April-to-May window. From September to November, the permit fee will be $7,500, while those attempting the climb between December and February will pay $3,750. These changes reflect a broader adjustment to Nepal’s revenue strategy, as mountaineering and trekking contribute more than 4% to the country’s GDP.

Narayan Prasad Regmi, the director general of Nepal’s Department of Tourism, explained that the permit fees for climbing Mount Everest had remained unchanged for a significant period, prompting the need for a revision. He emphasized that the adjustment was long overdue and aimed to better reflect the current circumstances and challenges associated with managing climbing activities on the mountain. Despite this update, Regmi did not provide specific details regarding how the additional revenue generated from the increased fees would be allocated or used by the government.

The price increase comes amid ongoing concerns over overcrowding on Mount Everest, which sees approximately 300 permits issued annually. Critics have long argued that the influx of climbers, particularly during peak season, has led to dangerous bottlenecks on the mountain, jeopardizing both climbers’ safety and the fragile environment.

Nepal’s Supreme Court weighed in on the matter in April 2024, issuing a preliminary order for the government to set limits on the number of permits issued for Everest and other peaks. While the court stressed the importance of respecting the mountains’ capacity, it stopped short of specifying a maximum number of climbers allowed.

Overcrowding and pollution have become persistent challenges for Everest, often described as the “world’s highest garbage dump.” Since 2019, the Nepalese army has conducted annual clean-up operations to address the growing issue of waste on the mountain. These efforts have recovered 119 tonnes of rubbish, 14 human corpses, and several skeletal remains. Despite these measures, it is estimated that over 200 bodies still remain on Everest due to the challenges of retrieval at high altitudes.

Whether the higher permit fees will deter climbers remains uncertain. Demand for summiting Everest has remained strong in recent years, with climbers willing to face steep financial and physical costs for a chance to conquer the iconic peak.

Nepal, home to eight of the world’s 14 highest mountains, relies heavily on its unique geography to attract international adventurers. While the new permit fees aim to boost government revenue, they also spark ongoing debates about balancing accessibility with sustainability and safety on the world’s most famous peak.

As the September deadline approaches, climbers and operators alike will watch closely to see how the increased costs impact demand and whether the higher fees bring meaningful changes to Everest’s future.