Nepal is raising climbing permit fees to Mount Everest for the first time in nearly ten years, as officials move to address both revenue and overcrowding issues on the iconic peak.
New Fee Structure for Mount Everest Climbing Permits in Nepal
New Fee Structure for Mount Everest Climbing Permits in Nepal
Nepal sets new higher permit fees for Everest climbers amid growing concerns about overcrowding.
The cost to climb Mount Everest will see a significant hike starting in September, with climbers now required to pay $15,000 instead of the longstanding fee of $11,000, marking a 36% increase. This change affects those aiming to summit Everest during its peak climbing season; climbers venturing during non-peak months will also face increased fees, costing $7,500 from September to November, and $3,750 from December to February.
These permits are a critical source of income for Nepal, as trekking and mountain climbing contribute over 4% of the national economy. Critics have long maintained that the government permits an excessive number of climbers annually—approximately 300 permits—leading to safety and environmental concerns on Everest.
Narayan Prasad Regmi, director general of the Department of Tourism, noted that the royalty fees had not been adjusted in many years, prompting the new price points. However, the exact allocation of the additional revenue remains undisclosed.
In April 2024, the Supreme Court of Nepal mandated that the government must limit the issuance of climbing permits, indicating that the number of climbers should be regulated to respect the mountain's capacity. While the ruling did not specify a limit, it came amid growing worries about climber safety, including reports of dangerous queues at the summit.
To further mitigate the environmental impact, the Nepalese army initiated annual clean-up operations in 2019, aiming to address the accumulation of waste, which has led to Everest being dubbed the "world's highest garbage dump." Since then, over 119 tonnes of waste, including 14 human bodies, have been recovered, yet estimates suggest that around 200 bodies remain on the mountain.
As the country gears up for the climbing season, the fee increase and permit regulations could serve dual purposes: generating much-needed revenue for Nepal and addressing the pressing issue of overcrowding on one of the world’s most iconic peaks.
These permits are a critical source of income for Nepal, as trekking and mountain climbing contribute over 4% of the national economy. Critics have long maintained that the government permits an excessive number of climbers annually—approximately 300 permits—leading to safety and environmental concerns on Everest.
Narayan Prasad Regmi, director general of the Department of Tourism, noted that the royalty fees had not been adjusted in many years, prompting the new price points. However, the exact allocation of the additional revenue remains undisclosed.
In April 2024, the Supreme Court of Nepal mandated that the government must limit the issuance of climbing permits, indicating that the number of climbers should be regulated to respect the mountain's capacity. While the ruling did not specify a limit, it came amid growing worries about climber safety, including reports of dangerous queues at the summit.
To further mitigate the environmental impact, the Nepalese army initiated annual clean-up operations in 2019, aiming to address the accumulation of waste, which has led to Everest being dubbed the "world's highest garbage dump." Since then, over 119 tonnes of waste, including 14 human bodies, have been recovered, yet estimates suggest that around 200 bodies remain on the mountain.
As the country gears up for the climbing season, the fee increase and permit regulations could serve dual purposes: generating much-needed revenue for Nepal and addressing the pressing issue of overcrowding on one of the world’s most iconic peaks.
