Nepal is raising the cost of climbing Mount Everest, marking the first price increase for the world's highest peak in nearly a decade.
The permit fee will soar by 36 per cent, rising from US$11,000 (approximately Rp178 million) to US$15,000 (roughly Rp243 million), according to Narayan Prasad Regmi, Director-General of Nepal’s Department of Tourism.
This hike is expected to significantly boost the country’s revenue, which heavily relies on income from mountaineering tourism.
Home to eight of the world's 14 tallest peaks, including Everest, the arrival of international climbers for Nepal is a vital economic lifeline, providing much-needed income and employment opportunities. The new fees will apply to those aiming to summit the imposing 8,849-metre (29,032-foot) peak.
“The royalty (permit fee) has not been reviewed for quite some time. We felt it was time to update it,” Regmi told Reuters, as quoted by the Independent.
The revised fees will take effect in September 2025, coinciding with the popular spring climbing season (April-May), along the iconic South East Ridge, or South Col route. This path was first conquered by New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay in 1953.
The rates for the less-frequented September-November and December-February climbing seasons will also rise 36 per cent, to US$7,500 and US$3,750, respectively.
Nepal has long been criticised by mountaineering experts for permitting overcrowding on Everest and for its insufficient efforts to maintain the mountain’s cleanliness and ensure climber safety.
Regmi, however, pointed to ongoing cleaning campaigns to collect waste and the regular installation of safety ropes as part of the government’s commitment to tackle these issues. He did not disclose the specific allocation of the additional revenue.
Climbers returning from Everest have observed the mountain becoming increasingly barren and rocky, with less snow and rainfall. Experts suggest this may result from global warming or other environmental shifts.
Some expedition organisers believe the fee increase, which has been discussed since 2024, won’t deter climbers. Around 300 permits are issued annually for the Everest ascent.