Nepal has significantly raised the cost of Everest climbing permits and introduced new regulations to manage waste and enhance safety on the world’s highest peak.
According to the revised rules, climbers attempting any mountain above 8,000 meters, including Everest, must hire at least one guide for every two climbers.
These changes were approved by the Cabinet on January 8 and will soon be officially published in the Nepal Gazette.
Under the updated mountaineering regulations, the permit fee for foreign climbers ascending Everest via the standard south route during the peak spring season (March-May) will rise from $11,000 to $15,000 per person. The fee for the autumn season (September-November) will increase from $5,500 to $7,500, while the cost for winter (December-February) and monsoon (June-August) climbs will go up from $2,750 to $3,750.
These new fees will come into effect on September 1, 2025.
The last revision of Everest climbing fees took place on January 1, 2015, when Nepal transitioned from a group-based system to a flat fee of $11,000 per climber for the spring season via the standard route.
Under the latest changes, the permit fee for Nepali climbers using the normal route in the spring season has doubled from Rs75,000 to Rs150,000.
Additionally, the validity of climbing permits has been reduced from 75 days to 55 days, a move aimed at streamlining expedition timelines and improving management.
“Bookings already confirmed for the spring 2025 season will remain unaffected by these changes,” said Indu Ghimire, a joint secretary at the Tourism Ministry.
In a bid to enhance safety for high-altitude workers, the government has also increased their insurance coverage. The coverage for high-altitude guides has been raised from Rs1.5 million ($10,800) to Rs2 million ($14,400), while base camp workers’ insurance has been increased from Rs800,000 ($5,760) to Rs1.5 million ($10,800).
This boost in insurance aims to provide greater financial security for Sherpas and other essential support staff, who endure extreme conditions and significant risks while facilitating successful climbs. Despite their crucial role, these workers often receive minimal recognition and protection. (Source: The Kathmandu Post)
