Everest climbing fee to rise 36% from September 2025

Nepalese authorities have announced an increase in the cost of the permit to climb the world's highest peak. From September 2025, the fee for a permit to climb via the South Col route will be $15,000, 36% higher than the current rate of $11,000.

In addition, a similar increase awaits those planning to climb during off-peak seasons. From September to November, the permit fee will rise to $7,500, and during the winter months (December–February) it will be $3,750.

Revenue from issuing climbing permits plays an important role in Nepal's economy, home to eight of the world's fourteen highest peaks. The tourism industry, including mountaineering and trekking, accounts for more than 4% of the country's GDP.

"The fees hadn't been revised for a long time, and we've now brought them up to date," said Narayan Prasad Regmi, head of Nepal's Department of Tourism.

Nepalese authorities have repeatedly faced criticism over the excessive number of permits issued, inadequate safety oversight, and pollution problems in the Everest region. In response to these challenges, an annual cleanup programme was launched in 2019, aimed at tackling accumulated waste, removing abandoned equipment, and recovering the bodies of deceased climbers.

In April 2024, Nepal's Supreme Court instructed the government to review the process for issuing climbing permits, stressing the need to account for the environmental burden on mountain ranges. However, no limit on the number of climbers was introduced at that time.

Also in 2024, new rules for climbers took effect, including a mandatory tracking system. This mechanism was introduced after 3.5% of Everest climbers failed to return from the mountain in 2023. Renting the tracking chip costs between $10 and $15, a minor amount compared with the overall cost of an expedition.

Besides the permit fee, climbers must factor in additional costs for equipment, food, oxygen tanks, and Sherpa services. For example, the cost of necessary gear can range from $10,000 to $20,000 per person.