Nepal hikes Everest climbing fees for first time in a decade
Reuters reported on Wednesday that the authorities in Nepal have been raising the fees for climbing Mount Everest, the world's highest mountain, by over 36 percent since September. A permit during the most popular season will now cost $15,000, and during the least popular season, it will cost $3,750.
The authorities in Kathmandu announced on Wednesday that the permit fee to climb Mount Everest has increased for the first time in nearly ten years.
The royalty (permit fees) had not been reviewed for a long time. We have updated them now, explained a member of the Nepalese government, Narayan Prasad Regmi, to Reuters. It was not disclosed what the additional revenue will be allocated to.
The new rate will apply during the popular climbing season from April to May along the standard route—the South East Ridge or via the South Col. This route was pioneered by New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, who made the first documented ascent of Mount Everest in 1953.
Fees for the less popular periods of September-November and the least frequented December-February will also rise by 36 percent, to $7,500 and $3,750, respectively.
300,000 permits issued annually
Reuters emphasized that the increase, which had been discussed since last year, should not deter climbers. Every year, Nepalese authorities issue around 300 permits for climbing the world's highest mountain, which often meets with criticism from the climbing community.
Reuters cites allegations regarding the excessive number of permits issued and negligence regarding participants' safety on expeditions and cleanliness on climbing routes.
Proceeds from mountaineering are among Nepal's significant sources of income, and it is also one of the primary sources of employment. Eight of the world's 14 highest mountains are located in Nepal.
