Nepal Raises Mount Everest Climbing Permit Fees to $15,000

Starting September 2025, the cost for foreign climbers to obtain a permit for climbing Mount Everest will increase from $11,000 to $15,000 during the peak spring season, marking the first fee hike in nearly a decade. The fee for autumn climbs will also rise from $5,500 to $7,500, and winter permits will increase from $2,750 to $3,750. This increase is part of Nepal's initiative to reduce pollution and enhance safety on Everest, alongside new regulations requiring climbers to carry their waste back down the mountain and use biodegradable bags. Officials expect that the higher fees may deter some climbers, though expedition organizers believe interest in climbing will remain strong. The climbing permits serve as a vital revenue source for Nepal, accounting for a significant portion of the country's economy. The new rules will also limit climbing permits to 55 days, down from 75, to further address environmental concerns.