Nepal is set to increase its permit fees for climbing Mount Everest, marking the first such hike in nearly a decade. Starting in September 2025, climbers aiming to reach the summit of the world’s tallest mountain will face a significant price jump, with permit fees rising by 36%. The new fee will be $15,000 (£12,180) during the peak April-May season, up from the current $11,000. Climbers visiting outside the peak season will also see hikes, with fees set at $7,500 from September to November, and $3,750 for the off-peak December to February months.
This decision, announced by Nepal’s Department of Tourism, comes as the government seeks to increase its revenue from mountaineering. With Everest and other trekking activities contributing more than 4% of Nepal’s economy, mountaineering fees are a vital source of national income. However, the price hike is a subject of debate among mountaineering experts, some of whom have long criticized the government for issuing too many permits for Everest. In 2019, the country issued around 300 permits annually, contributing to overcrowding and hazardous conditions on the mountain.
While the price increase has been under discussion for a while, the Nepalese government hopes to strike a balance between maintaining Everest’s allure as a climbing destination and addressing growing concerns about safety and sustainability. Narayan Prasad Regmi, the Director General of Nepal’s Department of Tourism, remarked that the royalty fees had not been updated for a long time, necessitating the adjustment. However, Regmi did not clarify how the additional revenue will be used, leaving many wondering whether it will go toward enhancing mountain safety and infrastructure or other development projects.
In recent years, Nepal’s government has faced increasing pressure to manage Everest’s environmental and safety concerns. In April 2024, the Nepalese Supreme Court issued a ruling ordering the government to limit the number of mountaineering permits issued for Everest and other peaks, citing concerns over overcrowding. Although the ruling did not set a maximum number of permits, it reflects a growing recognition of the need for stricter regulations on mountaineering activities.
As Everest sees more climbers each year, the Nepalese army has undertaken annual clean-up missions to address the significant amount of waste left behind on the mountain. These operations have recovered over 119 tonnes of rubbish and even human remains, but experts estimate that an additional 200 bodies are still on the slopes.
The increase in permit fees is expected to spark further debates on the balance between preserving the mountain’s ecosystem and keeping it accessible for those who dream of conquering the summit. While it’s unclear if the higher fees will slow demand, Nepal’s future in mountaineering tourism may depend on its ability to manage these complex issues.
