Almost 8 million tenge: climbing Everest will become more expensive

Tengrinews.kz – From September 2025, those wishing to climb the highest peak in the world – Everest (8849 meters) – will face a significant increase in the cost of climbing permits.

According to Business Insider, the Nepalese government has decided to revise prices for the first time in almost ten years, raising them by 36%. Now, a permit for climbing in the popular spring season will cost 15 thousand dollars (about 8 million tenge) instead of the previous 11 thousand (almost 6 million tenge).

The price increase will affect not only the spring season (April – May), but also other periods. Permits for the autumn season (September – November) will now cost 7500 dollars (previously 5500), and for the winter (December – February) – 3750 dollars (instead of 2750).

"The fees haven't been reviewed for a long time. We have updated them now," said Narayan Prasad Regmi, the director-general of Nepal's tourism department.

The government hopes that the additional funds will be used to address several issues at once: increasing the country's income, improving the safety of climbers and combating environmental problems.

Many have praised the price increase. One expert in the field suggested that the extra funds would likely be used to protect the environment and improve safety on Everest.

However, some experts believe that the price increase is unlikely to solve the problem of mass tourism on Everest. Nepal issues about 300 climbing permits every year, and the flow of climbers is growing.

Jake Meyer, who has been to Everest twice, is confident that the increase in the cost of permits will not scare off those who want to.

"People will still want to climb the highest point in the world. Compared to the total cost of the expedition - from 40 to 150 thousand dollars - this increase adds only about 10 percent. And those who choose the cheapest services are the ones who risk the most," he noted.

Everest is not only attractive, it is also a source of concern. Overcrowded routes and inexperienced climbers are not the only problems. Expeditions leave behind mountains of rubbish, and climate change is making the mountain drier and rockier.

Authorities hope that raising prices will reduce the pressure on Everest, preserving its unique nature for future generations. Whether this will lead to real change remains to be seen.

Previously, we compiled a list of countries that are best not to visit in 2025. The “No list” included Scotland, Bali, popular European cities, Koh Samui and Mount Everest.