The government of Nepal is increasing the permit fees for climbing Mount Everest from USD 11000 to USD 15000, making the world’s tallest peak more expensive for mountaineers. The fees are revised after 2015. The new rate is applicable from 1st September this year. Under the revised rules, every two climbers must hire a guide to climb any mountain over 8,000 metres, including Everest. Under the revised mountaineering regulations, the royalty fee for foreigners climbing Everest from the normal south route in the spring season (March-May) has been raised to USD 15,000 from the current USD 11,000 per person.
The autumn season (September-November) climbing fee has increased from USD 5,500 to USD 7,500. At the same time, the permit cost per individual for the winter (December-February) and monsoon (June-August) seasons has risen from USD 2,750 to USD 3,750.
Fees for the less popular September-November season and the rarely climbed December-February season will also increase by 36%, to $7,500 and $3,750 respectively.
Hundreds of climbers try to scale Everest and several other Himalayan peaks every year. About 300 permits are issued each year for Everest. This puts lots of pressure on the region for garbage management and microplastic pollution.
Climbers scaling peaks over 8,000 metres have to use biodegradable waste bags as part of its initiative to address the garbage issue. Mandatory waste collection is part of a broader effort to address environmental degradation in the Everest region.
