How much does it cost to climb Mount Everest?

When it comes to climb Mount Everest cost, it is really the ultimate challenge for climbers and adventurers. Ever since Sir Edmund Hilary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa first conquered this highest peak of the world in 1953, more than 4000 have successfully climbed this summit while hundreds have given their life. Each year in spring, hundreds of climbers arrive with the hope to conquer this peak and to be at the top of the world.

Climbing Mount Everest is neither an easy job nor it is cheap. It may cost around $40,000 to $60,000 depending upon your choices, and you need to prepare for around two months to prepare yourself to climb this wonder of nature.

There are several choices and methods you can choose to climb Mount Everest, and the price varies accordingly. Since Everest is the border between Nepal and Tibet, you can either climb from the south side (Nepal) or Northside (Tibet). For this, you need a permit to climb Everest no matter which way you choose.

Climb Mount Everest Permit charge

The government of Nepal charges a cost of $11000 per person as per permit, while from the Tibet side, it only costs $7000 per person.

Additional Climbing charges

Besides permit charges, the expedition team also require to pay an additional charge of about $1500 for the Liaison officer, a basic medical support fee which includes the charge for installing ropes on the mountain) and a refundable deposit for removing trash and human waste. A Liaison officer is responsible for monitoring the expedition and ensuring the rules are followed, and checking the permit of the team.

Base Camp expenses

Traveling to the base camp of Everest takes time and money. Since you must carry gears and tools, you must pay for porters and yaks. It’s a week-long journey to base camp. So, you have to eat and stay in the tea houses on the way. So, it may cost around $4000 to travel to base camp.

Sherpa

While climbing Everest, climbers are assigned to climb Sherpas to ensure their safety on the mountain. So, you have to pay for hiring Sherpa. It may cost $5000 per Sherpa. Similarly, you must also pay an additional charge for the bottled oxygen used by their Sherpas, which may cost up to $3000.

Campsites

In the base camp, you need to stay in camp, and depending upon the services, you have to pay accordingly. The guide services provide food, mattresses, fuel, heaters, radio communication, table, chairs, etc. It may cost up to $2000.

Oxygen cylinder

A single bottle of oxygen costs $550. On average, you will need five bottles on the way to the summit. You need an oxygen mask and regulator, which cost $500.

Gear

You need to buy high-altitude gear, including a down suit, sleeping bag, and boots. It costs around $7000.

Miscellaneous expenses

Besides all the above, you must add other expenses like traveling back to Kathmandu, emergency rescue insurance, visas, immunization, tips for the cook, and sherpas.

This is the overall cost to climb Mount Everest. It may vary, but on average, you can calculate the total expenses on the basis of it.

From the south side, if you take a guided trip with the Western guiding company, then they may charge you as high as $90,000, which includes a standard trip and additional services. However, a Nepalese guide company may cost around $30000-40000.

Similarly, if you take a guided trip from Northside, a Western company may charge you $50000-60000, and a Nepalese company may charge around $30000.

Though climbing Everest is an expensive trip full of risk, hundreds of climbers are willing to climb yearly to take their feet to the top point of the world.

FAQs about Climbing Mount Everest from Nepal