KATHMANDU, JANUARY 21
The government of Nepal is set to increase its climbing permit fees for Mount Everest to $15,000 while also introducing a series of measures aimed at reducing environmental pollution and enhancing safety on the world's highest peak.
The revised regulations, approved by the Cabinet on January 8, will soon be published in the Nepal Gazette. The revised royalty will be implemented only from the upcoming autumn season (September 2025), said officials.
For foreign climbers, the royalty fee for the spring climbing season, which stretches from March to May, is going to be increased from $11,000 to $15,000 for those using the standard south route. Fees for the autumn climbing season is to be hiked from $5,500 to $7,500, while fees for winter and monsoon climbing season will be jacked up $2,750 to $3,750.
Nepali climbers also face higher fees, with the spring royalty fee on the normal route doubling from Rs 75,000 to Rs 150,000.
Among the changes, climbers will now be required to hire a guide for any ascent of mountains over 8,000 metres, including Everest. This rule mandates that every two climbers must employ one guide.
Additionally, the validity of climbing permits will be shortened from 75 days to 55 days, aiming to better regulate climbing activities.
In an effort to reduce pollution, the new rules require climbers to bring back their waste, including human excrement, using biodegradable bags. Permits will also be restricted to only the items listed in the climbers' documentation.
For high-altitude workers, insurance coverage will be increased: For guides, it will be raised from Rs 1.5 million to two million rupees, while base camp workers will now receive Rs 1.5 million, up from Rs 800,000. This change seeks to better protect the Sherpas and support staff who take on immense risks during expeditions.
In addition, the government has made provisions for rescue teams and cleaning campaigners to collect garbage and deceased bodies up to Camp IV without requiring permits, among other decisions.
