By Sushant Agarwal
Published on | Jun 27, 2025
Dreaming of Everest? Be ready to pay big. New permit hikes in 2025 have pushed climbing costs to record highs.
The Nepal (south) route remains the favorite due to easier access. The Tibet (north) route is cheaper but faces Chinese restrictions.
Climbing via Nepal costs ₹38–78 lakh. Tibet route: ₹30–43 lakh. Price varies by operator, support, and gear.
Nepal’s 2025 permit hike means climbers pay ₹9.5 lakh just for permission — up ₹2.5 lakh from earlier.
Indian citizens pay full foreigner rates. After the hike, Indian climbers now spend ₹5–10 lakh more than before.
Hiring Sherpas/guides costs ₹4–17 lakh. Waste fees & liaison officers: ₹2–2.5 lakh. Bottled oxygen adds ₹2–3 lakh.
Essential gear like boots, jackets, crampons, and sleeping bags can cost ₹3–5 lakh. Tents and camp items: ₹1–2 lakh.
Return flight to Kathmandu: ₹15–30k. Flight to Lukla: ₹20–40k. Training, insurance & pre-climb stays: Up to ₹4 lakh
Trekking to base camp: ₹2–5 lakh. Food and camp stays: ₹1–2 lakh. Emergency buffer: ₹2–5 lakh advised.
Despite rising costs, Everest still calls to climbers. But now, summiting the world’s tallest peak is as much about finances as fitness.