Nepal hikes Everest climbing fees for first time in a decade
Reuters reported on Wednesday that the Nepali authorities have raised the fees for climbing Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, by over 36% since September. A permit during the most popular season costs around £12,200, and during the least popular season, £3,000.
The authorities in Kathmandu announced on Wednesday that the Mount Everest climbing permit fee has increased for the first time in nearly ten years.
The permit fees have not been reviewed for a long time. We have updated them now - explained Narayan Prasad Regmi, a member of the Nepali government, to the Reuters agency. It was not stated where the additional revenue will be allocated.
The new rate will apply during the popular climbing season from April to May along the standard route - the South East Ridge or through the South Col. The pioneers of this route were New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, who made the first documented ascent of Mount Everest in 1953.
Fees for the less popular period of September-November and the least frequented December-February will also rise by 36%, to approximately £6,100 and £3,000, respectively.
300,000 climbing permits annually
Reuters emphasised that the increase, discussed since last year, should not discourage mountaineers. Each year, the Nepali authorities issue about 300 permits for climbing the world's highest peak, which also attracts criticism from the mountaineering community.
Reuters references concerns about the excessive number of permits issued, as well as negligence in ensuring the safety of expedition participants and cleanliness on climbing routes.
Nepal's income from mountaineering is a significant source of revenue and employment. Eight of the 14 highest mountains in the world are in Nepal.
