Climbing Everest from Nepal became more expensive on 1 September 2025. Under revised mountaineering regulations approved by the cabinet in January 2025, the royalty for foreign climbers on the normal south-east ridge route in spring rose from US$11,000 to US$15,000, the first increase since 2015.
In short: the Everest royalty for foreigners is now US$15,000 in spring (March–May), US$7,500 in autumn and US$3,750 in winter and the monsoon. Permit validity was cut from 75 to 55 days. New rules also require climbers on 8,000 m peaks to hire guides, carry biodegradable bags to bring human waste down from higher camps, and give high-altitude workers higher insurance cover. Trekking permits for Everest Base Camp did not change.
The new fees
| Season | Previous | From 1 September 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March–May) | US$11,000 | US$15,000 |
| Autumn (September–November) | US$5,500 | US$7,500 |
| Winter and monsoon | US$2,750 | US$3,750 |
These are royalty fees for the mountain permit alone, for foreign climbers on the normal route. A full guided Everest expedition costs many times more, once oxygen, Sherpa support, logistics, insurance and other fees are added.
Other changes
- Shorter permits: climbing permits are now valid for 55 days instead of 75.
- Guides: climbers on peaks over 8,000 m must hire guides, with the rules setting a minimum ratio of guides to climbers.
- Waste: climbers must carry biodegradable bags and bring human waste down from the higher camps.
- Insurance for workers: compulsory insurance cover for high-altitude guides and base camp staff was increased.
- Solo expeditions: Nepal also moved to stop solo expeditions on 8,000 m peaks.
What it means for trekkers
Nothing changed for the Everest Base Camp trek itself: trekkers still need the Sagarmatha National Park permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee. If you are thinking about a first Himalayan summit, trekking peaks such as Island Peak and Mera Peak have separate, much lower permit fees. See our trekking peaks guide and permits guide.