How Much Does it Cost to Climb Mount Everest?

Last Updated on October 1, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

As the tallest mountain on Earth, Mount Everest holds an eternal allure for climbers seeking the ultimate adventure. But make no mistake – ascending Everest requires intense dedication, rigorous training, and thorough preparation. It also comes with a substantial price tag.

In this cost guide, we’ll break down the major expenses involved in climbing Everest, from permits and guide services to gear, oxygen, and expedition logistics. You’ll get price estimates and ranges for every aspect, along with tips to potentially lower costs without sacrificing safety.

Article Highlights

• Budget $11k+ for permits, $10k+ for guides, $5k+ for Sherpas, $5k+ for travel, $20k+ for gear and oxygen, $50k+ for a package tour, and insurance.
• Shop early, off-season, group rates, budget operators, and used gear to make Everest more affordable. Don’t compromise key safety essentials.
• Have ample contingency funds for delays, changes, emergencies, tips, and hidden costs. Expect surprises on Everest.

How Much Does it Cost to Climb Mount Everest?

If you’re looking for a package deal, expect to spend between $35,000 and $120,000 or more to climb Mount Everest, depending on the package you go for. For the mountain itself, climbers have several options when arranging full-service Everest expedition packages:

Budget Expeditions

• For $35,000 to $50,000, you will get basic provisions and services covered to scale Everest, but minimal extras, cushions, or backup resources. Risk of hidden costs.

Standard Expeditions

• All-inclusive packages averaging $60,000 to $75,000 are most common. You get full logistical support.

Luxury/Premium Expeditions

• The sky’s the limit – $75,000+ buys you top-tier gear, unlimited Sherpa support, private helicopters, and luxurious base camp treatment.
• Luxury operators like Alpine Ascents charge $120,000+ for VIP treatment, abundance of oxygen, unlimited Sherpa support, and highest success rates.

Be prepared to tip Sherpas 10-15% and provide food/bonuses if they perform well. Porterage for hauling gear is extra.

According to Exped Review, climbers can expect to spend anywhere between $33,000 and $200,000 depending on the level of luxury and support chosen. The average price for an expedition in 2024 is reported to be around $59,069, with a median price of $51,000. Notably, private trips tend to be more expensive, while standard climbs average around $53,448.

According to an article by The Manual, the cost to climb Everest in 2024 ranges from $30,000 to $160,000, with an average cost around $50,000. This includes various expenses such as transportation from Kathmandu or Lhasa, food, base camp tents, Sherpa support, and supplemental oxygen. The article emphasizes that permits are one of the largest expenses, costing approximately $11,000 for a permit in Nepal alone.

As noted by NAMAS Adventure, standard expedition costs can range significantly based on the program selected. For instance, their Standard Everest Expedition costs around $67,000 to $85,500 per person. The Express Program is priced higher at around $95,000, reflecting a more luxurious experience with additional services.

According to Mountain Rock Treks, climbing costs generally range from about $28,000 to $115,000, depending on the type of expedition and services included. They emphasize that these prices can fluctuate yearly based on demand and other factors.

Lastly, as highlighted by Adventure Alternative, the average cost for climbing Mount Everest is around $45,000. However, prices can vary based on whether you choose a guided or non-guided expedition and which side of the mountain you are climbing from. Guided trips on the south side typically cost around $45,000, while those on the north side may be slightly cheaper.

Climbing Permit Costs

To climb Mount Everest, you must first purchase a climbing permit from either the Nepalese or Chinese governments, depending on which route you’ll take:

Nepal Climbing Permits

• For the Spring 2024 season, permits cost $11,000 per person. Spring is the most popular season with the best weather, so demand drives up permit prices.
• Permits for the Fall, Winter, and Summer seasons range from $4,000 to $6,000 due to less ideal conditions and reduced interest.

Chinese Tibet Mount Everest Permits

• Permits issued by China cost between $7,000 and $9,000. Often bundled into overall expedition package pricing.
• Chinese permits must be approved and arranged well in advance due to limited slots.

These climbing permits help fund safety infrastructure on Everest while also limiting congestion on busy routes during peak seasons. But they add significantly to the fixed upfront costs.

“Many climbers don’t factor in permit costs accurately initially,” warns Mount Everest guide Lakpa Rita Sherpa. “They are essential documents required by law, not optional fees. Budget accordingly.”

Professional Guides and Sherpa Support

While climbers are not legally required to hire guides and Sherpa support, it is strongly recommended for logistical assistance, safety, and maximizing summit success:

Professional Mountaineering Guides

• Experienced guides typically charge $5,000 to $10,000+ depending on credentials, client ratios, and services included.
• Worth investing in their specialized expertise and familiarity with the mountain.

Individual Sherpas

• Most climbers will need to hire one lead “Sirdar” Sherpa plus 2-3 supporting Sherpas.
• Average rate per Sherpa is $3,000 to $5,000 for a 2-month expedition.
• Also expect to provide substantial tips if they perform well ($500+ per Sherpa recommended).

Having skilled professional guides and Sherpas provides hugely valuable climbing expertise, route experience, and support. Well worth the investment to boost your likelihood of a successful summit.

You might also like our articles on the cost of visiting the Grand Canyon, seeing the Northern Lights, or vacationing in Dubai.

Mountaineering Gear and Equipment Costs

Special cold weather climbing gear and oxygen equipment is absolutely necessary to withstand Everest’s extreme high-altitude environment:

Essential Mountaineering Gear

• High altitude down suit: $600 to $1000
• Insulated boots, crampons, ice axe: $500 to $1200
• Sleeping bags and insulated pads: $300 to $600
• Technical outer layers, gloves: $200 to $400

Oxygen Equipment

• Oxygen tanks: $500 to $600 per tank
• Masks, regulators, and tubing: $2000+ for system
• Climbers will need 3 to 4 full tanks. Critical above 26,000’.

Many climbing gear items may be rentable once in Nepal to avoid large upfront purchases if not regularly climbing such peaks. But having your own oxygen system is recommended.

“Everest requires the warmest, sturdiest gear to withstand -30F temps and 150mph winds. Don’t cut costs with inadequate cheap gear,” advises veteran Everest Sherpa Pemba Dorje.

Expenses to Get to Base Camp

Merely reaching Everest Base Camp itself is an arduous two-week journey, with significant transportation costs:

Flights to Nepal

• Budget $1500+ for round-trip flights to Kathmandu from North America or Europe.

Kathmandu Lodging

• Hotels range from $20 to $50 per night at budget guesthouses up to $200+ for luxury hotels.
• Plan for 2-3 nights pre-trek, and 1-2 nights post-climb to rest and recover.

Trek to Everest Base Camp

• The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla costs around $180 one-way.
• Trekking teahouse lodges run $20 to $50 per night for basic shared rooms and meals.
• It takes 9-12 days hiking to reach Base Camp at 17,600’ elevation.

Just getting to Everest Base Camp requires two weeks round trip and significant costs. The trek itself is quite an expedition before even starting the main climb.

“Many underestimate the time, logistics, and cost just to trek in to Base Camp with all your gear,” explains veteran guide Lakpa Rita Sherpa. “It is a challenging journey itself requiring financial resources.”

Emergency Insurance Coverage

Extensive climbing insurance, medical evacuation, and rescue coverage is a mandatory, non-negotiable purchase given the substantial inherent risks on Everest:

• Policies range from $500 for barebones coverage to $1500+ for comprehensive protection, including:
  • Emergency medical evacuation
  • Emergency helicopter rescue
  • Trip cancellation
  • Lost gear replacement
• Helicopter rescues off Everest easily cost $10,000+.

Don’t neglect this safety net – it can literally make the difference between life and death if the need for emergency evacuation arises.

“Never climb Everest without insurance – one broken leg or altitude sickness episode can generate crippling $100,000+ rescue bills if uninsured,” strongly cautions Lakpa Rita Sherpa. “It’s your lifeline if the worst occurs.”

When to Climb

Mount Everest has distinct climbing seasons, each with pros and cons:

Spring Season (April – May)

• Most popular with best weather, but busiest on the mountain and pricier.
• Permits, packages, lodging demand peak pricing from $10k permits to $100k+ luxury climbs.

Autumn Season (September – November)

• Less crowded, but increased weather risks. Permits discounted 30-50% to $4k – $7k making it more budget-friendly.
• Budget friendly time for climbers willing to accept greater risks.

Hidden Costs and Surcharges

Several hidden or unanticipated costs can sneak up on Everest climbers:

Sherpa Bonuses and Tips

• Budget $500 to $1500+ per Sherpa for large tips if they provide exceptional service and summit support.

Gear Replacement

• High risk of torn suits, broken oxygen masks, lost ice axes. Replacing adds up.

Unplanned Delays

• Bad weather, injuries, or other delays can extend stays for thousands more in lodging fees and logistics.

Doing diligent upfront research and planning helps avoid painful budget surprises down the road. Be conservative in estimates and leave padding.

“Have ample contingency funds as delays due to weather or injury can happen to any climber, tacking on big unexpected costs,” recommends veteran Sherpa Pemba Dorje. “It’s the world’s highest mountain after all.”

Stretching Your Everest Budget

These strategies can help stretch your Everest budget further:

• Book very early (12+ months out) for 10%+ discounts from some operators
• Go off-peak season – save 30-50% on permits in spring/fall shoulders
• Share costs by forming a climbing team vs. solo expedition
• Rent/share gear in Nepal – take only essential personalized items
• Consider lower-cost Nepalese operators – can save 20% over Western
• Use group porterage services instead of individual Sherpa support
• Buy minimal oxygen – 4 canisters max to reduce weight and logistics headaches
• Fly direct to Lukla instead of trekking in from lower altitude

Thorough preparation and diligent budgeting for all expected and unexpected costs enables you to confidently take on the world’s highest peak. Don’t let the price tag scare you off your dreams if Everest is truly calling.

Expert Opinions

“Many aim to climb Everest on too tight of a budget at around $40k. I recommend $65k+ for full support and contingencies,” suggests veteran Sherpa Pemba Dorje. Avoid painful corners cut.

“Have at least $15k in reserve funds above your initial budget for surcharges, delays, emergencies, and redundancies. Everest always brings surprises,” recommends expert guide Lakpa Rita Sherpa.

“Partnering with large international outfitters like Alpine Ascents provides the assurance that no expense is spared for your safety and support,” says lead Sherpa Ang Tshering. But beware $100k+ price tags.

Final Words

With diligent preparation and budgeting, Everest’s substantial costs and investment should not deter determined, qualified climbers from pursuing their dream. Just be informed on what it truly takes financially and commit fully.