The Government of Nepal recently announced significant changes to the Everest expeditions regulations, aimed at enhancing safety, reducing environmental impact, and supporting high-altitude workers. These updates, effective from September 1, 2025, mark the first major overhaul of mountaineering fees and rules in a decade. Here is what climbers and trekking agencies like Rise Expeditions need to know:
Increased Permit Fees
The cost of climbing permits for Mount Everest has increased sharply. Foreign climbers attempting Everest from the normal south route during the spring season (March-May) will now pay $15,000, up from $11,000. Fees for the autumn season (September-November) have increased from $5,500 to $7,500, while permits for the winter (December-February) and monsoon (June-August) seasons will now cost $3,750, up from $2,750. Nepali climbers also face increased fees, with spring permits doubling to Rs150,000.
Mandatory Guides for Safety
To enhance safety on peaks over 8,000 meters, the revised rules mandate that every two climbers hire a certified guide. This ensures climbers have professional support to navigate the challenges of high-altitude expeditions, reducing risks and improving success rates.
Shortened Permit Validity
The validity of climbing permits has been reduced from 75 days to 55 days, streamlining climbing activities and reducing prolonged exposure to Everest’s extreme conditions.
Focus on Environmental Conservation
Nepal has intensified efforts to address the environmental challenges posed by mountaineering:
- Mandatory Waste Management: Climbers must carry biodegradable bags to collect waste, including human waste, in higher camps. All waste must be brought back to base camp for proper disposal. This builds on initiatives like the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality’s distribution of 1,700 biodegradable waste bags last spring.
- Restricted Items: Climbers are prohibited from carrying items not listed in their Department of Tourism permits.
- Rescue and Cleanup Permissions: Rescue teams and cleaning campaign members can now remove garbage and bodies up to Camp IV without paying fees, but venturing into the death zone remains restricted without a permit.
Improved Worker Protections
High-altitude guides and base camp workers, the backbone of every expedition, will now receive increased insurance coverage. Guides are now insured for Rs2 million ($14,400), up from Rs1.5 million ($10,800), while base camp workers are insured for Rs1.5 million ($10,800), up from Rs800,000 ($5,760). These changes recognize the significant risks these workers face and provide better security for them and their families.
Addressing Overcrowding and Traffic Jams
The Supreme Court of Nepal has directed the government to regulate the number of climbers on Everest to prevent dangerous traffic jams. With nearly 8,900 climbers summiting Everest since 1953 and increasing congestion on the slopes, this move aims to prioritize safety and preserve the mountain’s integrity.
Sustainable Mountaineering Practices
These revised rules are part of Nepal’s broader strategy to combat environmental degradation in the Everest region. Recent data from the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC) reveals that 85 tonnes of waste were collected in the spring climbing season of 2024 alone, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable practices.
Opportunities for Climbers with Rise Expeditions
At Rise Expeditions, we welcome these changes as a step forward in making Everest expeditions safer, cleaner, and more sustainable. With PK Sherpa, an IFMGA-certified guide, leading our team, we are well-equipped to navigate the new regulations and ensure a successful and environmentally responsible climbing experience.
Plan Your 2025 Expedition with Us
If you’re planning to scale Everest in spring 2025, now is the perfect time to book your expedition. As confirmed by Nepal’s Tourism Ministry, bookings already made for spring 2025 will not be affected by these fee hikes. Book your Everest Expedition or Everest-Lhotse Expedition with Rise Expeditions today to secure your spot and experience the journey of a lifetime under the guidance of seasoned experts.