Despite rising travel costs and global uncertainty, interest in climbing Mount Everest remains strong, according to tour operators in Nepal.
Ongoing tensions in West Asia have pushed up airfare and disrupted travel routes, affecting tourism across the region. Trekking and general travel bookings have dropped by nearly 60 per cent compared to normal periods. However, mountaineering, especially Everest expeditions, has remained largely unaffected.
Industry experts say most climbers had already planned and booked their expeditions months in advance, insulating the season from recent disruptions. Even after the government increased the Everest climbing permit fee to $15,000 per person in September 2025, demand has not shown any significant decline.
Climbing packages have become more expensive, with entry-level expeditions now starting at around $45,000, up from earlier costs of $30,000 to $35,000. Prices for equipment, oxygen supplies, insurance, accommodation and transport have also increased, adding to the overall expense.
According to the Department of Tourism, 360 climbers had received permits for Everest expeditions by mid-April, generating around Rs 710 million in revenue. This figure is already higher than the same period last year, suggesting steady demand.
The closure of the northern route through Tibet by China has also shifted more climbers toward Nepal’s southern route, further supporting numbers. Climbers from countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, India, Russia, Japan and Poland are among the main participants this season.
While the broader tourism sector faces pressure, Everest continues to attract climbers, showing the enduring global appeal of high-altitude adventure in Nepal.
