सेप्टेम्बरदेखि सगरमाथा आरोहण गर्न चाहनेहरूले पिक सिजनमा $१५,००० तिर्नुपर्नेछ। यसअघि $११,००० रहेको यो शुल्क लगभग एक दशकपछि पहिलो पटक ३६% ले वृद्धि गरिएको हो।
सगरमाथाबाट हुने आम्दानीले नेपालको अर्थतन्त्रमा ४% योगदान पुर्याउँछ। अभियान आयोजकहरूले भने यस शुल्क वृद्धिले आरोहीहरूलाई रोक्ने सम्भावना कम रहेको बताएका छन्।
The price to climb Mount Everest will soon increase for the first time in nearly a decade, as Nepal announces a sharp mark-up in permit fees.
From September, those seeking to summit the world’s tallest mountain during peak season will have to pay $15,000 (£12,180), a 36% rise on the longstanding fee of $11,000, officials said on Wednesday.
Fees for those wanting to climb outside the peak April to May period will also increase by the same percentage – meaning it will cost $7,500 during September to November, and $3,750 during December to February.
Income from permit fees is a key source of revenue for Nepal, with mountain climbing and trekking contributing more than 4% to the country’s economy.
Mountaineering experts often criticise Nepal’s government for allowing too many climbers on Everest, however, with about 300 permits to the mountain issued per year.
It is unclear if the price increase, which was under discussion since last year, will slow demand.