Everything you need to know about the official Everest climbing royalty (permit) on the Nepal side — including the new rates effective September 1, 2025 — plus national park and local entry fees, route notes, and FAQs.
What changed? Nepal has increased Everest permit (royalty) fees for the first time in nearly a decade. From September 1, 2025: Spring permits rise to US$15,000 per foreign climber via the normal South (Nepal) route. Autumn and winter/monsoon permits also increase. Bookings already confirmed for Spring 2025 remain under previous rates.
Everest Royalty (Permit) — Nepal Side
| Season | Until Aug 31, 2025 | From Sep 1, 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | US$11,000 | US$15,000 |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | US$5,500 | US$7,500 |
| Winter & Monsoon (Dec–Feb; Jun–Aug) | US$2,750 | US$3,750 |
The “permit” is the government royalty issued by Nepal’s Department of Tourism. It is separate from logistics costs (operator, Sherpa support, oxygen, food, insurance, etc.).
Other routes (Nepal side)
| Season | Fee |
|---|---|
| Spring | US$10,000 |
| Autumn | US$5,000 |
| Winter & Monsoon | US$2,500 |
“Other routes” refers to non–South Col lines within Nepal jurisdiction.
Nepali citizens
Spring (Normal Route): NPR 150,000 per climber from Sep 1, 2025 (previously NPR 75,000). Other seasons scale similarly with policy updates.
Expedition insurance requirements for high-altitude workers were also raised in 2025 (see notes below).
Required Local & Park Permits (Trekking approaches)
Even expedition members pay the standard entry fees when passing through the Khumbu and Sagarmatha National Park.
| Permit | Who Pays | Current Fee (2025) | Where Issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sagarmatha National Park Entry | All foreigners | NPR 3,000 (SAARC: NPR 1,500; Nepali: NPR 100) + 13% VAT; under-10 free | NTB (Kathmandu) or Monjo checkpoint |
| Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry | All visitors to Khumbu | NPR 3,000 (typical current rate) | Lukla or Monjo checkpoints (pay in NPR) |
The Khumbu local fee replaced the TIMS card for the Everest region. Rates are set by the municipality and have been NPR 3,000 since a 2024 update; always carry cash in NPR.
North (Tibet/China) Side — Reference
On the Tibet side, the “permit” is bundled by CTMA with transport, liaison, trash fee, and yak quotas. Typical 2025 team-permit pricing trends ~US$15,800–18,000 per person (team size rules apply). Operators quote all-inclusive packages on that side.
What the Expedition Permit Does Not Include
- Operator services (guiding, logistics, oxygen, Sherpa support, food, comms, medical, BC services)
- Personal insurance and mandatory worker insurance (operator handles)
- Trekking approach costs, internal flights (e.g., to Lukla) and porterage
- Garbage deposits/handling beyond policy requirements, and any new compliance (e.g., bio-bags)
Quick FAQ
When do the new Nepal fees kick in?
September 1, 2025. Spring 2025 expeditions already confirmed use the old rate schedule.
How much does a full Everest expedition cost overall?
Most climbers spend ~US$40,000–US$150,000+ depending on operator, oxygen strategy, Sherpa ratio, and comfort level. The government permit is only one slice of the budget.
Do I still need the Khumbu local permit if I’m on an expedition?
Yes. Everyone passing through the Khumbu pays the local entry fee at Lukla/Monjo, in addition to the national park entry.
Budgeting Checklist
At-a-Glance
Current (to Aug 31, 2025): US$11,000 (spring)
New (from Sep 1, 2025): US$15,000 (spring)
Autumn: US$7,500 · Winter/Monsoon: US$3,750
Park & Local Fees (2025)
- Sagarmatha NP: NPR 3,000 (foreigners) + VAT
- Khumbu Local Entry: NPR 3,000
Carry cash in NPR at checkpoints.
Pro Tips
- Book logistics early for peak spring dates.
- Keep printed & digital copies of all permits.
- Expect stricter waste-handling checks above BC.
© 2025 — Everest Permit Guide. Fees are subject to official updates; always confirm with your operator and the Department of Tourism.
