How Much Does it Cost to Climb Mount Everest? Your Ultimate Guide

1. Full-service expedition

Our standard full-service Everest expedition is designed for climbers who have made multiple ascents of 6000m and 7000m peaks. This expedition takes place over 55 days and starts from $45,000. Within this expedition, we offer a range of packages from the standard (starting at $45,000) to our premium Elite Upgraded package (at $65,000), to our super exclusive VVIP service, led and overseen by Nimsdai and the other Elite Exped Directors. These comprehensive packages take care of all of your logistical burdens, meals, routes, carrying gear, and arranging transportation, ensuring a smoother and safer climb.

2. Fast-track expedition

We created a specially designed Everest Fast-Track expedition for those who don’t have the time for a 55-day trek. This 29-day route will enable experienced climbers to reach the top of the world in rapid time. Unlike our standard group,  these climbers join the group later close to when the rope is fixed to the summit. Fast-track climbers will also be provided hypoxic training services to help with acclimatization and further preparation for the climb.  Priced at $100,000, this expedition will see you reaching the summit of the world’s tallest mountain in under a month.

3. Everest and Lhotse

The most dedicated and skilled mountaineers might be interested in our Everest and Lhotse Combo Package. This expedition is the perfect opportunity for climbers on a quest to climb all the 14 x 8000ers peaks — they’ll be completing two 8000m summits in a single climbing season, saving money and time. Taking place over 60 days, this climb is priced at $90,000.

While our prices are on the higher end of the spectrum in comparison to other expedition groups, we cannot stress enough that you get what you pay for when it comes to whether it's hiking on the world’s highest basecamp or climbing to the ‘Top of the world’ - Mount Everest.

Low-cost mountain expedition operators are more likely to take on inexperienced climbers who can put safety on the line. Furthermore, cheaper operators cut costs by hiring fewer guides/sherpas, and those they do hire often lack the required experience. It was reported that every client who died on Everest in 2022 “went with low-budget, less experienced operators”. 2023 was recorded as the deadliest year ever on Everest, with 18 fatalities on the mountain and five people unaccounted for. These are things to keep in mind when you go to book your guided trek/climb.

Even after you’ve picked and paid for your expedition guide, there are plenty of other costs you may have to consider before your trek. Here are some fees that are unlikely to be included in the price of your expedition package:

Visas

The first cost you’ll encounter before your trek will be from your visa. You’ll be required to have an Everest Climbing visa and a Tourist visa to even set foot on the mountain. A Tourist visa for Nepal will cost around $125 for a 90-day multiple-entry visa.

Depending on what’s included in the expedition guide you choose, you may need to arrange a permit to climb Everest which will cost approximately $15,000. Save yourself the hassle — with Elite Exped, this essential permit is included in your package. 

Equipment

Having the right gear is crucial for a successful expedition. In total, you can expect to spend between $6000 and $8000 on climbing equipment and technical clothing. From SPF 50 sun cream to a 70cm alpine ice axe, the amount of gear you’ll need to bring is extensive and not to be scrimped on.

For a full list of the gear you’ll need on our Everest expedition, refer to our full gear list page here.

Flights

International airfare to and from Kathmandu is not generally included in your Everest expedition package cost. The price of a return flight will highly depend on where you’re travelling from and the season of your travel. Generally, you can expect to pay between $1000-$2000.

Insurance

Most expedition guide packages will not include every type of insurance required for your Everest hike. You’ll be required to arrange the following:

• Travel and high-altitude insurance
• Accident insurance
• Medical insurance
• Emergency evacuation insurance

Insurance costs can vary depending on how comprehensive your coverage is, but generally, expect to pay around $500 for the best — and necessary — insurance policies. On a trek of this magnitude, anything can happen — it's vital to protect yourself against the unexpected.

Tipping

It’s important to factor in how much money you’ll want to spend tipping the people who are making the Everest climb possible. Basecamp staff and porters work around the clock to ensure that trekkers are comfortable and ready for their summit, and we recommend factoring in around $500 worth of tips to compensate them for their work. Additionally, it’s customary to provide your guides with a summit bonus after a successful summit of the mountain. We recommend budgeting a minimum of $1500-$2000 for this.

How much does it cost to climb Mount Everest? The answer to this question is entirely dependent on the type of expedition guide you choose. If this is your first Everest expedition and climbing with a fully guided trek, on average your climb will cost around $70,000 — including equipment, flights, insurance and tips.

If you have any further questions regarding the price of your climb or would like to know more about our other expeditions, feel free to get in touch with us.