How Much Is an Everest Permit? Nepal Royalty by Season
By Blake Penson, Founder of ExpedReview · Everest summiter · Seven Summits climber · 20-year mountaineer · Industry expert
Last reviewed: 20 October 2026 · Editorial picks are ranked only by verified ExpedReview reviews; sponsors cannot buy a position.
The short answer
An Everest permit for a foreign climber on the normal South Col route costs US$15,000 in spring, US$7,500 in autumn and US$3,750 in winter or summer (Nepal Department of Tourism, effective 1 September 2025). Other Everest routes in Nepal cost US$10,000, US$5,000 and US$2,500. The royalty is per person and is normally bundled into a guided expedition price.
| Key figure | What it is |
|---|---|
| US$15,000 | spring, normal route |
| US$7,500 | autumn, normal route |
| US$3,750 | winter / summer, normal route |
| US$10,000 | spring, other routes |
What does the Everest royalty cost by season?
| Route (foreign climber) | Spring | Autumn | Winter / summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Everest normal route | US$15,000 | US$7,500 | US$3,750 |
| Everest other routes | US$10,000 | US$5,000 | US$2,500 |
Source: Nepal Department of Tourism royalty table, effective 1 September 2025.
How does Everest compare with other Nepal peaks?
| Peak or band (foreign climber) | Spring | Autumn | Winter / summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other 8,000 m peaks (not Everest or Manaslu) | US$3,000 | US$1,500 | US$750 |
| Manaslu | US$1,500 | US$3,000 | US$1,500 |
| 7,501–7,999 m | US$1,000 | US$500 | US$250 |
| 7,001–7,500 m | US$800 | US$400 | US$200 |
| 6,501–6,999 m | US$500 | US$250 | US$200 |
| Ama Dablam | US$1,000 | US$1,000 | US$500 |
| 6,500 m and below | US$350 | US$175 | US$175 |
Manaslu is the one peak where autumn costs more than spring, reflecting that autumn is its main season.
Is the royalty the only government cost?
No. Expeditions also budget for a liaison officer, garbage and waste deposits, park and local fees, and mandatory insurance for staff. These vary by operator and year, so ask your operator for an itemised list rather than relying on a single headline number.
Do I buy the permit myself?
In practice, no. Permits are issued to expeditions through registered Nepali agencies, so even independent climbers buy logistics from a licensed operator. Check that your quote states the royalty season it assumes.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Everest permit in 2026?
US$15,000 per foreign climber in spring on the normal route, US$7,500 in autumn and US$3,750 in winter or summer (Nepal Department of Tourism, effective 1 September 2025).
Why did the Everest permit go up?
Nepal revised its royalty table effective 1 September 2025; the spring normal-route fee for foreigners is now US$15,000.
Is the Everest permit cheaper in autumn?
Yes. Autumn is half the spring rate on the normal route (US$7,500), but very few climbers summit in autumn.
How much is the permit for Nepali climbers?
The Department of Tourism lists NPR 150,000 in spring for the normal route for Nepali citizens.
Sources
- Nepal Department of Tourism, 'Updated Royalty and Insurance Provisions (effective from 01 September 2025)', tourismdepartment.gov.np/pages/mountaineering-fee.
How ExpedReview data works: counts are approved, verified client reviews on ExpedReview as of 20 October 2026. ERTI is ExpedReview's trust index, a summary of review evidence and operator conduct on the platform; it is one input, not a guarantee. Listed prices are each operator's lowest "from" price on ExpedReview and change often. Historical fatality and summit ratios describe past expeditions, not your personal odds.