Posted on by himalman

Ever wondered how much it costs to climb Everest? Well, Alan Arnette has once again updated his Everest 2009 page answering that very question.

Alan has taken a survey of the list prices for all the top guide services on Everest this year, and put them down in an easy to read chart. Prices range from the “low-end” of an estimated $26,000 from Asian Trekking all the way up to $65,000 from several of the bigger companies such as Adventure Consultants and Mountain Madness. Of course, those prices don’t include the fact that you’ll need to have roughly two months of free time to devote to climbing the mountain either.

If you have more questions about climbing Everest, you’ll definitely want to bookmark Alan’s page dedicated to the mountain. He’s been there three times and follows the Everest scene very closely. He’s also posted links to some of the top guide services, as well as some frequently asked questions when it comes to guides as well.

We’re still a few months away from the start of the Everest 2009 season, but the planning and preparation is already in full swing. Should be another interesting year.

* Source : – http://theadventureblog.blogspot.com/

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How Much Does it Cost to Climb Mt. Everest?

(update : December 8th, 2009)

Author: Alan Arnette.

How much does it cost to climb Mt. Everest? This is one of the most common Google searches that lead people to my site. And the most often asked question during my presentations. My usual answer is “A car.”

But everyone who has read Jon Krakaurer’s Into Thin Air book read that both Adventure Consultants and Mountain Madness’ clients paid $65,000 each in 1996. So in 14 years, has that changed?

Here is my annual update on list prices based on December 2009 public information posted on the companies’ websites. The high price for 2010 goes to RMI with a climb guided by 11 time Everest summiter, Dave Hahn at $74,000. The low-end, as usual, is offered by the local Kathmandu operators; with Asian Trekking leading the way at $30,300.

Remember that these are list prices and sometimes discounts can be negotiated but not always. I tired to ‘normalize’ the prices by adding flights, oxygen, full support at all camps and a 1:1 Sherpa/Client ratio for summit night if the companies’ base price does not include it.

In the following table you can see that prices have moved a bit from last year, on average south side prices went up for some operators and now average about $51,000 on the south. The north side prices remained about the same at an average of $26,900. This spread has narrowed somewhat over the decade as the costs on the Chinese side have increased. However, prices on the Nepal side have also increased in a classic case of supply and demand.

The major difference between the higher and lower prices for all companies is primarily the inclusion of western guides and a small guide to climber ratio. In other words, the highest price is based on small teams with a at least one, if not more, western guides and a high number of Sherpas. The low prices usually have no western guide and sometimes a minimum number of Sherpas. Finally some of the price changes are due to currency adjustments with companies offering their climbs in Euros, not US Dollars.

This can be quite confusing so if you want to know more I have extensive details on my Guide and Questions for Guides pages.

Climb On!

Alan

* Source : – Alan Arnette : 2010 Everest expeditions.

** see :

– Alan Arnette’s Everest 2010 Coverage Begins, Double Traverse Announced!

– Nepal urged to reduce Mount Everest climbing fee.

– International Mountain Guides – one of the best mountaineering agency.

*** see : – Everest Web TV

– Trekking Agency

– Permit & Paperwork

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Filed under: Climbers, Expedition, Himalayas, Travel | Tagged: 2010 Everest expeditions, Adventure Consultants, Alan Arnette, Asian Trekking, Climbers, Everest BC, Himalayas, Mount Everest, Mountain Madness, mountaineering, Nepal, Travel |