Everest News

MountEverest.net has posted an update on the climbing fees for Spring 2007 on Everest and other 8000m peaks in Nepal. The South Col route is the most expensive on the mountain of course, with a single climber costing $25,000, but if you can manage to get seven climbers into your group, the fees drop to $70,000 for the group. You'll see the breakdown at other group sizes on the page. If you want to go after a different route, it'll cost you $50,000 for that same group of Seven. Good luck getting to the top though.

Moving away from Everest however, you can find real bargains in climbing other peaks. All other 8000m peaks in Nepal have a flat of fee of $10,000 per team of seven or fewer climbers. Other peaks in the area break down like this:

Peaks from 7,501m to 8,000m - $4,000 per team, up to seven members. Each additional member is $500.
Peaks from 7001m to 7500m - $3,000 per team, up to seven members. Additional member $400.
Peaks from 6501m to 7000m - $2,000 per team, up to seven members. Additional member $300.
Peaks less than 6,500m high - $1,000 per team, up to seven members. Additional member $200.

Meanwhile, a "garbage management" deposit of $4000 on Everest, and $3000 on all other peaks, is being collected before teams head to the mountains as well. The deposit will be returned after the climb is completed, and it has been determined that the team removed all trash from the mountain upon their descent. Items that fall into the "trash" category include:

(a) Garbage that can be destroyed: Toilet paper, paper, cardboard, things made from bamboo, jute and cotton bags, decomposed food or dead bodies.
(b) Garbage that can be recycled: Tin, bottles, jars, plastic cans, plastic sheets, reusable gas cylinders, and plastic bags or gas containers.
(c) Garbage that has to be reimported: Used oxygen bottles, used batteries, equipment to be used for climbing or personnel goods, etc.

The story also reports that a Spanish team on Ama Dablam was dismayed to find that their garbage deposit wouldn't be returned because teammate Guillermo Mateo had fallen to his death, and his body had not been retrieved from the crevasse it fell into.

These prices should give anyone not familiar with Everest, or other Himalaya climbs, an idea of why these expeditions cost so much money. Those above fees do not include anything but the permits. You still need gear, food, supplies, guides, sherpas, and more.

The other article of note is that teams are beginning to sign up to climb Everest this Spring, and one such climber is Canadian Phill Michael. His climb will be unique in that he underwent major cardiac surgery back in 2003 and has been living with a robotic heart since then. Michael will attempt to summit Everest, while a doctor monitors his progress from Base Camp. You can learn more abou the expedion on the Official Website, where they will be conducting live web conferences from the high camps once the climb is underway. Good luck Phill!