The world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, saw no successful summits last year for the first time in 41 years. This year, however, there has been a “climbing boom,” and the cost of climbing has risen accordingly. Many aspiring mountaineers say they need to prepare at least NT$2 million, and some are lamenting the “commercialization of Everest” and that it’s “becoming too expensive to climb.”
Although no one reached the summit last year, interest in climbing Everest has been growing year by year. Last year, the Everest Base Camp received over 40,000 visitors, with ticket sales alone bringing in 14 million RMB.
With the golden climbing season from April to June approaching, Everest is seeing a rise in climbers attempting the summit. In recent years, the cost of climbing Everest has surged, nearly doubling compared to five years ago, and those wanting to summit now need to prepare at least NT$2 million.
This sky-high climbing cost includes expenses for accommodation, meals, transportation, high-altitude medical personnel, and professional guides during the expedition. Equipment costs are just part of the total — specialized gear such as high-altitude boots, safety ropes, ice axes, and warm clothing can cost nearly NT$300,000 for a full set. High-altitude oxygen bottles are also priced per unit.
The high cost of climbing has led many mountaineers to comment that Everest has become overly commercialized, making it unaffordable for the average climber. Some describe Everest as a “world peak paved with cash” or “an activity for the wealthy.” Some climbers have even resorted to risky “illegal ascents,” choosing to climb in non-official seasons with self-provided gear, and assembling their own guides and teams.