MOUNTAINEERING NEWS ITEM

Drop-off Rates for Mount Everest

SUNDAY, 26 AUGUST 2007

In order to attract more mountaineering expeditions, the government of Nepal is planning on reducing the climbing fees for Mount Everest. According to the tourism minister, the government is planning on putting a 50% cut in autumn season fees and a 75% drop in the winter rate. Permits can currently cost about $10,000 a head.

Dozens of mountaineering teams, paying at least $70,000, climb to the 8,850m (29,035ft) summit during the main climbing season that runs from March to May. The cost of equipment, travel, porters and accommodation means that mountaineers can expect to spend on average $25,000 each. But correspondents say the tallest mountain in the world remains virtually deserted in the autumn and winter.

At least 520 climbers reached the summit of Mount Everest from Nepal and Tibet during this year's main climbing season, the highest number since the mountain was first climbed by New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa in 1953. Environmental groups have warned that Mount Everest's fragile biodiversity could be harmed by the increasing numbers of visitors. Observers expect most climbers still to favour the spring because the weather is warmer and there is more daylight.

Source:
http://news.bbc.co.uk

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