Kathmandu, Nepal – Preparations are underway for the spring climbing season on Mount Everest, with Nepalese authorities increasing fees and implementing new regulations for those seeking to summit the world’s highest peak. The changes come as the region braces for another busy season, with teams of “Icefall Doctors” already working to secure the route through the treacherous Khumbu Icefall.
The annual effort to develop the ascent route navigable is now underway. These highly skilled Sherpas, known as the “Icefall Doctors,” are responsible for repairing ropes, replacing ladders, and forging new paths through the constantly shifting icefalls. Their work is critical for the safety of the hundreds of climbers who attempt to reach the 8,849-meter (29,031.7-foot) summit each year. “Our eight-member team has reached base camp and has begun work,” said Lama Kazi Sherpa, chairman of the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee, to the Agence France-Presse (AFP).
The Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee not only oversees route preparation but also manages cleanliness in the region. Before beginning the physical work of securing the route, the team will conduct a traditional ceremony to seek divine blessings for a safe and successful climbing season.
Alongside the route preparation, Nepal is also addressing the growing issue of waste left behind by climbers. New regulations require all climbers to bring down a minimum of two kilograms (4.4 pounds) of trash from Camp 2, a crucial acclimatization point on the mountain. The use of “poop bags” is now mandatory for all climbers, aiming to improve sanitation and reduce environmental impact.
Mount Everest Ascent Costs Significantly Increase
Perhaps the most significant change for prospective climbers is a substantial increase in permit fees. The cost to obtain a permit to climb Mount Everest is rising from $11,000 to $15,000 USD (approximately €9,500 to €13,000), a nearly 36% increase. This fee covers the right to attempt the summit for one year and along a single route. It’s important to note that this cost is separate from the expenses associated with the overall expedition, which can include logistical support, Sherpa guides, oxygen, and equipment.
Despite the increased costs, expedition operators in Kathmandu do not anticipate a significant drop in the number of climbers. They are currently preparing for the spring season, though concerns remain about potential flight disruptions due to geopolitical instability, specifically referencing the Iran-Korea conflict, according to Dambar Parajuli, president of the Expedition Operators Association.
Nepal has turn into a global hub for mountaineering, boasting eight of the world’s ten highest peaks. The sport has evolved into a lucrative industry, with approximately 800 people successfully summiting Mount Everest in 2025, according to data from the Nepal Tourism Board. The increasing popularity of Everest, and high-altitude mountaineering in general, has created both economic opportunities and environmental challenges for the region.
The role of the Icefall Doctors is often overlooked, yet they are indispensable to the success of any Everest expedition. As detailed by Himalayan-Masters.com, these Sherpas possess unparalleled mountain expertise, specializing in ice path management. They bridge deep crevasses with aluminum ladders and secure the route with fixed ropes, maintaining them throughout the season until the end of May. The work is incredibly dangerous, as the Khumbu Icefall is constantly moving, and ice towers can collapse at any time.
This season’s Icefall Doctors include Ang Sarki Sherpa, Chhewang Nuru Sherpa, Dawa Jangbu Sherpa, Dawa Nuru Sherpa, Mingma Temba Sherpa, Pemba Tshering Sherpa, Sonam Tshering Sherpa, and Tenzing Dorjee Sherpa. Ang Sarki Sherpa, the most senior member of the team, has been working as an Icefall Doctor since 2008. These individuals earn between $2,500 and $3,000 USD for their efforts during the season.
The Icefall Doctors recently completed a three-day first-aid course in Lukla in January and are currently undergoing ice training at the Khumbu Climbing Center in Phortse, a village renowned for its high concentration of experienced climbers. Around 80 residents of Phortse have summited Mount Everest, demonstrating the village’s deep connection to the mountain.
The combination of increased fees, new waste management regulations, and the ongoing efforts of the Icefall Doctors signals a shift in Nepal’s approach to managing Mount Everest. The goal is to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the need to protect the fragile mountain environment and ensure the safety of climbers. The spring climbing season will be a crucial test of these new measures.
Looking ahead, the spring climbing season on Mount Everest is expected to officially begin in April, weather permitting. Climbers and expedition teams will continue to arrive at base camp in the coming weeks, preparing for their attempts to reach the summit. The Nepal Tourism Board will closely monitor the situation, providing updates on climbing conditions and any further changes to regulations.
