Technically, you could try a “self-organized” climb with no guide. You’d still need a permit, but you’d save on guide fees ($10,000 to $20,000). The catch? You’d need to prove you’ve climbed a 7,000-meter peak before—and then survive the Icefall without someone checking your oxygen dial. Most people who try this don’t come back. So, uh, maybe don’t. (I’m not your mom, but I’m your conscience.)
The Real Cost: Beyond Money
Here’s the thing nobody tells you: the financial cost is only half the story. The real price is the risk. One in 40 climbers dies on Everest. That’s a 2.5% mortality rate. For comparison, the chance of dying in a skydiving accident is about 0.001%. So your $70,000 investment comes with a 1-in-40 chance you won’t spend it. That’s expensive, even by Wall Street standards.
But if you’re still reading this—and your bank account isn’t crying—then maybe the cost is worth it. Ask that guy at the bar. He made it to the summit last May. He also lost three toes to frostbite and now wears sandals year-round. He told me, “Best thing I ever did. And the most expensive.”
So, how much will it cost to climb Mount Everest? Everything you have—and maybe a little more than that. The only question is: is your dream worth your dollars? (And your toes?)
