In a move that will make summit selfies even more expensive, Nepal is hiking permit fees to climb Mount Everest by 36%, bringing the cost to a staggering $15,000 starting this September.

Starting in September, aspiring Everest climbers will dig deeper into their pockets as Nepal raises permit fees by a hefty 36%, the first increase in nearly a decade. While the $15,000 price tag may deter some, many seasoned climbers remain undeterred—citing their desire for that perfect selfie with a backdrop of garbage and jagged rocks. This fee hike, aimed at boosting revenue for the country, will also apply to winter and fall climbing seasons, proving that climbing the world’s tallest mountain now comes with not just altitude, but also a hefty price tag.

For those planning to scale Everest during the iconic September-November or December-February climbing seasons, the permit fees will now be $7,500 and $3,750 respectively—each reflecting a 36% increase. If you're feeling adventurous but budget-conscious, you might want to reconsider that heli-skiing vacation; at least it doesn't come with ice pick fees.

Nepal has long relied on the income generated from these climbing permits and the ensuing spending spree that climbers embark upon. The cold hard cash (which is obviously more valuable than actual snow) provides crucial funding for various employment opportunities and development projects across the region. Some might say it’s a win-win situation, as the inquisitive climbers not only get a robust workout but also contribute to the economy—even while losing oxygen on the way to the Summit.

Interestingly, expedition organizers are cautiously optimistic that the fee hike will not deter the throngs of climbers who vie for their shot at glory on Everest. Lukas Furtenbach, the mastermind behind Furtenbach Adventures, remarked that the fee increase is an understandable step from the government, as ‘no one climbs Everest with chump change.’ Well, that's one way to ensure that only the financially elite tread upon Sir Edmund Hillary's hallowed footpaths.

However, it remains unclear how this additional revenue will be allocated. Regmi, a government spokesperson, did not specify what fabulous things climbers could expect from their newfound sliding-scale permit fees. Perhaps more cleaning campaigns, which have been occurring regularly to scoop up the refuse of past expeditions? After all, Everest has a reputation for being a trashiest spot on Earth; you can’t spell 'climb' without ‘C-R-A-P’ lurking somewhere among those rocks.

Concerns about overcrowding have regularly cast a shadow on the breathtaking beauty of Everest. With criticism arising over Nepal's leniency towards large influxes of hopeful climbers, many are keen to see if this price surge might just temper the traffic jams that characterize the mountain's notorious climbing seasons. Despite these concerns, around 300 permits are still issued annually, suggesting that Everest remains a prime destination for anyone with a dream of conquering heights—or at a minimum, a good Instagram account.

In addition to financial motivations, environmental issues are steadily creeping into the conversation. Climbers have observed that Mount Everest has become increasingly parched and rocky, a trend attributed to global warming and environmental changes. This provides a not-so-subtle reminder that, as thrilling as a summit selfie might seem, the backdrop of thinning ice and increasing debris does come at a cost to our planet's health.

It’s worth noting that these changes aren’t entirely lost on the local authorities. Regmi also pointed out that cleaning campaigns are actively conducted to collect rubbish and maintain some semblance of the mountain's natural charm. There’s just something poetic about a climate crisis meeting petty cash dilemmas as climbers navigate the thin air and thin wallets up high.

While some may squawk about the rising fees, it seems that most climbers are willing to pay the extra cash for the privilege of climbing Mount Everest. Who knew using your credit card for affording elevation could come with such unforeseen challenges?

In the end, climbing Everest is no small feat, but with these new prices, aspiring adventurers will not only need determination and stamina—they might also need to seek financial advice. So pack those trust funds, because climbing into the clouds now requires not just physical exertion but top-notch funding.