Adventurers wanting to take on Mount Everest during the most popular season will have to pay 36% more in fees to climb the highest mountain on Earth.
Reuters reported that beginning in September, Nepal plans to increase permit fees from $11,000 to $15,000 for the popular April-May season along the standard South East Ridge, or South Col route.
Those seeking permits in the September-November season will pay $7,500, while those planning to climb in December-February will pay $3,750, Reuters reported.
The permit fees from climbers are an important revenue source for Nepal. The steep price increase marks the first time in about a decade that Nepal raised the cost to climb Everest.
About 300 permits are issued annually, Reuters reported. Expedition organizers said they expect the price hike will cool some of the interest in climbing the mountain.
High death rates on the mountain prompted officials to distribute electronic chips to climbers to aid in rescue efforts during emergencies.