Alan Arnette has an excellent post on Outside detailing the costs of reaching Earth’s highest summit, Mount Everest. I’ve never thought about it before but it totally makes sense that there are a lot of things that go on to make that climb, right? And all those things cost a lot of money! Like $83,000 a lot of money.
Arnette details the three ways you can climb Mount Everest: putting together your own expedition, joining a logistics only expedition or joining a fully guided expedition. Fully loaded fully guided expeditions sound fancy — sushi, five star chefs, open bar, espresso machines — but of course, all that pizazz comes with a price, as those climbs can reach more than $100,000 plus tip and bonuses. Logistics only expeditions are considerably cheaper and less fancy but come with very little included. You want oxygen? Pay more. You want to know what the weather will be? Pay more. You get the idea.
The most clear breakdown Arnette gives is in planning your own personal expedition:
Travel expenses: $2,375 – $6,225
Getting to Everest Base Camp: $2,150
Climbing fees and deposits: $19,700 – $37,700
EBC equipment and cooks: $9,300
Oxygen and climbing Sherpas: $8,525
Gear: $7,000
Misc (medical kits, communications, evacuation): $8,250-$12,000
On the high end, that all totals up to $82,900. Is it worth that much money to see our world from its highest point? Maybe! But probably not for regular humans. I mean, as a reference, you can get a Porsche 911 Carrera for $82,100. Mount Everest or a Porsche? Hmm…
Sorry, I’m getting the Porsche and climbing Mount Everest from my couch. [Outside via @erikmal]
https://gizmodo.com/climb-mount-everest-from-your-couch-5800127
