Though stories of people scaling Mt. Everest summit are becoming popular, not many know that it costs anywhere between ₹25 lakh and ₹50 lakh per person for the expedition.
It is this exorbitant expenditure that stands out as a heavy factor which makes it tough for a climber to call off the expedition midway if weather or any other situation makes the task difficult.
Depending on the company or expedition leader they chose, the cost varies between ₹25 lakh and ₹50 lakh. The budget could increase if a climber opts for extra precautions or comforts.
“₹30 lakh to ₹50 lakh is a major factor that plays in a climber’s mind while taking a decision to continue or back out of the expedition. People want to at least reach the mountain. However, when one reaches Camp 3 or Camp 4, they refuse to back out. After putting in efforts for 60 days, the thought runs in their minds is that another 10 to 12 hours of efforts will take them to the summit,” said Nitin Somalraju, who took the tough call to back out of summit considering overcrowding, narrow weather window of two days after Camp 4 to reach the peak.
He said leaders or companies which organise the expeditions should give rational suggestions to climbers.
