So, what do we know about climbing Mount Everest?
It’s a big deal, one of those things some people are driven to do before they die- a massive undertaking, to be sure. We know that now you can check-in to a social network or location aware app from the upper reaches of the mountain , thanks to enhanced data signals now available. And we know that it can be a considerably deadly task, trails littered with the corpses of those who succumbed to the elements in their quest to reach the top of Mount Everest. (In fact, one of the funnier comments I saw once on the internet said that there is an easy way to avoid dying climbing Mount Everest, simply by not climbing Mount Everest- a preventive cure that is 100% effective.)
Massive adventurous expeditions have always been the domain of the wealthy and ennui-ridden, to a degree, as well, because the rest of us have jobs and mundane lives to contend with- try telling your Walmart general manager you need a few months off to scale Everest and see if your job is waiting when you come back. But this week, Outside magazine looked at the actual cost outlay for climbing the mountain, and it turns out that even if most of us had the time and inclination, the happy little jaunt would be out of our financial depths.
According to experienced climber Alan Arnette via TIME , the manual transmission, no leather version of an Everest climb will run you about thirty-five large:
According to Arnette’s estimates, the absolute lowest possible cost, without sacrificing safety, would be around $35,000. And that’s if you go as part of a seven-person team. To fly solo, expenses would total around $60,000. Gear, food, oxygen and tents aren’t the only necessities, Arnette explains. Each expedition must also pay for a permit, liaison officer, visa, park fee, waste deposit, insurance — not to mention a ticket to Nepal. Climbing solo could cost you up to $83,000. In other words, two years at NYU or five Toyota Corollas.
Arnette says climbers with experience can shave about five grand from their trip cost, but that still leaves the price tag at more than what many Americans make in a year. However, if you have beaucoup bucks and dream of climbing Everest, a more luxurious trip can be had, and run you about $100K. Would you drop $35,000 or more to climb Mount Everest before you die, or is the money better spent on cocaine and loose women?
