Everest North Side vs South Side

By Blake Penson, Experienced mountaineer · Everest summiteer · Seven Summits climber · 20 years in the mountains · Industry expert
Last updated: 20 October 2026

Short answer: The South Side (Nepal) is more popular and better supported, but you have to cross the Khumbu Icefall. The North Side (Tibet) avoids the Icefall and is less crowded, but it's colder and windier, with a longer summit day high on the ridge and access that depends on Chinese permits. Published 2027 South Col fees start at US$41,000; north-side programmes start at US$110,000. All-in, most climbers spend US$53,000–US$184,500. ^[1][2]

Short answer, in my words

I've thought about this choice more than most, because it's the first one every Everest climber makes. Both routes are excellent and both have killed people. The South Side is where most of the market is, which brings more choice, more competition on price and better rescue. The North Side is quieter and avoids the Icefall, but it's colder, the summit day is long and exposed, and you're at the mercy of Chinese permits.

For most people in 2027 the South Side is the practical choice. Here's why, with real numbers.

Who is this guide for?

Anyone choosing between Everest's two standard routes for 2027 or 2028.

What Everest costs in 2027: the full breakdown

These are the same figures I use on my Everest cost page, so every Everest page on this site adds up the same way. The operator fee includes the US$15,000 spring permit on almost every commercial team ^[6]. Extras add US$12,000 at the low end, US$23,000 typically and US$39,500 at the high end, for an all-in total of US$53,000–US$184,500.

How I read those columns: low is someone who already owns their kit, books early and flies on a sale fare; high is a first-timer buying everything new with a buffer for delays. Most people I advise land near the typical column.

Everest operators on both sides with published 2027 prices

These are the prices each operator publishes on its own website, per person, checked on 20 October 2026, sorted from cheapest to most expensive. It's a list, not a ranking, and inclusions differ, so read the small print before comparing numbers. Operators that only quote on enquiry are left out because I can't verify them.

The spread is normal: local operators have lower overheads, while Western-led teams add an international guide, smaller groups and more support. I'd shortlist two or three teams across the range, then decide on leadership, ratios and reviews rather than price alone.

Side by side

Why the North costs more

The North Side market is mostly premium, fast programmes from Western operators, so its published prices start higher. Chinese permit and logistics costs are bundled into the fee and aren't public. The South Side has dozens of Nepali operators competing, which keeps the budget tier around US$41,000–54,500.

Which side is safer?

Neither is safe. The South's Icefall is the big objective hazard; the North's long summit day above 8,000 m, cold and limited rescue are the main risks there. For records by route I use the Himalayan Database ^[18] and Alan Arnette's season reports ^[19].

Altitude, health and insurance

Before any high-altitude trip I'd see a doctor who understands altitude, and read the UIAA Medical Commission's advice ^[20] and the CDC's guidance on altitude illness ^[21]. On Everest the main risks are acute mountain sickness and, if you go up too fast, high-altitude cerebral or pulmonary oedema. Make sure your insurance explicitly covers trekking or climbing at your maximum altitude and includes helicopter evacuation; a Global Rescue annual medical membership was US$385 in 2026, with its high-altitude package adding US$495 ^[22][5].

Hidden costs that catch people

These are the costs I see people forget most often.

• Tibet closure risk. If the North closes, you may lose flights and part of your fee.
• Lukla flights. On the South, weather delays and helicopter upgrades add cost.
• Summit bonuses. On both sides.
• Visa and group permit days. On the North, paperwork in Kathmandu or Lhasa takes time.

How to save money without cutting safety

• Choose the South for price competition and flexibility.
• On the North, pay only a refundable deposit until permits are confirmed.
• Book early: many operators publish early-booking prices or fill their cheapest departures first.
• Buy or rent quality secondhand gear, but never skimp on boots, gloves or a sleeping bag rated for the conditions.
• Pay deposits by credit card and buy cancellation cover the day you pay.
• Compare inclusions line by line; a cheaper headline price with more exclusions often ends up dearer.
• Never save money on guide ratio, insurance or acclimatisation days.

Questions I would ask any operator before paying a deposit

1. Who is my expedition leader, and how many Everest summits do they have?
2. What is the summit-day Sherpa ratio, in writing?
3. How many oxygen bottles per climber, at what flow rate, and how many reserves are stocked at the South Col?
4. What is the turnaround time and who enforces it?
5. Is the summit bonus compulsory, and how much is it?
6. Who pays if the route or permit is closed?
7. What is excluded from the price?
8. Which forecaster do you use?
9. Is there a doctor at base camp?
10. Can I speak to two clients from last season?

Where prices are heading for 2027

Nepal raised the spring royalty from US$11,000 to US$15,000 on 1 September 2025 ^[6][23]. Sherpa wages, insurance and helicopter costs keep rising, while competition keeps the budget tier around US$41,000–54,500. I expect most 2027 prices to hold, with 3–10% rises for 2028.

My booking timeline

1. 12 months out: shortlist two or three operators, read verified reviews and ask the questions above.
2. 9–12 months out: pay the deposit by credit card and buy cancellation cover the same day.
3. 6–9 months out: start structured training and book changeable international flights.
4. 3–6 months out: buy or rent gear, test it on a training trip, and confirm insurance covers your maximum altitude and evacuation.
5. 1–3 months out: pay the balance, confirm permits and inclusions in writing, and taper training.
6. Departure: carry cash for tips and fees, and copies of your insurance and permits.

Other sources I checked for this page: Alpenglow Expeditions – Everest North Lightning Ascent 2027 ^[24].

My verdict

In 2027 I'd choose the South Side for most climbers: more operators, lower prices, better rescue and no permit uncertainty. The North is a fine route for experienced climbers on premium programmes who accept the access risk.

Want verified client reviews before you book? See ExpedReview: South Col vs North Ridge · ExpedReview: Everest cost and review data · ExpedReview: Everest deaths.

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