Can I Hike to the Top of Mount Everest? The Real Reasons It’s Not Allowed

When guiding our guests to the Everest Base Camp, one of the questions we often get asked is, “Can I hike to the very top of Mount Everest?”

It is a great question, but for most normal travelers, the honest answer is no, as there are strict government rules for hiking or climbing Mount Everest on both the China and Nepal sides. Besides, the overall cost for summitting Mount Everest can be extremely high as well, especially in China.

So, in this travel guide, we will explore the real reasons why Mount Everest is off-limits to normal travelers and share great alternatives you can experience for hiking around Mount Everest.

The Main Reason Most Travelers Can’t Hike to the Top of Mount Everest

While most travelers can easily visit Everest Base Camp, hiking to the top of Mount Everest is a completely different story. It is the ultimate test of your endurance and spirit, and it also comes with an extremely high cost.

First and foremost, hiking Mount Everest is not like a regular hike. It can only be done as part of a full-scale Mount Everest mountaineering expedition. Such an expedition requires 6 to 12 months of special training, proven high mountain climbing experience, strict permits, professional team support, and more, making it far beyond the reach of most travelers.

Besides, traveling beyond the tourist areas of Everest Base Camp means that you are stepping into the core area of Mount Everest. Here, the extreme altitude (6,000m to 8,848.86m), hostile weather, and treacherous terrain (towering ice blocks and deep ice holes, and cracks) pose a big challenge to one’s safety, and human activities can also impact the fragile ecosystem of Mount Everest.

Therefore, to protect your safety and the Everest‘s vulnerable ecosystem, both China and Nepal have set strict rules and requirements for anyone attempting to summit Mount Everest, as shown below.

Latest Requirements to Climb Mount Everest in 2026: Nepal vs China

Requirement	Nepal	China
Experience	7,000m+ climbing experience	8,000m+ climbing experience
Permit	US$15,000 per climber	US$15,800 to 18,000 per climber
Guide	1 Sherpa guide for every 2 climbers on 8,000m+ peaks	1 Sherpa guide for 1 climber on 8,000m+ peaks
Team	No minimum team size required, but solo climbing is banned	Join an authorized Everest expedition team of at least 4 climbers
Health	Medical certificate from a government-approved hospital, issued within 30 days	Medical certificate from a government-approved hospital, issued within 30 days
Travel Insurance	Minimum coverage of $37,600; mandatory	Minimum coverage of $40,000; mandatory
Waste Management	Carry down at least 8kg of trash and all poop bags; pay $4,000 deposit per climber	Put all trash and human waste into special bags and carry them downhill; submit an environmental protection plan; US$700 to 7,000 fine for violation
Tracking Device	Carry real-time GPS & tracking gear	Wear the Beidou tracking system, a smart wearable device to check vitals, plus drone patrols

In addition, you will also need to consider the cost of joining a Mount Everest expedition team and the logistics that come with it, including experienced Sherpa guides, tips, professional climbing gear, oxygen supplies, meals, emergency evacuation support, weather updates, and other personal expenses.

So, overall, the estimated total cost for climbing Mount Everest in Nepal comes to around US $45,000 to $60,000, while summiting Everest from the China side is roughly US $70,000 to $98,000.

With such high expenses, hiking Mount Everest is almost a mission impossible for most everyday travelers. It is more of a once-in-a-lifetime dream for those who can afford it.

The climbers are trying to reach the top of Mount Everest from Nepal’s side.

But Hiking around Mount Everest Is a Great Option for Tourists

For most travelers, a more affordable and realistic way to feel the true power of Mount Everest is to enjoy the scenic hikes around this world’s tallest mountain, whether on the Nepal side or the China side.

The Best Mount Everest Trek in Nepal

Nepal has long been known as a paradise for outdoor adventure in the Himalayan regions. And the classic 2-week trek from Lukla to Nepal Everest Base Camp (5,364m) is arguably one of the most popular hikes in the world. Every year, thousands of global travelers flock to Nepal and embark on the well-trodden trails to discover the stunning Himalayan vistas and experience the warm and vibrant Sherpa culture along the way.

One of the biggest draws of this classic Nepal Everest Base Camp trek is the way the diverse landscapes and local experiences unfold step by step as you walk toward EBC. Every day brings something new, and the journey feels like a gentle, beautiful introduction to life in the Himalayas.

Hiking under the crystal-clear Himalayan skies, you will cross suspension bridges draped with colorful prayer flags, wander through traditional Sherpa villages (Namche Bazaar), and follow scenic trails that lead you past pine forests, peaceful monasteries, glacial rivers, sheer cliffs, and wide high-altitude valleys where yaks graze quietly. The scenery changes magically as you ascend higher, and each part of the trail has its own charm.

Besides, as the Nepal EBC trek is a well-developed trekking route, along the way, you can stay in cozy, traveler-friendly teahouses, enjoy warm bowls of dal bhat (the beloved staple of Nepali food), and share friendly chats with locals and fellow trekkers. Surrounded by stunning Himalayan views and the warm, welcoming Sherpa people, each day is filled with pure joy and new discoveries to relish.

And when you pause to marvel at Mount Everest glowing above the horizon at sunrise or sunset from famous viewpoints (like Tengboche or Kala Pattar), you will know exactly why travelers from every corner of the world dream of exploring this world-class trek.

Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal with stunning Himalayan views at Tengboche.

Explore the mighty Himalayas on Nepal’s most iconic Everest Base Camp trek.

The Best Mount Everest Trek in Tibet

On the other hand, since Mount Everest straddles the border between Nepal and China, the Tibet side of China also offers 2 off-the-beaten-path treks leading toward the Tibet Everest Base Camp. These trekking routes are quieter, wilder, and perfect for travelers looking for a more immersive Himalayan experience, plus epic Mount Everest views along the way.

The first classic Mount Everest trek in Tibet is the 4-day Old Tingri to Everest Base Camp trek. This 72 km route takes you deep into the hidden central Himalayas, across quiet nomadic valleys, and through remote Tibetan villages and monasteries, with the majestic Mount Everest (8,848,86m) and Mt. Cho Oyu (8,188m, the world’s sixth-highest peak) always keeping watch over you.

Along the way, you will meet friendly Tibetan herdsmen and see how locals survive on the harsh Tibetan Plateau with wisdom and optimism, and marvel at stunning Himalayan landscapes unknown to most travelers. When you cross the Nam-La Valley and descend toward Rongbuk Monastery (5,154m), the highest monastery in the world, you will have a sense of great achievement. As you take the final steps toward Tibet EBC, the unobstructed north face of Mount Everest rises grand and powerful before you, a breathtaking reward for every step you’ve taken.

Embark on the classic Old Tingri to Tibet Everest Base Camp trek to explore remote Tibetan villages and hidden Himalayan views.

If you are looking for the ultimate Mount Everest and Himalayan adventure, the legendary 8-day Gama Valley trek, which takes you into a secluded Himalayan paradise on the eastern slope of Mount Everest, can be your best bet.

The renowned Gama Valley was already celebrated by early 20th-century British explorers as “the most beautiful valley in Tibet” because of its rich biodiversity and breathtaking Himalayan scenery.

Along the trail, you will walk through lush Rhododendron forests, crystal-clear streams, alpine meadows, picturesque ponds, and beneath snow-capped Himalayan peaks. You will also pass through the otherworldly Orchid Valley, blanketed with rare and colorful wildflowers. At times, it truly feels as if you’re stepping into a surreal, heavenly world.

One of the must-see highlights of the Gama Valley trek comes when you camp at Tsosho-rim, a peaceful alpine meadow near quiet glacial ponds. At sunset, you will witness a magical sight as Mount Everest (8,844.43 m) and the 3 other towering Himalayan peaks shimmer in golden light, perfectly reflected on the mirror-like pond. This golden Himalayan panorama will become one of the most unforgettable moments of your Gama Valley trek and leave you in awe.

Mount Everest and the three Himalayan giants shimmer in golden light, reflected on a tranquil pond.

Discover the secret Orchid Valley and the epic eastern slope of Mount Everest on the thrilling Gama Valley trek.

Tibet Everest Hiking vs Nepal Everest Hiking, How Should I Choose?

Hiking in Nepal and Tibet offers completely different travel experiences, stunning Himalayan views, and varying costs.

If you are first-time trekkers and prefer a mix of adventure and comfort, the classic 14-day Nepal Everest Base Camp trek shall be your go-to choice.

Since overseas travelers can visit Nepal Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) independently, once you have the necessary permits, you can follow the well-trodden EBC trek route from Lukla all the way to base camp. Along the way, you can stay in cozy teahouses, get supplies from bustling Sherpa villages, or even hire a Sherpa porter to help you. It’s all very manageable for most travelers.

Explore the mighty Himalayas on Nepal’s most iconic Everest Base Camp trek.

If you want to see Mount Everest in all its splendor and enjoy a more immersive, spiritual adventure at the heart of the Himalayas, then the 4-day Old Tingri to Tibet Everest Base Camp trek and the legendary 8-day Gama Valley trek on the eastern slope of Mount Everest on Tibet’s side will be the perfect choices for you.

Geographically, the neighboring towering peaks block a large part of Mount Everest in Nepal, so you can only get a glimpse of a small part of Everest’s south face. Even from the best viewpoint (Kala Pattar). However, during the Tibet Everest Base Camp Trek from Old Tingri, you are treated to a panoramic, unobstructed view of Mount Everest’s north face. It is more dramatic than what you see in Nepal.

So, for both the most jaw-dropping Mount Everest views and Mount Everest photography, go for the Tibet Everest Base Camp trek.

Embark on the classic Old Tingri to Tibet Everest Base Camp trek to explore remote Tibetan villages and amazing Himalayan views.

Besides, the Tibet Everest hiking feels wilder and more remote and gives you a true sense of adventure on the Roof of the World. Here, most trails are unmarked and far less crowded than Nepal’s side. Our local Tibetan guides and porters will be by your side every step of the adventure. They will help you cook meals, guide you along the path, and share their deep knowledge of Tibetan culture and the breathtaking landscapes around you.

What’s more, due to the high altitude (above 4,500m) in the Everest region in Tibet, you will also need to hire Tibetan yaks and their grooms to carry food, oxygen supplies, and camping gear. When you camp with our local Tibetan guide and sleep under the stars at the foot of Mount Everest, with the stunning Milky Way above, you are savoring an unforgettable adventure of a lifetime!

Our guests are enjoying a cozy meal beside the warm tent in the serene Gama Valley.

Discover the secret Orchid Valley and the epic eastern slope of Mount Everest on the thrilling Gama Valley trek.

More Insider Tips for Mount Everest Hiking

As to the permit for Mount Everest trek in Nepal, you need to have the Trekking Information Management System Card (TIMS, US$20 per traveler), the Sagarmatha National Park permit, and the Khumbu Municipality permit in Kathmandu, which are essential for visiting the Everest region in Nepal.

Besides, to get to Lukla, trekking head of the Nepal Everest Base Camp trek, you can board the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla in around 45 minutes. During the high season, when Kathmandu to Lukla flights are sold out, you can also choose to fly from Ramechhap in 20 minutes.

On the other hand, since overseas travelers can only visit Tibet through a pre-booked and guided Tibet tour, as a local Tibet travel agency, we will help you get a Tibet Travel Permit for free. So, you can legally board the flight or scenic Tibet train to Lhasa, the capital and spiritual heart of Tibet.

Our local Tibetan guide will take care of the rest, including transportation, dining, and arranging hotels, camping gear, yak caravan, porter, oxygen supplies, and more for you. So, you can enjoy an immersive travel experience for the Mount Everest trek in Tibet.

The best time for the Nepal Everest Base Camp trek is between March to May, and Late September to November.

During these two periods of time, it effectively skips the annoying monsoon season in Nepal. The air feels crisp, with almost no clouds. You can enjoy stunning panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and other stunning peaks along the trek. Besides, the weather is sunny and pleasantly warm during the day. It can’t be better for the long days of trekking to the Everest Base Camp.

Whereas, on Tibet’s side, the best time for the Tibet Everest Base Camp trek is April to early June, and September to October.

Enjoying the trek to the Tibet Everest Base Camp during this time allows you to enjoy the clearest Himalayan skies, crisp air, and milder temperatures on the Tibetan Plateau. The Everest routes from Tibet are also at their best. You can enjoy a smooth ride from Lhasa to the trekking head in Tingri County and join our local Tibetan guide to explore the hidden Everest region to your heart’s content.

Alternatively, if you plan to explore Everest Base Camp in both Tibet and Nepal, as a local Tibetan agency with our headquarters in Lhasa and a branch in Kathmandu, we offer you smooth border transfers from Tibet to Kathmandu, allowing you to seamlessly continue your Everest adventure from Tibet to Nepal, 100% worry-free.

Travel across the mighty Himalayas from Lhasa to Kathmandu with our smooth border transfer service.

Conclusion

While hiking to the very top of Mount Everest may not be an option for most normal travelers, that doesn’t mean you can’t experience the awe-inspiring beauty and thrill of this legendary mountain.

Whether you choose to trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal or Tibet, the adventure offers unforgettable views, rich culture, and a true sense of accomplishment. As a local Tibet travel agency, with offices in Lhasa and Kathmandu, we are ready to offer you the one-stop service to make the most of your Mount Everest tour.

If you have more questions about the Himalayan tour, don’t hesitate to email us for free and expert travel solutions! Looking forward to joining you to explore the world’s highest peak and intriguing local Tibetan culture in Lhasa soon, Tashi Delek!