COST OF CLIMBING MT. EVEREST JUST WENT UP

Do you want to climb Mt. Everest? It’ll now cost you more. The country of Nepal is increasing the climbing permit fee, from $11,000 to $15,000. Climbing fees are a key source of revenue and employment for Nepal. About 300 permits are issued each year for Everest.
* Unbelievable! I am SERIOUSLY considering cancelling my trip.
* I mean – $15,000? For that much, I could spend an entire weekend at Disneyland!
* Is there a toll gate of some sort at the bottom? Is there a guy halfway up who checks your ticket?
* What sort of amenities will I be getting for that extra cost? An extra sherpa? A mint on my pillow every night? Clean restrooms on the way up?
* So the entire country of Nepal depends on $4,500,000 a year? You can’t even buy a U.S. Congressman for that little money.