Let’s do some rough math. A budget, no-frills guided trip (with a dodgy company) might run you $40,000. But you get what you pay for. And what you pay for might be a rescue.
A professionally guided trip with a top Western company? That’s $65,000 to $100,000. And that’s tight. That’s without the spa treatments.
What about the absolute cheapest option? Going solo, no support, no oxygen, like a total legend? That’s still $30,000 for permits and basic gear. And a much higher chance of becoming a frozen statistic.
Is it worth it? That’s the million-dollar question. Or, you know, the $70,000 question.
You’re basically paying the price of a luxury SUV to stand on a pile of snow for fifteen minutes. While shivering. And possibly hallucinating.
But hey, it’s the roof of the world. And that view? It’s absolutely free. After you pay for the oxygen.
So, start saving now. Maybe sell a kidney. Or just buy a really good lottery ticket. Either way, get the good insurance.
And whatever you do, don’t forget the chocolate. You’ll need it.
