1) What you’re paying for
Most expedition prices are a bundle of access, logistics, staffing, and contingency. Where companies differ is how much they include, and the level of support they provide.
Access (permits and compliance)
- Peak permits / park fees / local taxes
- Route authorisations and mandatory liaison services (where applicable)
- Environmental deposits and waste management requirements (varies by region)
Logistics (getting people and equipment on the mountain)
- Transport (flights/jeeps), cargo handling, porters/yaks
- Hotels before/after, base camp setup (tents, kitchen, comms)
- Food systems, staff wages, and equipment freight
On-mountain support (what changes safety and comfort)
- Guide-to-client ratio and Sherpa support model
- High camps, fixed ropes (where relevant), and summit day resources
- Medical kit, comms, and oxygen strategy (if applicable)
2) The biggest price drivers
If you see a big gap between quotes, it’s usually because of one (or more) of these items:
Included vs excluded fees
Some operators quote a lower “headline price” but exclude mandatory fees (permits, transfers, hotels, liaison services). Always request a written list of Included and Excluded.
Guide ratios and support level
A lower client-to-guide ratio and stronger summit-day staffing usually costs more, but it can also improve decision-making and resilience when conditions change.
High camp infrastructure and logistics style
Private tents, stronger base camp facilities, and robust camp systems add cost. Some teams run shared logistics to reduce price, others run more private logistics for flexibility.
Oxygen plan (for high altitude peaks where relevant)
Oxygen strategy can dramatically affect total price. Compare how many bottles are included, whether there’s spare oxygen, and what the typical flow rate assumptions are.
3) Local vs international operators
“Local vs international” is often more about bundling and overheads than quality. A local operator may be cheaper because they have lower overheads and direct local logistics. An international operator may include more pre-trip support and bundle more services.
- Local operators often offer strong value with optional add-ons.
- International operators often bundle more services and support into the base price.
Your job is to compare like-for-like: inclusions, ratios, logistics model, and what happens if plans change.
4) A simple comparison checklist
- Same season/window: Peak dates can inflate logistics costs.
- Written inclusions: permits, transfers, hotels, camps, oxygen plan (if relevant).
- Ratios and staffing: guide/client ratio, Sherpa support, summit day staffing.
- Contingency: buffer days, weather strategy, reschedule/refund rules.
- Operational clarity: clear answers beat marketing language.
Next: use this booking checklist guide: Choosing an Expedition Company.
Next steps: compare companies by mountain
Start with a mountain page and compare operators side-by-side:
FAQ
Why is one quote “all-in” while another looks cheaper?
Many cheaper quotes exclude big-ticket items (permits, transfers, hotels, high camp support, oxygen). Always compare a written included/excluded list and estimate total cost.
Is cheaper always riskier?
Not always. Some local operators provide excellent value. The risk is unclear inclusions or under-resourced logistics. If the operator can’t explain the plan clearly, it’s a red flag.
What should I check first?
Inclusions, ratios, and contingency planning. Then compare contract terms and what happens if the itinerary changes.