Can you climb Everest for cheap? No. Absolutely not. If someone offers you a $20,000 deal, run away. They’re probably planning to leave you in a crevasse. The real cost, the true cost, sits around $50,000 to $85,000 for a safe, ethical trip.
And that’s before you count the opportunity cost. A month of your life. The risk of losing toes. The therapy you’ll need after seeing frozen bodies. Pricey stuff.
So, next time you see someone post that summit selfie? Just remember—that smile cost them a brand new SUV. And they probably didn’t even get a complimentary t-shirt. Crazy world, huh?
But hey, if you’ve got the cash and the guts, go for it. Just don’t forget to send me a postcard. And maybe a loan application. Coffee’s on you next time.