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Security and Environment Deposits:
Most host countries have in recent years begun to levy refundable security deposits that are
returned to expeditions provided there is no cause to charge for environmental or other
damage.

China does not levy a deposit but charges @$ 25 per climber for environmental protection.
India levies non refundable $ 400 as environment protection fees for an expedition up to 16
people, except for trekking peaks.

Nepal takes deposits ranging from $ 4,000 for Mt. Everest /Sagramatha to $2,000 for peaks
below 8000M.

Pakistan asks for $1,000 per expedition as a deposit which is refunded after the liaison officer
clears the expedition, and levies a non-refundable $200 per expedition for environmental
protection.

Liaison Officers:
All host countries require foreign expeditions to take liaison officers from the host
mountaineering organizations. They are expected to assist expeditions, meet regulatory
requirements as well as provide assistance and co-ordination with the local authorities in
times of need. Host countries require that the cost of liaison officers be borne by visiting
expeditions. This includes providing them with equipment, transportation and food. Some
details of regulations governing liaison officers are as follows:-

�

China currently charges $270 to provide equipment to a liaison officer. In addition,

expeditions must pay $ 13 to $ 18 per day as subsidy and $ 10 to $ 13.50 per day
for food.

�

India requires that a liaison officer be treated as a member of the expedition;

equipment is provided by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation for which the
expedition pays $ 500. The IMF gives liaison officers an honorarium of Rs. 6,500
(IR) each.

�

Nepal requires liaison officers be paid Rs. 200 to Rs. 250 (NR) per day in addition

to being provided a full set of equipment.

�

Pakistan obliges expeditions to bear the full costs of a liaison officer, including the

provision of equipment. It gives the liaison officer the option of a daily allowance of
$20 outside the mountain areas in lieu of food and accommodation and $10 per
day for food while on the expedition.

Porters and Headmen:
Strict regulations govern the use of local porters, headmen and employees on expeditions in
all four host countries.

High altitude porters are required to be equipped for their tasks and fed appropriately; in
China, however, expeditions are charged a daily subsidy of $ 12 to 15 and food allowance of
$10 to $13.5 per day in addition to equipment charge of between $200 and $405.

The separate mountaineering associations specify wages and equipment lists for different
categories of porters.