Sending the Olympic flame to the top of the world could cost as much as 20 million yuan (US$2.6 million), the Beijing News reported.

The amount would include training and equipment costs for the torch bearers and on facilities required for the trip, according to the Beijing-based newspaper.

"A mountaineering school in Tibet is now training its staff on how to carry out the mission," said Luo Jie, an official with the nation's General Administration of Sports.

"Average people would find it very hard to reach the peak, so Tibetans will carry the torch," he explained.

According to Luo, The official torch relay next year will see no changes to the route plan, which included a successful test climb in May.

The newspaper also reported that in order to adjust to the harsh conditions at the top of the 8,844-meter-high Mt. Qomolongma, also known as Mt.Everest in the west, the torches that will be used on the plateau would burn solid fuel instead of liquid gas.

According to the relay scheme, the flame will light two torches after entering China, with relay runners taking one traveling through provinces, while the other torch will go to the foot of Mt Qomolangma.

Mountaineers bearing the torch will choose a day next May, considered the best climbing season throughout the year, to launch an ascent towards the peak.