A total of 648 mountaineers from 69 countries have obtained permits to climb 20 different mountain peaks in Nepal during the upcoming autumn climbing season, according to the Department of Tourism. The department has issued climbing permits to 71 expedition teams, comprising 485 male and 163 female mountaineers, said Suraj Ghimire, Information Officer at the Department of Tourism. The permits cover a range of peaks across Nepal, including some of the country’s prominent eight-thousanders and other high-altitude expedition peaks.
China, Russia and France Among Major Sources of Climbers
The autumn climbing season has attracted mountaineers from a wide range of countries. Among the permit holders, 118 are from China, the highest number from any single country. Russia follows with 57 mountaineers, while France has 51 and the United States has 41.
Similarly, 38 mountaineers from the United Kingdom, 34 from Germany, 21 from Japan, 20 from Nepal, 19 from Poland, 18 from India, 17 from Australia, 16 from Canada, 16 from the Czech Republic, 15 from Spain and 13 from Switzerland have obtained climbing permits. The department has also issued permits to mountaineers from Belgium, Bulgaria, Argentina and several other countries, reflecting the continued international participation in Nepal’s autumn mountaineering season.
Manaslu Remains the Major Attraction
Among the mountains covered by the permits, Mount Manaslu (8,163 meters) has emerged as the most sought-after peak this autumn. A total of 500 mountaineers organized into 43 expedition teams have obtained permits to attempt Manaslu. Manaslu has become one of the major autumn climbing destinations in Nepal, attracting climbers from different parts of the world. Its comparatively established expedition infrastructure and autumn climbing window have contributed to its popularity among international mountaineers. With 500 climbers holding permits for Manaslu alone, the peak accounts for the vast majority of the total climbers who have received permits for the upcoming season.
Dhaulagiri and Other Peaks Attract Expedition Teams
Besides Manaslu, several other Himalayan peaks have also received climbing permits for the autumn season. The department has issued permits to 34 climbers across four expedition teams for Dhaulagiri I. Similarly, 20 climbers from two teams have received permits to climb Putha Hiunchuli, while 16 climbers across two teams have obtained permits for Danga Hiunchuli. A team of 10 climbers has also received a permit to attempt Baruntse Himal.
Permits Issued for Multiple Himalayan Peaks
The autumn climbing season will see expeditions attempting a wide range of peaks beyond the major destinations. According to the Department of Tourism, permits have also been issued for Makalu, Gangapurna West (Langchenel), Thorong Peak, Norbu Khang, Annapurna IV, Chamlang, Lamjung Himal, Pumori, Saribung, Thapa Peak (Dhampus), Pokhar Khang, Ardang and Peri, among other mountains. The diversity of peaks receiving permits demonstrates the broad range of mountaineering opportunities available in Nepal during the autumn season, from major Himalayan summits to technically demanding high-altitude peaks.
Department Collects Over USD 1.57 Million in Royalties
The issuance of climbing permits has also generated significant revenue for the government. The Department of Tourism has collected USD 1,571,659 in royalties, equivalent to approximately NPR 238.96 million, from the permits issued for the autumn climbing season.
The revenue generated through climbing permits forms an important component of government income from Nepal’s mountaineering sector. It also reflects the economic contribution of expedition tourism, which supports a wide network of mountain guides, high-altitude workers, trekking and expedition agencies, accommodation providers, transport operators and other tourism businesses.
Autumn Season Brings Renewed Mountaineering Activity
The latest permit figures indicate continued international interest in Nepal’s mountains during the autumn climbing season. While Manaslu remains the dominant destination in terms of the number of permitted climbers, expeditions are also being organized across numerous peaks in different Himalayan regions.
With 648 mountaineers from 69 countries preparing to undertake expeditions across 20 peaks, the autumn season is set to bring substantial activity to Nepal’s high-altitude tourism sector. The Department of Tourism’s permit and royalty figures also underline the continuing role of mountaineering as an important segment of Nepal’s international adventure tourism industry.
