Nepal has issued climbing permits to 513 climbers from 63 countries for the 2026 autumn mountaineering season, further highlighting the continued international interest in the country’s Himalayan adventure tourism. According to the latest data from the Department of Tourism, recorded as of September 14, 2026, a total of 377 male and 136 female climbers have secured permits for six peaks. The figures show that Nepal’s autumn climbing season is attracting a diverse group of mountaineers from different parts of the world.
Manaslu Dominates Nepal’s Autumn Climbing Season
Mount Manaslu (8,163m) has emerged as the major attraction this autumn, accounting for 466 of the 513 climbing permits. The total includes 342 male and 124 female climbers, making Manaslu the most popular Himalayan peak among foreign climbers this season. The strong turnout follows a steady rise in permit numbers during September.
Recent Department of Tourism figures had already shown Manaslu leading the season, with 451 climbers recorded by September 13. The latest increase further underlines the mountain’s importance to its autumn mountaineering calendar. Mount Makalu (8,463m) has received permits for three male climbers. Although the number is considerably smaller than Manaslu’s, Makalu remains one of Nepal’s major high-altitude mountaineering destinations.
Dhaulagiri and Other Peaks See International Interest
Beyond Manaslu and Makalu, climbers have also chosen several other Himalayan peaks for their autumn expeditions. Danga (6,220m) has received 16 permits, including 14 for men and two for women. Dhaulagiri-I (8,167m) has attracted 19 climbers, with 12 men and seven women receiving permits.
The mountain is the world’s seventh-highest peak and remains one of Nepal’s prominent destinations for high-altitude mountaineering. Meanwhile, Ganggapurna West (Lachanel), standing at 7,240 meters, has received permits for two climbers. Another seven climbers have secured permits for Thorong Peak (6,144m), comprising four men and three women.
China Leads Nepal’s International Climbing Market
Climbers from 63 countries are participating in Nepal’s autumn mountaineering season, with China providing the largest number of permitted climbers. A total of 115 Chinese climbers have received permits, followed by 53 from Russia and 37 from the United States. The United Kingdom has 28 climbers, while France has 27. Germany and Japan have each recorded 16 climbers. The broad participation reflects the continued appeal of Nepal’s mountains among international adventure travelers and professional mountaineers. The country’s Himalayan peaks remain a key component of Nepal’s adventure tourism offering, attracting visitors not only for summit attempts but also for the trekking, expedition and support activities associated with mountaineering.
Autumn Permits Generate US$1.43 Million
The climbing permits issued for the six peaks have generated US$1,434,193 in royalties for the Government of Nepal, adding to the economic contribution of the autumn mountaineering season. The latest figures indicate that Nepal’s 2026 autumn climbing season is gaining momentum, with both established eight-thousanders and lesser-climbed peaks receiving international attention. With climbers from 63 countries involved, the season is also providing continued activity for Nepal’s mountaineering and wider adventure tourism sector.
