The Government of Nepal has collected Rs 1 Crores 34 lakhs 54 thousands 550 rupees (Rs. 1,34,54,550) in climbing royalty fees from mountaineers attempting Dhaulagiri during the current spring climbing season.
According to Nisha Thapa Raut, Director at the Department of Tourism, a total of 30 climbers, including 18 men and 12 women, from four expedition teams have obtained permits to climb the world’s seventh-highest mountain this season. Located in Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality–4 of Myagdi district, Dhaulagiri stands at an elevation of 8,167 metres and is regarded as one of Nepal’s most technically challenging mountains.
Dhaulagiri Considered One of Nepal’s Most Difficult Peaks
Mountain tourism experts say the mountain’s unpredictable weather conditions and rugged geography make it one of the more difficult Himalayan peaks for climbers. Former Gandaki Province President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, Sheshkanta Sharma, said changing weather patterns remain one of the biggest challenges for expeditions.
“The geographical structure and rapidly changing weather conditions make the mountain a difficult mountain for climbers,” Sharma said. “It is especially popular among mountaineers seeking high-risk adventure climbing experiences.” Compared to this season’s 30 permits, a total of 36 climbers had received permission to climb Dhaulagiri during the previous climbing season.
Historic Importance in Himalayan Mountaineering
The 7th highest mountain holds a special place in Nepal’s mountaineering history. The peak was first successfully summited on May 13, 1960, by an expedition team led by Austrian mountaineer Kurt Diemberger. The first ascent team also included Peter Diener, Ernst Forrer, Albin Schelbert, Nima Dorje, and Nawang Dorje.
Following the successful ascent of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri became one of the landmark mountains that helped establish Nepal and Gandaki Province as major destinations for mountaineering tourism before the eventual ascent of Mount Everest.
Preparations Underway for 66th Climbing Day of the 7th highest mountain
To commemorate the first ascent of the mountain, Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) Gandaki and several tourism organizations celebrate May 13 every year as Dhaulagiri Climbing Day. TAAN Gandaki President Krishna Prasad Acharya said preparations are underway to celebrate the 66th anniversary of the first ascent this year. Special events are planned in Mudi village, the final settlement on the route to Dhaulagiri Base Camp.
“We have planned programs to promote the glory of Dhaulagiri as well as tourism in the villages connected to the mountain,” Acharya said. “This year’s celebration will also focus on promoting trekking and mountain tourism in villages such as Muna and Mudi.”
Focus on Promoting Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
Organizers also plan to honor climbers who have successfully summited the 7th highest mountain over the years. Tourism entrepreneurs believe the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek can emerge as an important alternative destination for adventure trekking tourism in Nepal, especially at a time when some traditional trekking trails are gradually disappearing or deteriorating.
Known for its rugged trails passing through rocky cliffs, forests, rivers, and remote mountain terrain, the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is considered one of Nepal’s most adventurous trekking routes. According to local tourism operators, the number of trekkers visiting the region has steadily increased since 2011, reflecting growing international interest in off-the-beaten-path Himalayan adventures.
