Nepal’s spring mountaineering season has witnessed a significant rise in the number of foreign climbers seeking permits to scale the country’s Himalayan peaks, with more than 1,100 mountaineers from around the world already receiving official climbing approvals.
According to the Department of Tourism, a total of 1,181 climbers from 79 countries have obtained permits for various mountain expeditions during the 2026 spring climbing season. Department Information Officer Himal Gautam said the highest number of permits has once again been issued for expeditions to Mount Everest, reflecting the continued global attraction toward the world’s tallest mountain.
Everest Remains Top Destination for International Climbers
According to the department, 494 climbers from 55 countries have received permits to climb Everest this spring season. Chinese climbers account for the largest number of Everest permit holders, with 109 climbers receiving approval to attempt the summit. The United States follows with 77 climbers, while 61 Indian climbers have also secured permits for Everest expeditions.
Similarly, 32 climbers from the United Kingdom, 18 from Russia, 15 from Australia, 14 from Japan, 12 from Nepal, and 10 from Brazil have received Everest climbing permits. Officials say the steady growth in international participation highlights Nepal’s continued importance as the world’s premier mountaineering destination.
Strong Interest in Other Himalayan Peaks
Apart from Everest, several other major Himalayan mountains have also seen strong interest from international climbers this season. The Department of Tourism stated that 143 permits have been issued for climbing Lhotse, the world’s fourth-highest mountain, located adjacent to Everest. Similarly, 111 climbers obtained permits for Ama Dablam, one of Nepal’s most iconic and technically demanding peaks popular among international mountaineers.
The department has also issued 56 permits for Nuptse, 46 for Himlung Himal, 36 for Kanchenjunga, and 30 for Dhaulagiri. In addition, permits have also been granted for several other mountains across Nepal’s Himalayan region.
Mountaineering Generates Billions in Revenue
The growing number of expeditions has also contributed significantly to Nepal’s economy through mountaineering royalty fees. According to official figures, the Department of Tourism has collected a total of Rs 1.258 billion in mountaineering royalty revenue so far this year. Among all peaks, Everest generated the highest revenue, contributing Rs 1.078 billion from climbing permits alone. Lhotse generated Rs 63.62 million in revenue, while Ama Dablam contributed Rs 16.69 million.
Similarly, royalties collected from Kanchenjunga reached Rs 16.08 million, while Annapurna I contributed Rs 12.04 million and Dhaulagiri-I generated Rs 13.45 million. Officials say mountaineering tourism remains one of Nepal’s most important sources of foreign currency earnings and supports thousands of jobs linked to expeditions, trekking, aviation, hotels, and logistics services.
Climbing Activities Intensify Across the Himalayas
This year’s spring climbing season has already entered its most active phase, with summit attempts underway on Everest and several other mountains. The Everest climbing season officially began on May 14 after rope-fixing teams completed route preparation to the summit. Since then, climbers have continued ascending during favorable weather windows.
Expedition organizers say improved route management, better weather forecasting, and increased international confidence in Nepal’s mountaineering sector have contributed to the growing number of climbers this year. The completion of rope fixing on Everest and neighboring peaks has also accelerated summit pushes by international expedition teams.
Nepal Strengthens Position as Global Mountaineering Hub
Tourism officials believe the increasing attraction of foreign climbers reflects Nepal’s enduring reputation as the center of global high-altitude mountaineering. Home to eight of the world’s 14 mountains above 8,000 metres, Nepal continues to attract professional climbers, adventure seekers, and expedition teams from across the globe every climbing season.
Experts say the mountaineering industry not only contributes directly to national revenue but also helps promote Nepal’s image internationally as a leading destination for adventure tourism. With climbers continuing to arrive and summit attempts expected to intensify in the coming weeks, officials anticipate that this year’s spring mountaineering season could become one of the busiest and most economically successful in recent years.
