Nepal’s autumn mountaineering season is seeing strong international participation, with 441 climbers from 61 countries securing permits to attempt Mount Manaslu, Mount Makalu and Danga. The latest data from the Department of Tourism, recorded through September 9, 2026, shows that 330 of the climbers are men and 111 are women. The figures reflect continued global interest in Nepal’s high-altitude adventure destinations during the autumn climbing season.
Manaslu Draws Majority of Climbers
Among the three peaks, Mount Manaslu (8,163m) has emerged as the clear choice for most climbers this season. The Department of Tourism has issued permits to 422 climbers for the world’s eighth-highest mountain, including 313 men and 109 women. The other two peaks have received comparatively fewer climbers. Mount Makalu (8,463m) has attracted three climbers, all male, while Danga (6,220m) has received permits for 16 climbers, comprising 14 men and two women. The strong concentration of climbers on Manaslu highlights the mountain’s growing appeal as one of Nepal’s major autumn mountaineering destinations.
China Leads International Participation
Climbers from 61 countries are taking part in the autumn season, with China contributing the largest number. The Department of Tourism has recorded 79 Chinese climbers, followed by 46 from Russia and 36 from the United States. France and the United Kingdom have each sent 27 climbers, while Germany has recorded 16 participants. The broad international representation demonstrates the continued appeal of Nepal’s Himalayan peaks among climbers from different parts of the world.
Climbing Royalties Reach $1.27 Million
The climbing activity has also generated significant revenue for the government. Nepal has collected US$1,271,668 in climbing royalties from permits issued for the three peaks. With Manaslu accounting for the vast majority of permits, the mountain continues to play a major role in Nepal’s autumn adventure tourism. The arrival of international climbers also supports a wider network of tourism services, including guides, expedition operators, accommodation, transportation and other businesses connected to mountaineering. The latest figures further underline the importance of Nepal’s Himalayan peaks to the country’s international adventure tourism market and tourism revenue.
