The Department of Tourism has reported a notable increase in mountaineering revenue during the first eight months of 2024 (from August 1 to December 1). According to Director General Dr. Narayan Prasad Regmi, the revenue collected from mountaineering activities amounted to NPR 8.59 crore (97 lakh 365.4), compared to NPR 7.85 crore in 2023.
In 2024, a total of 163 climbing permits were issued for 47 peaks, with mountaineers representing 73 countries. The total number of climbers stood at 2,245, comprising 301 women and 1,943 men. Of these, 82 women and 543 men successfully summited the peaks.
However, this year also saw the loss of eight lives during mountaineering expeditions. Fatalities included one on Kumbhakarna Himal, five on Dhaulagiri, one on Langtang Lirung, and one porter on Pandhra Himal. The department, along with concerned agencies, coordinated with respective embassies to return the deceased’s remains to their families.
For comparison, 2023 saw 174 climbing permits issued for 54 peaks, with climbers from 76 countries, and a total of 2,407 mountaineers. Despite a slight decrease in the number of climbers and permits, the increased revenue in 2024 underscores a growing interest in Nepal’s mountaineering sector and the appeal of its majestic peaks.
