Autumn climbing season sees 1,450 climbers on Nepal’s peaks, royalty tops USD 1.8 million – The Himalayan Times – Nepal’s No.1 English Daily Newspaper

KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 2

Nepal’s mountains have seen steady climbing activity this autumn, with 1,450 climbers across 175 teams receiving permits, according to a Department of Tourism report under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. The total royalty collected reached USD 1,812,611 (NPR 255.16 million), reflecting the significant economic contribution of mountaineering to the country.

As in previous seasons, Manaslu (8,163m) and Ama Dablam (6,814m) remained the busiest peaks, together accounting for more than half of all climbers this season. Ama Dablam attracted 436 climbers in 34 teams, contributing USD 436,000 in royalties, while Manaslu drew 374 climbers in 31 teams, earning USD 1.12 million – the highest for any single peak this autumn.

Other prominent mountains included Himlung Himal (7,126m) with 186 climbers and USD 70,674 in royalties, and Dhaulagiri I (8,167m) with 36 climbers earning USD 54,000. By comparison, Mount Everest (8,848.86m) saw only four climbers from two teams, collecting USD 30,000, highlighting a growing preference for mid-altitude technical peaks during the post-monsoon period.

Beyond the high-profile peaks, mid-range and lesser-known mountains also recorded steady climbing activity. Baruntse (7,129m) welcomed 47 climbers in 4 teams, paying USD 18,800, while Chulu Far East (6,038m) had 43 climbers in 6 teams, contributing USD 3,457.

Other peaks such as Saribung (6,346m) with 34 climbers, Putha Hiunchuli (7,246m) with 23 climbers, Thapa Peak (Dhampus, 6,012m) with 27 climbers, and Annapurna IV (7,525m) with 16 climbers further demonstrate the growing interest in technically challenging and less-crowded routes.

This season’s largest contingents came from Europe, with Germany (118 climbers) and France (117) topping the list. China (110), the United Kingdom (106), and Russia (104) followed close behind. The United States sent 102 climbers, while Nepali climbers numbered 84. India had a smaller presence, with 28 climbers in total.

Among the climbers from 83 countries, 1,105 were male, while female climbers numbered 345. Interestingly, China led in female climbers with 33 women climbers, followed by Russia and the United States, each with 27.

Meanwhile, countries including Argentina, Iceland, Jordan, Nigeria, and Venezuela were represented by a single climber each, highlighting Nepal’s continued allure in the global adventure market.

Royalty collection continues to be concentrated among a few key peaks. The top five, Manaslu, Ama Dablam, Himlung Himal, Dhaulagiri I, and Everest, together accounted for more than 94 percent of total royalties earned this season.

Meanwhile, Lhayul Peak (6,395m) stood out among the zero-royalty peaks, with 15 climbers summiting without government fee obligations, part of Nepal’s ongoing effort to promote lesser-known climbing destinations.

The autumn season continues to be a strong period for Nepal’s mountaineering sector. From the high peaks of Manaslu and Ama Dablam to the emerging favorites like Himlung Himal, climbers are discovering new routes while contributing significantly to local and national revenue.