Nepal has collected more than Rs 255.1 million in royalties from mountaineering permits issued for the ongoing autumn climbing season, according to data released by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).
A total of 1,450 climbers from 83 countries have secured permits to climb 59 peaks this season. Of them, 1,105 are men and 345 are women, organized into 175 expedition teams.
Ama Dablam (6,814m) emerged as the most popular peak, attracting 436 climbers this season. It was followed by Mt. Manaslu (8,163m) with 374 climbers and Himlung (7,126m) with 186 climbers.
Other frequently climbed peaks include Baruntse (7,129m) with 47 climbers, Chulu Far East (6,038m) with 43 climbers, Dhaulagiri (8,167m) with 36 climbers, Saribung (6,346m) with 34 climbers, Thapa Peak/Dhampus (6,012m) with 27 climbers, Putha Hiunchuli (7,246m) with 23 climbers, and Annapurna IV (7,525m) with 16 climbers.
In terms of nationality, Germany leads with 118 climbers, followed closely by France (117), China (110), the United Kingdom (106), Russia (104), and the United States (102).
While spring remains the peak season for Everest expeditions, only two teams—comprising four climbers—obtained permits to climb Mt. Everest this autumn.
