Fiscal Nepal
First Business News Portal in English from Nepal
KATHMANDU: Nepal’s spring mountaineering season has entered full swing, with the government issuing climbing permits to 1,072 mountaineers from 79 countries, reflecting a strong post-pandemic resurgence in global interest toward Himalayan expeditions and adventure tourism in Nepal.
The Department of Tourism said the permits were issued between March 1, 2026 and early May for expeditions across Nepal’s major Himalayan peaks, including the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest.
Of the total climbers receiving permits this season, 811 are men and 261 are women. Officials said the number could rise further as the spring climbing window remains open.
Nepal, home to eight of the world’s 14 mountains above 8,000 meters, remains one of the world’s leading mountaineering destinations, attracting thousands of foreign climbers annually.
This year, the highest number of permits has been issued for Mount Everest, where 464 climbers from 55 countries have obtained permission to attempt the summit.
According to Department of Tourism Director Nisha Thapa Raut, Everest permit holders include 364 men and 100 women.
Among expedition operators, Seven Summit Treks alone is guiding 85 climbers on Everest this season. Company operator Mingma Sherpa said demand for Everest expeditions continues to remain strong despite increasing costs and logistical challenges.
Several other major expedition companies — including Elite Exped, TAG Nepal, Imagine Nepal Expedition, Himalayan Guide Expedition, and 8K Expedition — are also leading international climbers to Everest this year.
Officials and industry stakeholders say international interest in Nepal’s mountains has grown significantly after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) General Secretary Rajendra Lama said foreign climbers are increasingly showing interest not only in Everest but also in mid-altitude trekking peaks between 5,800 and 6,500 meters managed by the NMA.
The NMA currently oversees climbing permits for 27 trekking peaks within that altitude range.
According to Lama, the association issued 2,204 permits between July 2024 and July 2025, generating nearly Rs 160 million in revenue. Since July 2025, the association has already issued 2,025 permits and collected over Rs 200 million in climbing-related revenue.
Nepal Tourism Board manages climbing permits for peaks above 6,500 meters, while the NMA handles lower trekking peaks.
Chinese climbers account for the highest number of foreign permit holders this season, with 139 climbers receiving permits.
The United States follows closely with 132 climbers, while other major source markets include:
The government has authorized climbing expeditions on 29 mountains and peaks this season.
The Department of Tourism said Nepal has already collected more than Rs 1.17 billion in mountaineering royalties and permit fees this spring alone.
Of the total revenue, Everest contributed the largest share at over Rs 1.01 billion.
Additional revenues include:
Last year, Nepal issued permits to 1,140 climbers during the spring season and generated approximately Rs 794.7 million in revenue. In 2024, 991 climbers had received permits.
Expedition preparations on Everest are now nearing their final stages, with many climbers already reaching Everest Base Camp.
The Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC) has completed route preparation and rope fixing from Everest Base Camp through the Khumbu Icefall to Camp II.
SPCC Chief Executive Officer Chhiring Sherpa said the route construction up to Camp II has already been completed.
Meanwhile, the Expedition Operators Association Nepal is responsible for rope fixing from Camp II to the summit.
Association President Dambar Parajuli said rope fixing has currently reached Camp III, though unstable weather conditions have delayed further progress toward the summit.
“Due to weather conditions, rope fixing from Camp III to the summit has become challenging,” Parajuli said.
He added that if weather conditions improve, rope fixing to the summit could be completed within the next four to five days.
According to expedition operators, this year’s route preparation has progressed more slowly compared to last year due to unfavorable weather patterns in the Everest region.
To support climbers and trekkers, the Himalayan Rescue Association has deployed specialized medical teams to Everest Base Camp and Pheriche.
Himalayan Rescue Association CEO Govinda Basyal said trained doctors and health workers have already been mobilized for altitude-related medical support.
At Everest Base Camp, Australian doctor Samantha Allison Wills, Nepali doctor Pins Singh, and support staff Lakpa Norbu Sherpa are currently stationed.
Similarly, at the Pheriche health post, Australian doctor Rebecca Allen Carpenter, American physician Dr. Caitlin Brooke Harper, Nepali doctor Aakriti Singh, and support staff Ang Dawa Sherpa and Thaneshwar Bhandari have been deployed.
The history of successful Everest ascents began on May 29, 1953, when Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa became the first climbers to summit the world’s tallest mountain.
The day is annually celebrated in Nepal as Everest Day, symbolizing the country’s global identity as the heart of Himalayan mountaineering and adventure tourism.
Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and broader global travel uncertainties, Nepal’s mountaineering industry has continued to demonstrate resilience, with strong participation from international climbers reinforcing the country’s status as a premier global adventure destination.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Comment *
Name *
Email *
Website
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
