KATHMANDU, November 2
Nepal’s autumn mountaineering season has recorded strong momentum, with 1,450 climbers from 83 countries receiving permits to scale the Himalayas across 175 expedition teams, according to a report from the Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation.
The total royalty collection reached USD 1.81 million (NPR 255.16 million), underlining the steady economic contribution of mountaineering to Nepal’s tourism-driven economy.
Leading the charge once again were Manaslu (8,163m) and Ama Dablam (6,814m), which together drew more than half of all climbers this season. Ama Dablam hosted 436 climbers in 34 teams, generating USD 436,000, while Manaslu saw 374 climbers in 31 teams, earning USD 1.12 million—the highest revenue of any peak this autumn.
Other significant peaks included Himlung Himal (7,126m) with 186 climbers contributing USD 70,674, and Dhaulagiri I (8,167m) with 36 climbers generating USD 54,000. In contrast, Mount Everest (8,848.86m) saw limited activity, with only four climbers from two teams paying USD 30,000 in total royalties—a shift that highlights growing interest in mid-altitude technical climbs during the post-monsoon period.
Among the emerging favorites were Baruntse (7,129m) with 47 climbers, Chulu Far East (6,038m) with 43 climbers, Saribung (6,346m) with 34 climbers, and Putha Hiunchuli (7,246m) with 23 climbers. Annapurna IV and Thapa Peak (Dhampus) also attracted smaller but notable groups, reflecting expanding interest in lesser-known Himalayan routes.
The largest climber contingents hailed from Germany (118), France (117), China (110), the United Kingdom (106), and Russia (104), with the United States close behind at 102 climbers. Nepali mountaineers accounted for 84 participants, while India contributed 28 climbers.
Of the total, 1,105 were male and 345 female, with China leading the female segment (33 climbers), followed by Russia and the United States (27 each).
In a nod to Nepal’s global appeal, countries including Argentina, Iceland, Jordan, Nigeria, and Venezuela were each represented by a single climber this season.
The top five peaks—Manaslu, Ama Dablam, Himlung Himal, Dhaulagiri I, and Everest—generated over 94 percent of total royalties, reaffirming their central role in the nation’s mountaineering economy. Meanwhile, Lhayul Peak (6,395m) stood out among zero-royalty destinations, hosting 15 climbers as part of Nepal’s ongoing initiative to promote less-frequented routes.
With favorable weather, diverse participation, and a shift toward mid-range technical summits, Nepal’s autumn climbing season of 2025 showcases a thriving mountaineering industry that continues to balance adventure, sustainability, and significant economic impact.