Nepal attracts over 1,000 mountaineers this season

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Oct. 21: Nepal has attracted over 1,000 climbers from 69 nations this mountaineering season. As per the data maintained by the Department of Tourism (DoT), 1,111 climbers, including 882 men and 229 women, have received permission to scale Nepal’s mountains this Autumn season.

Of them, the highest number are from the United States of America. A total 114 American climbers have arrived in the country to climb the peaks. 

France has sent the second-highest number of climbers. Altogether s104 French nationals have come to Nepal to make attempts on Nepali peaks.

The third-highest number of climbers, 83, have come from Germany; fourth-highest, 78, from China, and fifth-highest, 63, from the United Kingdom.

From the SAARC countries, the greatest number of climbers have come from India followed by Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. According to the figures shared by the DoT, 34 Indian citizens, five Pakistani citizens, three Afghans and two Bangladeshis have received permission to climb Nepali mountains. No climbers appear to have come from Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Meanwhile, 39 Nepali climbers, including 33 men and six women, are set to try to reach the top of 47 different mountains that the DoT has issued permits for, as of October 20. This includes Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world at 8,163 metres. 

Manaslu is the most popular mountain among Autumn mountaineers. Despite this fact, more mountaineers seemed to have preferred the 6,814-metre Ama Dablam this season.

Ama Dablam has attracted 350 climbers this year while Manaslu has only lured 301. 

The other peaks that have enticed alpinists include Raksha Urai, Putha Hiunchuli, Kumbhakarna, Himlung Himal, Nemjung, Makalu, Dhampus (Thapa Peak), Annapurna IV, Dhaulagiri I, Pumori, Lingtren, Barun Tse, Drohmo, Kyabura, Anidesh Chuli (White Wave), Saribung, Cho-Oyu, Phurbi Chyachu, Chobuje, Tukuche, Khayang, Chandi Himal, Hunku Chuli, Surma-Sarovar North, Thorong Peak, Chukyima Go, Sat Peak, Khangri Shar, Sharphu VI, Ratan Chuli, Rolwaling Khang, Dolma Khang, Yalung Ri, Phole, Norbu Khang, Cho Polu, Tilicho Peak, Jugal III, Jugal IV, Jugal V, Malanphulan, Pokhar Khang, Tengkoma, Tengi Ragi Tau (Agole) and Khumjung.

All the 1,111 climbers are part of 140 expedition teams that have helped the DoT collect Rs. 67.07 million in revenue.