Nearly 1,200 climbers to attempt peaks this spring

Kathmandu, May 18: Nearly 1,200 mountaineers are currently attempting to climb various Himalayan peaks in Nepal during this year’s spring climbing season.

According to the Country-wise Expedition Permitted Report (Spring 2026) made public by the Department of Tourism, a total of 1,181 climbers from 79 countries obtained climbing permits between March and May 15, 2026.

Among them, were 898 male and 283 female, highlighting both the continued global appeal of Nepal’s mountains and the gradual rise in female participation in high-altitude expeditions.

Among the foreign climbers, the highest number came from China. 

Of the 156 Chinese climbers who arrived in Nepal for mountaineering expeditions, 116 are male and 40 are female.

The United States ranks second in terms of the number of climbers. Out of 150 American climbers granted permits this year, 125 are men and 25 are women.

The India followed with 97 climbers (62 male and 35 female), while United Kingdom recorded 74 climbers (66 male and 8 female) and Germany 72 participants (52 male and 20 female).

Similarly, Russia recorded 70 participants while 43 Nepali participated for mountaineering expedition.

 Other major contributors included Canada (41), Japan (36), Poland (32), Australia (27), France (27), Ukraine (23), Czech Republic (17), Ireland (15), Switzerland (15), Italy (14) and Norway (13).

According to the Department, 494 people from 55 countries have obtained permits for climbing Mount Everest alone.  

The largest number of people coming to climb Mount Everest are Chinese. This year, 109 Chinese citizens have obtained permits to climb Mount Everest. 

Likewise, this year, 77 American citizens have requested permits to climb Mount Everest.

Similarly, 61 Indian citizen have obtained permit for Sagarmatha expedition while 32 citizen from United Kingdom and 15 citizen from Australia obtained permit for climbing Sagarmatha.

According to the data, the country's mountaineering sector generated more than Rs. 1.25 billion in royalty revenue during this spring season. 

The report shows a strong recovery and continued growth in high-altitude tourism, with Mount Everest alone contributing the overwhelming majority of climbers and government earnings.

The government collected about USD 8.42 million in climbing royalties from 1,181 climbers who received permits for various Himalayan peaks between March 1 and May 15, 2026. 

The figures include 898 male climbers and 283 female climbers representing expeditions on 30 mountains across Nepal.

Mount Everest, locally known as Sagarmath (8,848.86 metre), remained the primary source of revenue and international attraction. 

According to the report, 494 climbers attempted Everest this spring season, including 389 men and 105 women. 

The mountain alone generated USD 7.23 million in royalties, equivalent to more than Rs. 1.07 billion. 

This means Everest accounted for nearly 86 per cent of Nepal’s total mountaineering royalty income during the review period.

Other major peaks also attracted significant numbers of climbers. 

Lhotse (8516 metres) recorded 143 climbers from 14 teams and generated USD 423,655 (approximately Rs. 63.62 million in royalties while Ama Dablam (6814 metres) recorded 111 climbers and generated USD 111,000 (approximately Rs. 16.6 million) in royalties during the review period. 

Similarly, Makalu I (8463 metres) recorded 72 climbers and generated in royalties of USD 213,330 (Rs.  31.78 million) while Mount Nuptse (7855 metres) recorded 566 climbers and generated royalties of USD 56,000 (Rs. 8.36 million during the review period.

Kanchenjunga (Main) welcomed 36 climbers, earning USD 108,000 (Rs. 16 million), Himlung Himal attracted 46 climbers with royalty earnings exceeding USD 36,800 (Rs. 5.45 million).