1,251 Climbers from 72 Countries Arrive in Nepal for Autumn Mountaineering

Nepal has welcomed 1,251 climbers from 72 countries for the autumn mountaineering season. According to data released by the Department of Tourism on Friday, these climbers aim to ascend 46 peaks, ranging from Mount Makalu in the east to Mount Api in the west.

The United States tops the list with 131 climbers, followed by the United Kingdom (105), France (83), China (79), Germany (77), Russia (75), Japan (64), the Czech Republic (62), Spain (51), and Australia (50).

Among the climbers, 292 are women and 959 are men. Additionally, 43 Nepali climbers are also participating in this season’s expeditions, according to department official Sandesh Maskey.

The Department of Tourism has collected NPR 85.8 million (approximately USD 650,000) in royalties from climbing permits this season. Notably, no permits for Mount Everest have been issued for this season. However, 159 climbing teams are tackling 46 peaks, including the 8,000-meter summits of Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.

Mount Ama Dablam has attracted the highest number of climbers, with 481 participants. Manaslu follows with 308 climbers, while other notable peaks include Himlung (144), Baruntse (51), Thapa Peak/Dhampus (32), Putha Hiunchuli (28), and Saribung (21).

Nepal offers mountaineering opportunities across three seasons each year. Spring (March–May): The busiest season for climbing. Autumn (September–November): The second most popular season. Winter (December–February): The least active season for climbing.

This year’s autumn season highlights Nepal’s growing prominence as a global mountaineering destination. With significant participation from international and domestic climbers, the season underscores the enduring appeal of Nepal’s Himalayan peaks and its vital role in promoting adventure tourism.