Kathmandu, Oct. 8: A total of 788 climbers from 70 countries have secured permits to attempt 31 Himalayan peaks in Nepal during the autumn 2026 climbing season.

According to the Department of Tourism, the climbers are part of 91 expedition teams. Of the total permit holders, 582 are men and 206 are women.

The government has collected Rs 247.21 million in climbing royalties from the expeditions, according to the department.

Manaslu remains the top attraction

Mount Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest mountain at 8,163 metres, has attracted the largest number of climbers this season.

A total of 500 climbers from 43 teams have obtained permits to scale Manaslu. The government has collected Rs 225.86 million in royalties from these expeditions alone.

Similarly, 36 climbers from five teams have received permits for Dhaulagiri I, generating Rs 8.24 million in royalties.

Another 34 climbers from three teams have obtained permits for Himlung Himal, contributing Rs 2.09 million in government revenue.

Meanwhile, 19 climbers from two expedition teams have secured permits for Ama Dablam, from which the government has collected around Rs 2.91 million.

Permits have also been issued for several other Himalayan peaks, including Putha Hiunchuli, Danga Hiunchuli, Baruntse, Makalu, Gangapurna West (Langchenel), Thorong Peak, Norbu Khang, Annapurna IV, Chamlang, Lamjung Himal, Pumori, Saribung, Thapa Peak (Dhampus), Pokhar Khang, Ardang and Peri.

Climbers from 70 countries

The autumn expeditions have drawn mountaineers from across the globe. China has the highest representation, with 118 climbers obtaining permits.

Other major groups include 65 climbers from Russia, 60 from France, 52 from the United States, 45 from the United Kingdom, 25 from Poland, 23 from Nepal, 16 from Switzerland, 16 from Spain, 18 from India, 23 from Italy and 25 from Japan.

The Department of Tourism said it has collected US$1.63 million in climbing royalties, equivalent to approximately Rs 247.21 million, from permits issued for the autumn season.

The figures reflect continued international interest in Nepal’s Himalayan peaks, with Manaslu accounting for the overwhelming share of both climbers and royalty revenue this season.