A total of 402 climbers from 53 countries have obtained permits to climb Mt Everest, the world's highest peak, as of April 27 this spring season, according to the Department of Tourism. Among them, 74 are women.

The department’s Director Liladhar Awasthi said that 41 expeditions have received approval to attempt the climb.

In the same season last year, 414 climbers—75 women and 339 men—from 41 expeditions had received permits to climb Mt Everest.

The Department has collected Rs 684 million in royalties from permits issued for climbing various peaks so far this season. Officials expect this amount to increase as more climbers continue to arrive.

To ensure safe and orderly climbing, the department has established a field office at the Everest Base Camp to oversee and regulate mountaineering activities. Over the past 72 years of Everest climbing history, numerous records have been set as growing numbers of climbers aspire to reach the summit.

Despite the risks and extreme challenges, the number of aspirants continues to rise. Among them is Tashi Gyaljen Sherpa of Solukhumbu, who aims to climb Mt Everest four times within 20 days this season to set a new record.

So far, more than 8,000 domestic and foreign climbers have successfully reached the summit of Mt Everest, with the trend of setting new records continuing each year. -- RSS