The Department of Tourism collected more than Rs 770 million in mountaineering royalties during this year's spring season. According to the Department’s Mountaineering Division, the total royalty reached Rs 773.59 million by Sunday. Of this, Mt Everest alone contributed Rs 676.09 million.

This spring, the Department issued climbing permits to 1,127 mountaineers—240 women and 887 men—from 119 expeditions for 26 peaks, including Mt Everest. Director Liladhar Awasthi said Everest attracted the highest number of climbers, with 456 mountaineers—84 women and 372 men—from 45 expeditions. Climbers from 57 countries received permits to ascend the world’s highest peak.

Other major peaks also saw significant activity. Mt Ama Dablam attracted 102 climbers from 10 expeditions. Mt Lhotse attracted 107 climbers from nine expeditions, while Mt Makalu saw 79 climbers from eight expeditions. Similarly, 75 climbers from seven expeditions received permits for Mt Kanchenjunga, 76 climbers from six expeditions for Mt Nuptse, and 66 climbers from six expeditions for Mt Annapurna.

Spring remains the most favorable season for mountaineering in Nepal. As the Department continues to issue permits, officials expect the number of climbers—and the total royalty amount—to increase further. -- RSS