Mountaineering Royalties Cross Rs 1 Billion in Spring Season

Kathmandu, May 4: The government has collected more than Rs 1 billion in mountaineering royalties this spring as climbing activities increased significantly across Nepal’s mountains.

According to the Department of Tourism, a total of 944 domestic and foreign climbers had obtained permits to scale various peaks as of April 28. Permits have been issued for climbing 30 mountains this season.

Mount Everest contributed the largest share of the royalty collection. A total of 410 climbers from 41 expedition groups received permits to climb the world’s highest peak, generating Rs 893 million in royalties alone.

Among Everest climbers, 97 are women, reflecting the growing participation of women in mountaineering activities.

Similarly, 86 climbers from seven groups obtained permits for Mt Lhotse, while 92 climbers from eight groups received permits for Mt Ama Dablam. Permits were also issued to 54 climbers for Mt Makalu I and 44 climbers from five groups for Mt Himlung.

In terms of nationality, the highest number of climbers are from China, with 127 permit holders, followed by 100 from the United States, 64 from the United Kingdom, 60 from Russia and 22 from Australia.

Tourism experts say the strong mountaineering activity during this year’s spring season shows Nepal’s growing attraction as a global adventure tourism destination. They also noted that mountaineering revenue continues to contribute significantly to the country’s tourism economy.