This season, 1,203 climbers from 78 different countries, including Nepal, have obtained permission to climb 51 mountains.
What you should know
Despite the political instability and the upheavals of monsoon-related disasters in Nepal, the mountaineering sector has seen a steady growth. According to Himal Gautam, Director of the Department of Tourism, the revenue has increased almost threefold compared to the last two years due to the increase in the number of foreign and domestic climbers in the autumn of 2025.
As of Asoj 29 (Wednesday), 1,203 climbers (283 women and 920 men) from 78 countries, including Nepal, have obtained permits to climb 51 mountain peaks. Although this number is slightly less than the previous autumn season, it is almost three times the revenue collection. Last year, the department had issued climbing permits to 1,280 people. From which 76.3 million salami fees were collected.
Businessmen involved in mountain tourism have considered the participation of foreign mountain climbers from 78 countries, including the US, Canada, and China, in mountain climbing as very positive, even though the government has changed the salami fees.
Looking at the country by country, China (103), Germany (100), Britain (92), France (82) and Nepal (80) are in the top five places. Then there are Russia (77), America (76) and Poland (64). Sarita Lama, a member of PATA Nepal, says that the participation of climbers from a total of 78 countries shows the continued popularity of Nepal's adventure tourism.
'This number will increase further if the government provides correct information to tourists and coordinates with the private sector in facilitation,' Lama, the director of Off the Wall Trekking Company, told Kantipur. This season, Manaslu Himal in northern Gorkha has become the most popular peak among foreign climbers.
Where 374 climbers have obtained climbing permits till Wednesday. Similarly, a large number of climbers are also participating in peaks like Ama Dablam, Himlung Himal, Chulu Far East and Sarikung in the Khumbu region. Out of the total revenue, the highest revenue collection is from Manaslu Himal, 157.6 million, 38.9 million from Ama Dablam and 94 million from Hamlung.
According to officials of the Tourism Department, despite the political ups and downs, they are still in the process of obtaining permits from foreign nationals for autumn climbing. Nepal's autumn tourism has been strong despite the Gen-G protests, said Sumi Moktan, treasurer of the Nepal Mountaineering Association.
'Despite the Gen-G protests, Nepal's autumn tourism season has been strong,' she said, 'climbing expeditions and permits have increased. There have been new policies, safety standards and improvements in permit fees.' Although the Bhadau protests were city-centered, major Himalayan routes and trekking areas did not appear to be affected.
