September 30: A total of 612 climbers from across the world have acquired permits to climb 23 different mountain peaks of Nepal during this autumn season. The Department of Tourism confirmed that 612 climbers have obtained permits to climb mountains as of Thursday.

According to the department, the government has collected royalties worth Rs 58.5 million from the climbers. Among the climbers, 142 are women, informed the department.

The spring season is considered ideal for climbing mountains in Nepal. However, a considerable number of climbers arrive here for mountain expeditions even during the autumn season.

The arrival of tourists for trekking as well as mountain expedition has been increasing this season due to the decline in Covid-19 cases.

The department has issued the maximum permits for climbers seeking applications to climb Mount Manaslu (8163 meters). The department informed that altogether 404 climbers, including 307 men and 97 women, from 38 expedition teams have been granted permission to climb Mt Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in the world. The department has collected revenue worth Rs 46.2 million by issuing permits to climb Mt Manaslu alone.

After Manaslu, Mt Himdung (7126 meters) is the second choice among the climbers. Altogether 64 climbers have acquired permits to scale this mountain. Likewise, 34 climbers have been issued permits to climb Mt Dhaulagiri (8167).  

The department has also issued permits to the climbers to scale Mt Ama Dablam, Mt Annapurna, Mt Baruntse, Mt Nupse, Mt Pumori among others.

Mt Manaslu, which is the first choice mountain among the climbers during this season, was hit by an avalanche earlier this week. A renowned ski climber had died in the avalanche on Monday while ten others sustained minor injuries. According to the government officials, four others were seriously injured in the incident.