Mountaineering Boom in Spring Season Pushes Royalty Collection Past Rs 1 Billion

Kathmandu- Mountaineering activities have surged significantly during this year’s spring season, driving government royalty collection beyond Rs 1 billion, according to the Department of Tourism.

As of Thursday, a total of 944 climbers both foreign and domestic have received permits to scale various Himalayas across the country. The department has issued permits for expeditions on 30 peaks so far.The largest share of royalty revenue has come from Mount Everest the world’s highest peak. A total of 410 climbers from 41 expedition teams have obtained permits to climb Everest, generating Rs 890.3 million in royalties alone. Among them, 97 are women, reflecting the growing participation of female climbers in mountaineering.

Other major peaks have also seen strong interest. Lhotse has attracted 86 climbers from 7 teams, Ama Dablam has 92 climbers from 8 teams, Makalu has 54 climbers, and Himlung Himal has drawn 44 climbers from 5 teams.By nationality, China leads with 127 climbers, followed by United States with 100, United Kingdom with 64, Russia with 60, and Australia with 22 climbers.

Tourism experts say the strong turnout this spring season reaffirms Nepal’s mountains as a major global attraction. They also note that revenue from mountaineering continues to play a vital role in supporting the country’s tourism-driven economy.