KATHMANDU: Revenue from mountain climbing in Nepal has tripled this autumn season compared to last year.

Following the government’s decision to revise climbing permit fees for the first time in 10 years, the collection has exceeded Rs 255 million, up from around Rs 76 million last year, according to the Department of Tourism.

The government enforced the new permit rates starting from August 11, 2025, replacing the rates set in 2014. A rise in the number of climbers also contributed to the increased revenue.

This season, 1,450 climbers from 83 countries—1,105 men and 345 women—received permits under 175 expedition groups. Most climbers targeted Mt. Manaslu, with 374 climbers generating Rs 157.60 million in fees alone.

A remarkable first ascent was also recorded on Numbur Peak (6,958m) in Solukhumbu by climbers from Poland, Germany, and Italy after 15 hours of climbing—making it the first successful ascent since failed attempts by Japanese (1963) and French (1981) teams.

Despite other tourism sectors being affected by the “Gen Z movement,” the mountaineering sector showed notable improvement, officials said.