KATHMANDU: The number of foreign climbers obtaining permits for various Himalayan expeditions during this year’s spring season has increased.

According to the Department of Tourism, a total of 1,181 climbers from 79 countries have received permits to climb mountains in the spring season of 2026.

Information Officer Himal Gautam said that the highest number of permits has been issued for climbing Mount Everest. So far, 494 climbers from 55 countries have obtained permits for Everest.

Among them, the largest group is from China with 109 climbers permitted for Everest. Other climbers include 77 from the United States, 61 from India, 32 from the United Kingdom, 18 from Russia, 15 from Australia, 14 from Japan, 12 from Nepal, and 10 from Brazil, Gautam said.

In addition, permits have been issued for other peaks including 143 climbers for Lhotse, 111 for Ama Dablam, 56 for Nuptse, 46 for Himlung, 36 for Kangchenjunga, and 30 for Dhaulagiri, among others.

The Department of Tourism issues climbing permits for mountains above 6,500 meters, while the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) handles permits for peaks between 5,800 and 6,500 meters.

This year, the government has collected a total of Rs 1.258 billion in revenue from mountaineering permits. Of this, Department of Tourism collected the highest amount—Rs 1.078 billion—from Everest alone.

Other revenues include Rs 63.62 million from Lhotse, Rs 16.6 million from Ama Dablam, Rs 16.08 million from Kangchenjunga, Rs 13.45 million from Dhaulagiri I, and Rs 12.04 million from Annapurna I.

Climbing activities have already begun in several peaks, with Everest expeditions officially starting from May 14. After rope fixing and route preparation were completed, climbers have begun their ascent.

Interest in Nepal’s mountains, especially Mount Everest, has been increasing in recent years, attracting a growing number of foreign climbers.