KATHMANDU: Twenty-four mountaineers have secured permits to climb Dhaulagiri, the world’s seventh-highest peak at 8,167 meters, during Nepal’s 2025 autumn climbing season.

The mountain lies in Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality–4 of Myagdi district. According to Nepal’s Department of Tourism, the government has collected more than Rs. 5.71 million in royalties from these climbers.

Foreigners attempting peaks over 8,000 meters in the autumn season, except Everest, must pay $900 per person, while fees for smaller mountains range between $125 and $400.

Dhaulagiri remains the second-most popular peak this autumn, after Manaslu in Gorkha, which has drawn 374 climbers with permits. Local ward member Hari Prasad Tilija said climbers, Sherpas, guides, and porters have begun arriving at base camp, many trekking from Mustang via Marpha and Yak Kharka because traditional routes through Myagdi’s Mudi Bagar have deteriorated.

Dhaulagiri is considered one of Nepal’s most challenging climbs due to unpredictable weather and avalanche risk. The first successful ascent was recorded on May 13, 1960, by Austrian Kurt Diemberger and his team.