The Department of Tourism (DoT) has officially released the mountaineering permit report for the Spring 2026 season. As of April 15, 2026, a total of 700 climbers from across the globe have been permitted to climb 25 different peaks in Nepal. These expeditions have generated a significant revenue of NRS 755,868,282 in government royalties.
Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) Remains the Top Choice
Sagarmatha continues to be the primary attraction for high-altitude adventurers. For the 2026 Spring season (March 01 to April 15), 297 climbers have been cleared for the world's highest peak.
Economic Impact: Sagarmatha alone contributed USD 4,385,000 (approx. NRS 652.6 million) to the national royalty revenue, accounting for the vast majority of the season's total earnings.
Team Breakdown: These climbers are divided into 30 separate teams.
Gender Demographics: The Everest expeditions consist of 234 males and 63 females.
Popular Peaks Beyond Everest
While Everest dominates, 24 other mountains are seeing significant activity.
- Ama Dablam (6,814m): Proving its status as a favorite for technical climbers, 70 individuals (consisting of 6 teams) have secured permits.
- Makalu I (8,463m): 54 climbers (8 teams) are set to attempt this 8,000-meter giant.
- Lhotse (8,516m): 41 climbers (4 teams) will tackle the peak adjacent to Everest.
- Annapurna I (8,091m): 27 climbers (4 teams) are permitted for this challenging massif.
Other notable expeditions include Dhaulagiri I with 28 climbers and Himlung Himal with 38. Several smaller peaks like Chhuama Peak II and Yasa Thak have single individual expeditions registered.
Top Contributing Nations
Climbers from 69 different countries and territories have secured permits this season. The top five nations with the highest number of overall participants include:
- China: 89 climbers (25 female, 64 male).
- United States: 71 climbers (11 female, 60 male).
- Germany: 55 climbers (15 female, 40 male).
- India: 49 climbers (18 female, 31 male).
- United Kingdom: 48 climbers (7 female, 41 male).
Interestingly, Russia also maintains a strong presence with 45 climbers, while Canada follows with 30. Nepal itself has 9 registered expedition members for this period.
Royalty and Revenue Summary
The total mountaineering royalty collected by the Department of Tourism as of April 15, 2026, stands at:
- Total USD: $5,079,380.16
- Total NRS: रू 755,868,282.00
The reports were verified and signed by Section Officer Sarmila Banjade on April 16, 2026. This influx of high-altitude tourists is expected to significantly boost the local economy in the Khumbu, Annapurna, and Manaslu regions through the employment of guides, porters, and the use of local lodge services.
