Kathmandu: Nearly 1,200 climbers are attempting ascents of various Himalayan peaks in Nepal during this year’s spring climbing season alone.
According to the Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, a total of 1,181 climbers from 79 countries obtained mountaineering permits and headed for expeditions between March and May 15, 2026.
Americans make up the largest share of climbers visiting Nepal this season. Of the 150 U.S. climbers, 125 are men, and 25 are women.
Chinese climbers rank second in number. Among the 156 Chinese nationals who came to Nepal for mountaineering this year, 116 are men, and 40 are women. Climbers from many other countries have also secured permits, with at least one climber representing each of those nations.
The United States has long been considered one of the most important source markets for high-spending tourists visiting Nepal for mountaineering. Visitors from the U.S. and Europe are generally regarded as premium travellers, and climbers are among the highest-spending tourists compared to travellers engaged in other activities.
An individual climber must pay US$ 15,000 solely for an Everest climbing permit, while all additional expedition costs are borne by the climber and their team.
The Department of Tourism said that 494 climbers from 55 countries have obtained permits to climb Mount Everest alone. Americans again top the list, with 77 U.S. citizens receiving Everest permits this year.
Nepal has collected Rs 1.25 billion in royalties from climbing permits so far this season. In dollar terms, the royalty revenue stood at US$ 8.43 million as of May 15, according to the department.
Most of that revenue came from Everest expeditions. The government collected around Rs 1.07 billion in royalties from Everest alone. Officials say the mountain generates the highest royalty income because Everest permits are significantly more expensive than those for other peaks, and demand for climbing the world’s highest mountain continues to rise.
Everest climbers alone spend around Rs 5 billion
Among all mountaineering destinations in Nepal, Everest expeditions account for the highest spending by climbers. In addition to the US$ 15,000 royalty fee paid to the government, climbers typically spend another US$ 15,000 on Sherpa guides and expedition support staff.
Mountaineering expert Ang Tshering Sherpa said climbers usually spend an additional US$ 15,000 on equipment, food, and logistics, making it common for a single Everest expedition to cost between US$ 45,000 and US$ 50,000 per person.
According to him, while tensions in West Asia have slowed some areas of tourism this year, Nepal’s mountaineering sector has remained vibrant. He added that flight rerouting caused by the regional conflict has unexpectedly benefited Nepal’s climbing tourism industry this season.
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