Manaslu peak (8,163 metres) has drawn significant interest from climbers this autumn season. As of 28 September, a total of 374 climbers – comprising 95 women and 279 men from 31 groups – have obtained climbing permits for Manaslu, according to Himal Gautam, Director of the Department of Tourism.
Director Gautam confirmed that some climbers have already reached the summit of Manaslu, while others are still preparing for their ascent. He noted that during the same season last year, there were 28 climbing groups attempting the Manaslu expedition.
Expedition companies such as Seven Summit Treks Pvt. Ltd., Satori Adventure Pvt. Ltd., and Elite Expeditions have already arrived at Manaslu’s base camp. With favourable weather conditions, climbs of the world’s eighth-highest peak, Manaslu, along with Dhaulagiri, are currently underway.
Additionally, climbers have reached their destinations for other notable mountains, including Ama Dablam, Mera Peak, and Island Peak, according to the department. This autumn, a total of 667 climbers – 152 women and 515 men from 67 countries including Nepal – have secured permits to climb 36 different mountains and peaks.
Statistics from the department’s mountaineering section indicate that two climbing groups have been granted permits for Mount Everest. For Dhaulagiri, one climbing group with eight members has received permits, while the same group has been approved for Makalu and Lhotse.
According to the Department of Tourism, more than Rs 180 million in royalties has been collected from mountain climbing so far this season. Of this, Rs 150 million has been collected from Manaslu alone. Director Gautam stated that this autumn’s mountaineering royalties have reached a record high, with climbers on Manaslu contributing significantly. In previous seasons, royalties typically ranged between Rs 70 million and Rs 80 million.
Nima Chhiring Sherpa has set a new record as the youngest climber to ascend Manaslu. He reached the summit at 6:24 am on 28 September at the age of 16 years, four months, and 18 days.
In addition, an 86-year-old Spanish climber has also set a record by summiting Manaslu this season. Meanwhile, Polish adventure mountaineer Andrzej Bargiel achieved a remarkable feat by skiing down from the summit of Mount Everest without the use of supplementary oxygen. He completed his climb of Everest for skiing purposes with the support of Seven Summit Treks Pvt. Ltd.