KATHMANDU: Mount Everest has received permits for 492 climbers this spring, the highest number ever recorded for the world's tallest peak, according to data released by the Department of Tourism on May 8. Earlier the highest recorded permits were 479 in 2023.

The Sagarmatha permits, drawn from 50 teams, generated royalties of USD 7,197,041.76 — equivalent to over NPR 1.07 billion — making it by far the single largest revenue generator among Nepal's 30 permitted peaks this season. The season's total royalty collection across all mountains stands at USD 8,335,971, or NPR 1,244,121,954.

The United States led all nations in Everest permit holders with 76 climbers, followed by China with 109 climbers across all peaks — the highest national total in the countrywide expedition breakdown — and India with 95. The UK sent 74 climbers, Germany 71, and Russia 69. Nepal itself had 19 of its own nationals permitted across various peaks.

Beyond Everest, the season's climbing calendar is dense. Lhotse (8,516m) drew 120 climbers across 10 teams, generating NPR 53.8 million in royalties, while Makalu (8,463m) saw 72 climbers from 11 teams contributing USD 213,330 in fees. Kanchenjunga (Main) at 8,586m attracted 36 climbers from four teams, with royalties of USD 108,000.

Ama Dablam (6,814m) proved the most popular sub-8,000m peak, with 111 climbers from 10 teams — the third highest climber count of the season — generating NPR 16.6 million. Annapurna I (8,091m) saw 27 climbers from four teams, with Dhaulagiri I (8,167m) hosting 30 climbers across four teams.

The full season permitted climbers across all 30 peaks, ranging from Sagarmatha at 8,848.86m down to Thorong Peak at 6,144m, with a combined 135 teams fielded. Of the total 1,134 permitted climbers, 860 were male and 274 female.