KATHMANDU: Nepal’s expedition operators are working at full swing to host international climbers on various mountains in the autumn season.

The main attraction of the autumn climbing season is the world’s eighth-highest peak – Mt. Manaslu – which will receive more than 300 foreign climbers this season, the Expedition Operators Association Nepal (EOAN) estimates.

"Expedition agencies are finalizing their bookings, while support staff have already reached the base camp to prepare tents and logistics," EOAN President Damber Parajuli said. "A joint team of experienced climbers under EOAN's leadership will be flagged off next week for the rope-fixing task on the 8,163-metre mountain," Parajuli added. The Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation has authorised EOAN to fix the climbing route on Mt. Manaslu.

Photo courtesy: Lakpa Sherpa/8K Expeditions

Expedition agencies shared that there will be at least 300 foreign climbers, along with their guides, attempting to scale Manaslu. They will also be running expeditions on Mt. Dhaulagiri, Himlung Himal, and Ama Dablam this autumn.

Nepal’s largest outfitters, including Seven Summit Treks, 8K Expeditions, 14 Peaks Expeditions, Imagine Nepal Treks, Asian Trekking, Himalayan Guides Nepal, Satori Adventure, Sherpa Extreme (Elite Exped), Pioneer Adventure, and Glacier Himalaya Treks, have already started supplying logistics to the base camp. Their staff have reached the camp to prepare for the incoming international climbers.

"We have more than 60 foreign clients on Mt. Manaslu," said Lakpa Sherpa, Managing Director of 8K Expeditions. Lakpa, who will lead the Manaslu and Dhaulagiri expeditions this autumn, said the base camp is being set up and most of the logistics have already been supplied. "Trained IFMGA guides and mountain guides from 8K Expeditions will be there to make the season a success," added Lakpa, who is also the Expedition Leader.

Photo courtesy: Lakpa Sherpa/8K Expeditions

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of 14 Peaks Expedition, Tashi Lakpa Sherpa, informed that he will be leading at least 45 foreign climbers from his company on Mt. Manaslu. "All our guides and support staff have already received refresher training for the autumn expeditions," shared Tashi Lakpa, a record-holding climber. "The base camp is being set up, and our team is supplying logistics and waiting to welcome clients from around the world," he added.

Expedition Director and owner of Seven Summit Treks, Chhang Dawa Sherpa, said his company is fully prepared to host climbers from around the world. "At least three expeditions with more than 40 foreign clients have already booked with SST for the Manaslu expedition," Chhang Dawa informed.

Photo courtesy: Lakpa Sherpa/8K Expeditions

Managing Director of Asian Trekking, Dawa Steven Sherpa, said he will lead two international expeditions on Mt. Manaslu this season. "Preparations are in full swing to welcome expedition members for Mt. Manaslu," Sherpa said, adding that nearly 30 foreign clients, along with Sherpa climbers, will attempt to scale the peak through his company this autumn.

The Department of Tourism said expedition operators are inquiring about climbing permits for the autumn expeditions. "The DoT is also finalizing a roster of liaison officers to be deployed to different mountains for facilitation," said Ram Krishna Lamichhane, the department's Director General.