KATHMANDU: Nepal collected a total of USD 5,780,626.70 (approximately NPR 770 million) in royalty revenue from mountaineering expeditions across all four seasons in 2024, according to official data. A total of 2,366 climbers were involved, with 297 climbing permits issued across the four seasons.

The Spring season, the heart of the climbing year, saw the greatest influx of climbers and accounted for the majority of the year’s income. During this period alone, 1,002 climbers from 123 teams scaled various peaks bringing USD 5.18 million (NPR 689.9 million) revenue. Of this, Mount Everest brought in the largest share, USD 4.52 million (NPR 602.5 million), from 421 climbers. Other significant peaks included Lhotse with USD 279,000 (NPR 37.1 million) from 156 climbers, and Makalu I with USD 115,200 (NPR 15.3 million) from 64 climbers.

In the autumn season, 1,296 climbers (1,002 males and 294 females) from 160 teams generated USD 582,322.30 (NPR 78 million). Ama Dablam led in revenue for this season, collecting USD 191,379.10 (NPR 25.6 million) from 481 climbers, followed by Manaslu, which earned USD 277,200 (NPR 37.1 million) from 308 climbers.

The summer and winter seasons were relatively low in activity and earnings. Summer saw just 18 climbers from 5 teams, yielding only USD 511 (NPR 67,963). Winter involved 50 climbers across 10 teams, contributing USD 13,010 (NPR 1.76 million). Key climbs during winter included Ama Dablam (USD 6,800) and Annapurna I (USD 2,700).

With its timeless peaks and growing infrastructure, Nepal remains a bucket-list destination for climbers and adventure seekers alike. The consistent royalty revenues reflect not only the popularity of Everest but the increasing interest in lesser-known but equally breathtaking Himalayan summits.