Department of Tourism grants 637 permits for 18 mountains in Nepal

KATHMANDU: The Department of Tourism has granted permits to 637 mountaineers to climb 18 mountains during Nepal's autumn season.

The permits cover 68 teams, with 474 men and 163 women authorised to undertake expeditions, the department said. It reported the collection of Rs 238.5 million in royalty from the climbers.

The largest expedition is to Mount Manaslu, where 500 climbers from 43 teams have obtained permits; the department collected Rs 225.85 million in royalty from those permits.

Smaller groups have been authorised for other peaks, including 34 climbers for Dhaulagiri-1, 20 for Putha Himchuli, 16 for Danga Himchuli and 10 for Baruntse mountain.

Permits have also been issued for ascents of Makalu, Gangapurna West, Thorong Peak, Annapurna-4, Pumori and Thapa Peak (Dhampus), among others, the department added.

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