KATHMANDU: A total of 44 climbers have obtained permits to scale Dhaulagiri and Annapurna during the current spring climbing season.
According to the Department of Tourism, 17 climbers, including eight women in two groups, have received permits to climb Dhaulagiri, which stands at 8,167 meters in Myagdi District.
Similarly, 27 climbers, including eight women in four groups, have secured permits to climb Annapurna, which rises to 8,091 meters in the same district.
Branch Officer Sharmila Banjade said the government has collected Rs 7.56 million in royalties from Dhaulagiri expeditions and Rs 12.04 million from Annapurna permits.
She added that permits have been issued to 170 climbers in 24 groups for 12 mountains this spring season, generating total royalty revenue of Rs 108.73 million so far. The number of climbers obtaining permits continues to rise daily.
During last autumn season, 36 climbers had taken permits for Dhaulagiri, while no permits were issued for Annapurna.
In the previous spring season, 15 climbers in two groups had attempted Dhaulagiri, while 66 climbers had obtained permits for Annapurna. Expedition teams have already reached base camps of both mountains and begun preparations for ascent.
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