What we know
- The Department of Tourism has issued climbing permits to 498 mountaineers as of Friday, according to Online Khabar English.
- A total of 451 climbers across 38 expedition teams have secured permits specifically for the Manaslu peak.
- The government has collected 211 million rupees in royalty fees from the issued permits so far.
- Online Khabar English reported that the permit numbers indicate steady interest despite recent floods affecting tourism infrastructure.
What this means if you are travelling
- Climbers heading to Manaslu will face high traffic, as the vast majority of permitted mountaineers are targeted for this peak.
- Trekkers and climbers in affected regions should verify route conditions locally, as recent floods have damaged tourism infrastructure in parts of the country.
- Travellers who are not climbing major peaks or trekking in flood-damaged zones are unaffected by these permit registrations.
- Expedition members should consult their local operators to confirm the status of base camp facilities and approach trails.
The upcoming autumn mountaineering season in Nepal is seeing steady participation, with the Department of Tourism issuing climbing permits to hundreds of international adventurers. According to reporting by Online Khabar English on September 13, 2026, a total of 498 climbers had officially secured their permits as of Friday. This registration activity signals that interest in Nepal's high-altitude peaks remains strong among the global climbing community.
The steady influx of permit applications comes even as parts of the country navigate the aftermath of recent weather events. Online Khabar English noted that these registration numbers demonstrate a sustained interest in the mountaineering sector, despite recent floods that have damaged tourism infrastructure in certain regions of Nepal. Visitors planning to travel through these areas are advised to coordinate closely with their local agencies.
Manaslu Leads as the Primary Destination
The vast majority of the permitted climbers are focusing their efforts on a single peak. The Department of Tourism revealed that Manaslu has attracted 451 of the registered climbers, making it the most popular destination by a wide margin for this autumn window. This group includes 120 female climbers, all organized across 38 distinct expedition teams.
With such a large concentration of mountaineers heading to the same mountain, base camp facilities and climbing routes on Manaslu are expected to be highly active. Climbers should prepare for busy high-camp sites and coordinate closely with their guides to manage route traffic safely.
Global Participation and Royalty Collections
The autumn climbing cohort represents a highly diverse group of nationalities. According to the data published by Online Khabar English, climbers from 63 different nations have successfully obtained permits. The financial contributions from these permits are also substantial, with the government collecting 211 million rupees in royalties so far.
- China represents the largest single national group with 100 climbers, which includes 29 women.
- Russia has the second-largest representation with 53 registered climbers.
- The United States has contributed 37 climbers to the seasonal total.
- The United Kingdom is represented by 28 climbers.
- France has 27 participants, while Germany and Japan have registered 16 climbers each.
What This Means for Your Travel and Trekking Plans
If you are a trekker heading to popular routes like the Annapurna circuit or Everest region, these mountaineering figures do not directly impact your trail traffic, as the massive volume of climbers is concentrated heavily on Manaslu. However, the mention of flood-damaged infrastructure in parts of the country means that general travellers must remain cautious and gather real-time path updates.
Before starting any journey, contact your trekking agency or local lodging hosts to confirm that the specific bridges, roads, and tea houses on your route are fully operational. For those who have booked non-climbing activities, operations in unaffected areas like Pokhara continue to run normally.
Reported by
This update summarises reporting from the outlets below and adds our own planning guidance. Follow the links for the original reports.
Questions travellers are asking
How many climbers have received permits for the autumn season in Nepal?
As of Friday, a total of 498 climbers from 63 countries have obtained permits from the Department of Tourism, according to details reported by Online Khabar English.
Which mountain has the highest number of registered climbers this season?
Manaslu is the primary destination, with 451 climbers, including 120 women, registered across 38 expedition teams.
Has recent weather affected tourism infrastructure in Nepal?
Yes, Online Khabar English reported that recent floods have affected tourism infrastructure in parts of the country, though climbing permits show that interest in the mountaineering sector remains strong.
Which countries have sent the most climbers to Nepal for this autumn season?
China has the largest representation with 100 climbers, followed by Russia with 53, the United States with 37, the United Kingdom with 28, France with 27, and both Germany and Japan with 16 climbers each.