24 Climbers Granted Permits to Scale Mt. Dhaulagiri This Autumn.  7 Ashoj, Myagdi – In the ongoing autumn climbing season of 2025, a total of 24 mountaineers have been issued permits to climb Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), the world’s seventh-highest peak, located in Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality–4, Myagdi district.

According to the Department of Tourism, the government has collected NPR 5.71 million in expedition royalties from climbers attempting the mountain this season. Foreign climbers seeking to ascend peaks above 8,000 meters, other than Mt. Everest, are required to pay a royalty of USD 900 per person. For smaller peaks, the fee ranges between USD 125 and USD 400, depending on altitude.

The latest figures from the department show that Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m) in Gorkha continues to dominate autumn expeditions, attracting 374 climbers with permits, making it the most popular destination. Dhaulagiri ranks second in terms of permits issued this season.

Local sources confirm that climbing teams have already begun arriving at Italian Base Camp. Hari Prasad Tilija, ward member of Dhaulagiri–4 and hotel operator at the camp, said that Sherpas, guides, porters, and support staff are also joining the expedition teams.

This autumn, climbers are approaching the base camp via the Marpha–Yak Kharka trail in Mustang, as the traditional route through Mudi–Bagar in Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality has deteriorated, becoming longer and more difficult to navigate.

During the spring 2025 season, two expedition groups comprising 15 climbers were granted permits, generating NPR 3.691 million in revenue. In contrast, the autumn season of 2024 saw only one group of 14 climbers, when tragedy struck: five Russian mountaineers lost their lives in an avalanche.

Climbers attempting Dhaulagiri face extreme challenges due to its unpredictable weather conditions, frequent avalanches, and treacherous terrain. As a result, the peak is regarded as one of the most difficult and dangerous 8,000-meter mountains in Nepal.

The mountain was first successfully climbed on May 13, 1960, by an Austrian–Swiss expedition. The summit team included Kurt Diemberger, Peter Diener, Ernst Forrer, Albin Schelbert, Nima Dorje, and Nawang Dorje. Since then, Dhaulagiri has remained a prized yet perilous challenge for mountaineers worldwide.