Nepal’s spring climbing season has gathered strong momentum, with 700 mountaineers securing permits by 15 April, according to the Department of Tourism. The largest share of permits has been issued for Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, where 297 climbers from 30 expedition teams have been authorised to attempt the summit. Among them are 63 women climbers. Across all peaks, the department said the 700 climbers belong to 85 expedition teams, including 177 women. The popular Himalayan peak Ama Dablam has attracted 70 climbers from six teams, while Makalu has received 54 climbers from eight teams. Meanwhile, Kangchenjunga has seen…

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of the Nepal Police and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) have issued official statements strongly refuting recent media reports alleging that trekking guides are poisoning tourists to orchestrate "Fake Rescues" in the Everest region. Central Investigation Bureau (CIB): No Evidence of Poisoning Found In a press release, the Central Investigation Bureau stated that it has paid close attention to reports circulating in national and international media, as well as on social media platforms like Facebook. These reports claimed that guides were mixing toxic substances into tourists' food to induce illness and profit from fraudulent helicopter…

A team of Japanese climbers has arrived in Nepal to attempt the first ascent of Jarkya Himal, a 6,473-metre peak near the Manaslu region. The three-member team includes Masayuki Takenaka, Tatsuro Sugimoto and Ryota Nomura, all of whom are professional mountain guides in Japan with experience in the Himalayas. Mr Takenaka, the team leader, said this would be his third attempt on the mountain, while it is the second attempt for his teammates.An earlier expedition in 2020 was forced to turn back at 5,400 meters, while a 2023 attempt reached 6,300 meters but failed to reach the summit. Jarkya Himal…

The Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC) has officially released new mandatory guidelines for the 2026 climbing season, introducing a revised Khumbu Icefall fee and tightening waste management protocols for all expeditions on Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, and Mt. Nuptse. Mandatory Khumbu Icefall Fees In a notice issued on March 18th, the SPCC confirmed that all foreign climbers must pay a mandatory $600 USD fee to traverse the Khumbu Icefall. Because the Icefall remains the primary access point for these peaks, the fee applies to all permit holders regardless of their specific climbing route. Expedition operators are required to deposit these…

Standing at 8,163 meters in the Mansiri Himal of Nepal, Mt. Manaslu has long been a mountain of fascination for climbers worldwide. Named after the Sanskrit word Manasa, meaning “intellect” or “soul,” the peak has seen a dramatic evolution in exploration over the past seven decades. Japanese Interest in Early Exploration The first recorded reconnaissance of Mt. Manaslu was carried out in 1950 AD by a Japanese expedition team. Over the following years, Japan developed a deep connection to the peak, becoming the driving force behind multiple early attempts to reach its summit. Historic First Ascent in 1956 AD Mt.…

Dolpa, Nepal - Long regarded as one of Nepal’s most isolated and culturally preserved regions, Dolpo is increasingly drawing national and international attention for its unique geography, ancient heritage, and cinematic significance. Situated in the rain-shadow of the Himalayas between the Tibetan Plateau and the Dhaulagiri range, the region continues to uphold centuries-old traditions and landscapes that remain largely untouched by modern development. Distinct Himalayan Geography Located in northwestern Nepal, Dolpo spans vast high-altitude terrain, with much of the region lying above 4,000 meters. Shielded from monsoon rains by towering Himalayan peaks, the area features dramatic highland deserts, deep-blue lakes…