KATHMANDU, NOV 11 - Despite the rise in tourist arrivals this autumn, the number of mountaineering expeditions was down compared to the same period last year.
"This autumn, 823 climbers in 126 expeditions applied to attempt various peaks in the Himalaya against 158 expeditions previously," said Jitendra Giri, an official at the Department of Tourism Industry, Nepal Tourism Board.
Meanwhile, the number of trekkers recorded during this season was more than 46,900, said the Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN). September is a popular time for trekkers because of the clear views of the Himalaya available during this month.
"We are expecting a gradual rise in the number of visitors to different trekking destinations," said Sitaram Sapkota, president of TAAN.
According to the department, spring, which is the best season for mountaineering, saw only two teams making an attempt on Everest. But they turned back from the second camp.
Likewise, there were a single team for Makalu, Lhotse, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna I, the department said.
It added that the government had granted permission to climbing expeditions to 31 other peaks between 6,000-8,000 m in altitude.
Surendra Prasad Sapkota, under secretary at the department, said the number of mountaineering expeditions might rise during the next season as the government had reduced the royalty. The government has also cut the royalty for a number of peaks during the off-season to attract more climbers, he added.
