Government collects Rs 684 million in royalties A total of 402 climbers from 53 countries have obtained permits to climb Mt Everest this spring season, according to the Department of Tourism. Among them, 74 are women. Famed Sherpa guide will attempt to climb Mount Everest for a 31st time and break his own record Icefall route fixed on Mt Everest, 2025 climbing season opens Department Director Liladhar Awasthi said that 41 expeditions have been granted permission to attempt the world's tallest peak this year. In the same season last year, 414 climbers - 75 women and 339 men - from 41 expeditions had received permits. The government has collected Rs 684 million in royalties from permits issued for climbing various peaks so far this season, a figure expected to rise as more climbers continue to arrive. To ensure safe and orderly mountaineering activities, the Department has established a field office at the Everest Base Camp. In the 72 years since the first ascent of Everest, thousands of climbers have set records, contributing to a growing trend of mountaineers aspiring to reach the summit. Despite the inherent risks and challenges, enthusiasm for climbing Everest remains high. Among this season's aspirants is Tashi Gyaljen Sherpa of Solukhumbu, who aims to summit Everest four times within 20 days to set a new record. To date, more than 8,000 domestic and international climbers have successfully scaled Everest, with record-breaking attempts continuing each year. (With inputs from RSS)