Spring climbing season begins on Mount Dhaulagiri

Myagdi. The spring climbing season has officially commenced on Mount Dhaulagiri. Located in Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality-4, it stands as the world's seventh-highest peak at 8,167 meters.

Imagine Nepal Trek and Expedition confirmed that a team of four foreign climbers and five Nepali guides successfully reached the summit on Saturday, marking the first ascent of the current spring season. The successful team included Liu Hong, Liu Yishi, Wang, and Zhong from China, Christine Vogondi from Switzerland, and Nepali climbers Fur Gyaljen Sherpa, Pasang Namgel Sherpa, Kili Pemba Sherpa, Ngima Nuru Sherpa, and Pemba Chiri Sherpa.

Expedition leader Fur Gyaljen Sherpa reported that the team reached the summit at 11:40 AM on Saturday and has since returned safely to Camp III. The climbers reached the peak after a team of Sherpas fixed ropes to secure the route.

According to the Department of Tourism, 28 climbers—12 women and 16 men across three groups—have received permits for the spring season. Department official Sharmila Banjade stated that the government collected 12,560,850 rupees in royalty fees from these permits. Last autumn, 36 climbers were granted permits for Dhaulagiri.

Rapidly changing weather conditions remain a significant challenge for Dhaulagiri expeditions, with the mountain considered more risky and adventurous compared to others. The first successful ascent of Mount Dhaulagiri was made on May 13, 1960, by Austrian climber Kurt Diemberger, alongside Peter Diener, Ernst Forrer, Albin Schelbert, Nima Dorje, and Nawang Dorje.