Dhaulagiri Himal Expedition Generates Over NPR 13 Million in Fees

Pokhara. The government has collected a royalty fee of NPR 13,454,550 for the Dhaulagiri Himal expedition this season. A total of 30 individuals, comprising 18 men and 12 women, obtained permission for the Dhaulagiri ascent in four groups this season, informed Nisha Thapa Raut, Director at the Department of Tourism.

This mountain, located in Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality-4 of Myagdi, stands at an altitude of 8,167 meters. Following the ascent of Annapurna Himal, the expedition to the world's highest peak, Sagarmatha, is undertaken, and Gandaki Province has consistently held a leading position in mountaineering tourism.

In the previous season, 36 individuals had received permission for the ascent of this mountain. Due to the ever-changing weather conditions, Dhaulagiri Himal is considered a challenging mountain for climbing, informed Sheshkant Sharma, former President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, Gandaki Province.

"The changing weather and geographical location are the main challenges for climbing Dhaulagiri Himal," he said, adding, "This mountain is a preferred choice for climbers who specifically enjoy risky adventurous mountaineering."

On May 13, 1960, Austria's Kurt Diemberger successfully summited this mountain for the first time. Along with him, Peter Diener, Ernst Forrer, Albin Schelbert, Nima Dorje, and Nawang Dorje reached the summit of Dhaulagiri for the first time.

In commemoration of the first ascent day, various organizations, including the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) Gandaki, have been celebrating May 13th each year as Dhaulagiri Ascent Day.

With May 13th approaching this year, preparations are underway to celebrate its ascent day, informed Krishna Prasad Acharya, President of TAAN Gandaki. He stated that the 66th Dhaulagiri Himal Ascent Day will be celebrated with special programs in Mudhi village, the final destination for the Dhaulagiri Himal expedition, as it marks the 66th anniversary of the first ascent.

"We have planned programs to enhance the glory and prestige of Dhaulagiri Himal and to promote tourism in the villages connected to this mountain," he said. "On the occasion of the day, we aim to promote mountain tourism and trekking in this region, including areas like Muna village and Mudhi village, which are situated in the lap of Dhaulagiri Himal."

He also mentioned plans to honor climbers who have summited Dhaulagiri Himal on the occasion of the day. In recent times, as trekking routes are disappearing and diminishing, the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek can be promoted as a significant alternative for trekking tourism alongside mountain climbing.

The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is considered an adventurous trail as it involves trekking through rocky hills, forests, and rivers. Business operators report an increasing number of tourists visiting this region for trekking since 2068 BS.