SATV 25 April, Kathmandu: A total of 41 climbers have received permits to scale Mt Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak, within a period of just one and a half months, according to Nepal’s Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation.

Approximately two dozen climbers, including both Nepalis and foreigners, have already reached the Kanchenjunga Base Camp this week as part of their preparations. Among them is renowned climber Nirmal Purja, who holds the world record for climbing all 14 peaks above 8,000 meters within eight months, according to Panzho Bhotiya of Yamphudin, who is currently at the base camp.

Necessary logistics and equipment are being airlifted to the base camp by helicopter as the climbing season progresses.

As per data from the ministry’s official website, the 41 climbers who received permission between March 1 and April 20 comprise 26 men and 15 women. Their nationalities, however, have not been disclosed.

The government has collected a total of USD 73,800 (approximately NPR 19.74 million) in royalty fees from the climbers. However, it has waived fees for 23 members of the Indian and Nepali armies—10 from India and 13 from Nepal—who are participating in the expedition under the “Joint Indo–Nepal Mountaineering to Mt. Kanchenjunga” program.

During a press conference held on Wednesday, government Spokesperson and Minister for Information and Communication Prithvi Subba Gurung confirmed that the waiver applies specifically to these military personnel.

Kanchenjunga is typically climbed from the third to the second week of the Nepali month of Baisakh (late April to early May). The mountain was first summited on May 25, 1955, by George Band and Joe Brown. It is bordered by the Tamor River to the west, Lhonak Chu and Jongsong La to the north, and the Teesta River to the east.