As the vibrant autumn season unfolds, the Himalayan peaks are once again beckoning adventurers from across the globe. The Nepalese Department of Tourism has just unveiled its initial list of climbing permits, signaling the official commencement of the climbing season. This year promises to be a particularly active one, with a diverse array of climbers, from seasoned mountaineers to ambitious skiers, setting their sights on these formidable summits. The dynamic landscape of high-altitude exploration continues to evolve, drawing participants from various corners of the world, with a notable surge in representation from China.
Autumn Alpine Adventures: Updates from Nepal's Lofty Peaks
In the heart of the majestic Himalayas, a new season of high-altitude mountaineering is gaining momentum. As of September 3, 2025, Nepal's Department of Tourism has issued its preliminary list of permits, greenlighting expeditions across ten distinct peaks. The air in the mountain ranges is thick with anticipation and the promise of exhilarating challenges.
The renowned peak of Manaslu stands as a primary attraction this autumn. A robust contingent of 162 climbers has already secured permits, with more expected to join their ranks in the coming days. Expedition operators have meticulously prepared base camps, transforming the rugged terrain into bustling hubs of activity. A dedicated rope-fixing team, operating under the aegis of the Expedition Operators Association of Nepal (EOAN), has already made significant progress. Tashi Sherpa, the esteemed leader of this vital team, reported on this very day that they have successfully ascended to the designated site for Camp 1, establishing a crucial waypoint for the ascending adventurers.
Among the determined individuals embarking on the Manaslu expedition is Hugo Ayaviri from Bolivia, whose ambitious goal is to conquer all fourteen 8,000-meter peaks without the aid of supplementary oxygen. Adding a remarkable narrative to this season's endeavors is 86-year-old Carlos Soria from Spain. After numerous attempts on Dhaulagiri, Soria has redirected his unwavering focus to Manaslu. His previous expedition in 2023 saw him suffer a leg fracture at 7,700 meters on Dhaulagiri, necessitating a harrowing rescue facilitated by his partner, Luis Miguel Soriano, and the heroic efforts of Polish climbers Oswald Pereira and Bartek Ziemski. Despite enduring extensive surgeries and a lengthy recovery period, and a recent cardiac valve procedure just two months prior, Soria's indomitable spirit remains unbroken. As Spanish mountain magazine Desnivel aptly noted, his iron will transcends the odds, proving that age is merely a number in the face of such profound determination. Soria's return to Manaslu holds historical significance, as he was part of the first Spanish expedition to an 8,000-meter peak there, though he did not summit. He later successfully climbed Manaslu in 2010 at the age of 71. Before venturing to Manaslu, Soria, accompanied by Luis Miguel Soriano and the experienced Mikel Sherpa, is undertaking a preparatory trek in the enchanting Khumbu region, gazing upon its iconic peaks.
A novel and captivating development this season is the presence of skiers on the majestic Everest. The esteemed skier Andrzej Bargiel and his team have already established themselves at Everest Base Camp. Although only Bargiel is listed on the primary climbing permit, his team members have secured permits for Nuptse and Lhotse, peaks whose base camps share facilities with Everest. These strategic permits allow them to ascend to Everest's Camp 2 and Camp 3, providing crucial high-altitude filming opportunities and supporting Bargiel's oxygen-free ascent and audacious ski descent.
Beyond the celebrated giants, permits have also been granted for intriguing, lesser-known peaks. Benjamin Vedrines and Nicolas Jean have set their sights on the formidable north face of Jannu, specifically targeting its east summit. Their journey commenced yesterday from Taplejung town, as they now trek through the pristine landscapes of the Kangchenjunga region. Lhayul Peak and Api, both located in Western Nepal, are also attracting attention, benefiting from Nepal's government initiative to promote remote regions by offering free permits for 97 such peaks. Khayang, an unclimbed peak nestled in the Manaslu region, awaits its next attempt. Earlier this spring, Nepalese climbers Prakash Gurung, Yukta Gurung, and Sandesh Sherpa faced insurmountable challenges due to a dry and heavily crevassed glacier. The arrival of the monsoon rains, however, may offer more favorable conditions for the two climbers (a male and a female) who are planning to tackle Khayang in the coming weeks, as fresh snow could potentially mitigate the previous difficulties.
Finally, a notable demographic shift is evident among international climbers this season. While the number of U.S. climbers has seen a decrease, Chinese nationals now represent the largest foreign contingent, with 34 climbers. Poland contributes 25 climbers, and Nepal boasts 22, according to The Himalayan Times. Additionally, 13 Americans have obtained permits, alongside mountaineers from France and Russia (each with 10), Argentina, Canada, Japan, Spain, and Australia, underscoring the truly global nature of Himalayan alpinism.
As an observer of these incredible human endeavors, I am continually inspired by the sheer audacity and unwavering spirit of these climbers. The Himalayas, with their raw power and unparalleled beauty, serve as a profound crucible for human ambition and resilience. It is a world where meticulous planning meets the unpredictable whims of nature, and where individual will can reshape the boundaries of the possible. The return of seasoned legends like Carlos Soria, defying age and physical setbacks, is a testament to the enduring allure of these mountains and the deep-seated passion they ignite. Similarly, the innovative approaches, such as Andrzej Bargiel's ski descent on Everest, highlight the evolving frontiers of mountaineering, pushing beyond traditional ascents. This season, with its blend of established challenges and unexplored peaks, reminds us that the mountains are not merely geographical features, but stages for stories of courage, perseverance, and the timeless human quest for the summit.