The autumn climbing season on Mount Manaslu has begun after favourable weather conditions allowed ascents.

According to the Department of Tourism, 374 climbers have received permits to scale the 8,163-metre peak this season.

Nangsal Chhoden Lama of Samagaun, ward 1 of Chumnubri Rural Municipality, said that climbers started their push from September 20, with some already returning after reaching the summit, while others continue their ascent. Most teams aim to complete their climbs by September 27.

She said some climbers summited on Monday and Tuesday. Among them was 22-year-old Tshering Diki of Samagaun, who successfully reached the summit at 10:50am on Tuesday.

Autumn is considered the best season for climbing Manaslu, known as the ‘killer mountain’ due to its high fatality rate from treacherous climbing conditions. The peak has become increasingly popular with international climbers in recent years.

Trekking in the Manaslu region has also grown, with 76 visitors recorded in mid-July to mid-August and 779 in mid-August to mid-September, according to Santosh Sherchan, chief of the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP).

Sherchan said the September to November period is ideal for trekking in the area.