Nepal’s Department of Tourism has announced that 329 climbers from 52 countries have secured permits to ascend seven of the nation's iconic Himalayan peaks this season. The majority of these climbers (290 of the 329) will tackle the world’s eighth-highest mountain, Manaslu, while the rest are targeting other significant peaks such as Putha Hiunchuli, Annapurna IV, and Dhaulagiri I. Additionally, small teams will attempt the more challenging and lesser-known peaks, including Jannu, Takargo East, and Phungi.

Takargo East, a 6,152-meter peak in the Rolwaling Himal, has seen only two recorded ascents since its first successful climb in 2010. Despite being opened to mountaineers in 2003, Takargo East remains relatively uncharted. Similarly, Phungi, a 6,524-meter peak in the Peri Himal along the Tibetan border, remains unclimbed. A Japanese team attempted its summit in 2022 but had to turn back due to extreme conditions.

With renewed interest in these rarely-climbed mountains, the upcoming season could see historic firsts and new records in Nepal’s mountaineering landscape.