Kathmandu, May 8 -- Nepal has recorded its highest-ever number of Everest climbing permits this spring, with 492 fee-paying climbers receiving permission to scale the world's tallest mountain, the Department of Tourism said on Friday.

The record turnout comes amid mounting concerns over crowd management, as delayed route preparation and a potentially narrow summit window raise fears of congestion high on the mountain.

The government has also earned a historic Rs1.07 billion in royalty revenue this season from Everest alone.

The jump in revenue follows Nepal's decision to raise Everest royalty fees for foreign climbers using the standard South Col route to $15,000 from $11,000, effective September 1, 2025-a 36 percent increase. For Nepa...