March 20: With the onset of the spring season, which is considered ideal for mountain expedition in Nepal, the Department of Tourism has started issuing climbing permits to the tourists. As of Sunday, 50 climbers from 25 countries have already received permits.

According to the notification issued by the Department of Tourism on Sunday, the foreigners have taken permission to climb Annapurna-1, Surma Sarovar, Pangri Goldumba, Manaslu and Thorong Peak.

Among them, 17 are women and 33 are men. According to the department, so far most people have taken permission to climb Annapurna-1. A total of 34 people, including 12 women, have received permission to climb the mountain.

The department has collected revenue worth Rs 12.89 million from issuing the climbing permits.

Climbers from Australia, Austria, Brazil, British Virgin Island, Bulgaria, Canada, China, France, Georgia, India, Ireland, Japan, Macedonia, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Britain and the United States have taken permission for the spring season.

Ascent of Mount Everest is preferred more in the spring season when the weather is more favourable. Nepal collects the most revenue from Mount Everest. A mountaineer must complete the ascent within 75 days after the department issues climbing permit.