March 26: The Department of Tourism has started issuing mountaineering permits for spring mountaineering season.

A total of 33 people have already taken permission to climb four different mountains this season, said Director of Adventure Tourism and Mountaineering Branch of the department, Rakesh Gurung.

Among them, 24 climbers have obtained permits to climb Mt Annapurna, three for Mt Ama Dablam, five for Himlung, and one for Jugal. The department will start issuing climbing permits for the world's highest peak, Mount Everest, from Tuesday.

According to the department, arrangements have been made for mountaineers to make online bookings for climbing.

Spring is considered the ideal season for climbing mountains, especially Mt Everest. The government charges higher fees during the spring season. As per the department, a tourist has to pay USD 11,000 per person to climb Mount Everest.

Last year, the government had collected over Rs 474.6 million in revenue from more than 900 climbers from different countries. Altogether 414 mountains and peaks of Nepal are open for expedition. (With inputs from RSS)