Nepal’s spring mountaineering season is off to a historic start with over 90 female climbers from 18 countries registered to summit Everest—an all-time high. This marks a notable shift in a sport long dominated by men. Nepal’s Department of Tourism reports that more than 25% of this year’s Everest permits have been issued to women, including Sherpa guides, solo climbers, and international athletes.
Among them is Pasang Lhamu Sherpa Akita, a veteran mountaineer leading an all-women Nepali expedition aimed at raising awareness about gender equality in adventure sports. This season is expected to generate over $5 million in revenue and create employment for more than 2,000 Sherpas and porters.
Tourism boards in India and Bhutan have welcomed the rising participation of women in Himalayan sports and are considering joint campaigns to encourage more cross-border mountaineering programs for women.
