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Following a period of political instability, Nepal has quickly returned to normalcy, fostering a renewed sense of optimism throughout the nation. This positive shift has resulted in an unprecedented influx of climbers to the country's majestic mountains. Manaslu, in particular, is witnessing a record number of mountaineers, with predictions of initial summit attempts occurring as early as the end of the current week. Additionally, Dhaulagiri, Everest, and Makalu are experiencing a surge in activity, a notable trend for the autumn season. Despite lingering monsoon rains, preparations for climbing routes and acclimatization efforts are progressing steadily, signaling a vibrant return for the mountaineering community.

The current climbing season in Nepal marks a remarkable recovery, drawing adventurers back to its iconic peaks. Manaslu, a prominent target for many, is set to see its first successful ascents in the coming days, highlighting the efficiency of the Sherpa teams in establishing safe routes. This rapid progression is a testament to the country's quick bounce back and the enthusiasm of climbers worldwide. The re-establishment of local flights and helicopter services has greatly facilitated access to remote base camps, allowing climbers to begin their expeditions after a period of relative quiet.

The return of climbers has had a substantial economic impact, with the Nepal Tourism Board and local agencies actively promoting the country's restored services. Revenue from climbing permits has soared, demonstrating the industry's robust recovery. Within a mere two weeks, the government collected an impressive $1.19 million in climbing royalties, more than double the amount from the previous year. Manaslu alone attracted 371 climbers, surpassing last autumn's figures. This financial upturn underscores the importance of mountaineering tourism to Nepal's economy, as both increased climbing fees and recent social unrest have seemingly done little to deter the flow of international visitors.

On Manaslu, Sherpa teams are working diligently to prepare the routes and supply various camps, with the path to Camp 3 already secured. This swift progress suggests that summit attempts could commence shortly, with hundreds of clients poised to follow. While this expedited schedule offers flexibility, it may not entirely alleviate potential crowding on the mountain. Recent observations have shown long queues of climbers navigating the challenging serac fields between Camp 1 and Camp 2, indicating the popularity of the route.

Elsewhere, climbers are making significant progress on other peaks. Benjamin Vedrines and Nicolas Jean have established themselves at the base of Jannu's north face, diligently acclimatizing before their main ascent. They have spent nights at 5,600m and 6,100m, capitalizing on brief windows of favorable weather amidst the rainy conditions. Their consistent updates, including stunning videos and personal reflections, have provided a captivating glimpse into their challenging endeavor.

On Everest, Andrzej Bargiel is meticulously preparing for a ski descent from the summit, having already fixed the Khumbu Icefall. He is currently acclimatizing and evaluating the South Side for the most viable ski line. Meanwhile, the Asian Trekking team recently performed their puja ceremony, while client Tyler Andrews continues his acclimatization on Mera Peak, showcasing diverse approaches to preparing for the mighty Everest.

Further east, Denis Aleksenko and Artem Tsentsevitsky have successfully reached Makalu Base Camp and are now en route to Advanced Base Camp. Their expedition updates, shared via Telegram, offer real-time insights into their progress. On Dhaulagiri, some teams are still making their way to Base Camp, having been delayed by earlier civil disturbances, while others, like Russian skiers Valeri Lazo and Anton Pugovkin, are already there, continuing their ambitious Deathzone Freeride project, despite a previous unsuccessful ski descent attempt on Everest in 2023.

The Nepalese Himalayas are once again buzzing with activity, demonstrating the country's resilience and the enduring allure of its towering peaks. This renewed interest in mountaineering is not only revitalizing local economies but also generating captivating stories and breathtaking visuals from some of the world's most challenging environments.