Kathmandu, August 15:

The government has decided to provide a 50 per cent concession in the royalty charged to the mountaineering team seeking permission to climb Mt Manaslu and Mt Lhotse from March to June 2006. The golden jubilee year of first ascent to the two mountains is being observed this year. The decision has been made under the policy of observing golden jubilee of the first ascent to the mountains above 8,000 metres, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation said. The concession will be applicable to the royalty charged on the basis of the number of members of any expedition team. A press release issued by the Ministry today states the mountaineering team comprising up to seven members will be charged $10,000 while the additional members of the team will be receiving 50 per cent discount.