The climbing route to Camp III on both Mount Everest and Lhotse has now been successfully established, marking a key milestone in this spring’s expedition season. The joint rope-fixing team under the Expedition Operators Association Nepal (Expedition Operators Association Nepal) is now advancing toward Camp IV as summit preparations intensify.
Camp III Prepared for Climbers and Acclimatization Rotations
Lead guides Kilu Sherpa and Pasang Ngima Sherpa recently reached Camp III, where they set up tents for climbers scheduled to stay as part of their acclimatization rotations. With the route now fixed and secured, climbers are cleared to proceed up to Camp III for high-altitude training and rest rotations before their summit attempts.
Mingma G, Managing Director at Imagine Nepal Treks, confirmed the development, stating that the route is now fully open. “The route to Camp III on Everest and Lhotse is clear. Next, eyes are on Camp IV,” he said.
Focus Shifts to Camp IV on the South Col
With Camp III operational, attention has now shifted to establishing the route up to Camp IV on the South Col, the final staging point before summit pushes begin. This phase is considered one of the most critical sections of the rope-fixing operation due to its extreme altitude and weather exposure.
Helicopter Support Boosts Logistics and Rope-Fixing
Earlier this week, ropes were ferried from Base Camp to Camp II by helicopter, significantly improving logistical efficiency. EOAN General Secretary Rishi Ram Bhandari noted that this step was crucial in accelerating rope-fixing progress. The association had secured helicopter flight permission from government authorities on April 30 and waited for suitable weather conditions before launching the operation.
Climbers Near Summit Push Phase
According to Expedition Leader and Managing Director of 8K Expeditions, Lakpa Sherpa, most climbers have now completed their acclimatization rotations across the higher camps. Teams are currently preparing for summit attempts, which are expected to begin by the end of the second week of May, depending on weather conditions.
Growing Number of Everest Permits This Season
The climbing route through the Khumbu Icefall to Camp II was opened slightly later than in previous years, but operations have now stabilized. The Department of Tourism has issued permits to at least 465 foreign climbers for this spring season on Mount Everest, reflecting strong international interest in high-altitude expeditions this year.
