The spring climbing season on Mount Everest and Mount Lhotse has gathered pace as crucial rope ferrying operations and route fixing efforts advance toward higher camps, expedition operators confirmed.
Rope Ferrying and Route Fixing Underway on Mount Everest and Mount Lhotse
The Expedition Operators Association Nepal said it successfully transported essential ropes from Base Camp to Camp II using helicopter flights, marking a key milestone in preparing the climbing route. EOAN General Secretary Rishi Ram Bhandari stated that the operation was carried out after securing flight permission from government authorities on April 30 and waiting for favorable weather conditions.
A joint team of experienced mountain guides has already reached the crampon point and is progressing toward higher camps to fix ropes leading to the summits of Everest and Lhotse. With ropes now positioned at Camp II, officials say the pace of route fixing is expected to accelerate significantly in the coming days.
Climbers Focus on Acclimatization
Expedition leaders report that climbers are currently engaged in acclimatization rotations between camps, a critical step before attempting summit pushes. Lakpa Sherpa, Expedition Leader and Managing Director of 8K Expeditions, said most team members have already completed acclimatization at higher camps.
He added that the rope-fixing team is working steadily to open the route toward Camp III and above, which will allow climbers to begin ferrying loads to the South Col once the route to Camp IV is secured.
Summit Push Expected by Mid-May
Expedition operators anticipate that summit attempts will likely begin by the end of the second week of May, depending largely on weather conditions. Climbers and support teams are closely monitoring forecasts to identify optimal summit windows. “Climbing activities will proceed as scheduled if weather conditions remain stable,” Lakpa Sherpa said, expressing confidence in the ongoing preparations.
Delayed Start but Strong Progress
This season’s climbing activities began slightly later than usual, as the route through the Khumbu Icefall to Camp II was opened about a week later than in previous years. The Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee has been actively overseeing the maintenance and safety of the icefall route, with Icefall Doctors continuously monitoring conditions. Despite the initial delay, the season has now picked up momentum, with teams moving efficiently through acclimatization and logistical preparations.
High Participation This Season
According to the Department of Tourism, at least 465 foreign climbers from various countries have received permits to attempt Everest this spring, supported by a large number of Sherpa guides and expedition staff. With route fixing progressing and climbers nearing readiness, the Everest region is expected to witness a busy summit period in the coming weeks, signaling a strong and active climbing season in the Himalayas.
