This year’s spring season has witnessed a surge in expeditions to Mount Everest, with the Department of Tourism granting climbing permits for numerous climbers. As per the department’s records, a total of 17 female climbers and 60 male climbers from seven expedition groups have already secured permits to ascend Mount Everest. Additionally, the department has authorized 29 smaller peaks for climbing, including the iconic Mount Everest itself. Director of the Department of Tourism, Leeladhar Awasti, confirmed that the climbers who have received permits are now on their way to their respective destinations.
The detailed data from the department reveals that, in addition to Mount Everest, a total of 198 climbers have secured permits to climb various peaks in Nepal. Among them, 66 climbers from six expedition groups have been granted permission to climb Annapurna I, while another group of eight climbers has received a permit for Annapurna V. Makalu is also gaining attention, with 15 climbers from one group receiving a permit, while 15 climbers from a group have been allowed to attempt Lhotse.
As climbers prepare for their challenging journey to the summit of Mount Everest, efforts to improve access to the mountain continue. The road to the second camp of Everest is currently under construction, but the work has faced significant challenges due to high-speed winds in the region over the past two days. The wind has been recorded at speeds of up to 35 kilometers per hour, with ice fragments scattered across the terrain. As a result, the “Icefall Doctor” team is awaiting favorable weather conditions to continue their work.
At the Khumbu Icefall area, the installation of ladders and fixing of ropes is in progress. Four ladders and 12 ropes have already been placed to aid climbers. According to Director Awasti, the path to the second camp needs to be constructed over a stretch of 2,200 meters. As of now, 1,100 meters of the route have been completed, and work continues at a steady pace.
The Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC) has assigned a team of 10 members, known as the “Icefall Doctors,” to manage the construction of the route from the base camp to the second camp. Their job is to ensure the safety of climbers by creating a secure path through the challenging icefall. The SPCC’s initiative highlights the importance of maintaining both safety and environmental standards during these expeditions.
Once the path to the second camp is ready, the Federation of Nepal Mountaineers (FMN) will take over the responsibility of fixing ropes, a process known as “rope fixing,” to secure the route from the second camp to the summit. The FMN has already deployed an eight-member team, led by Ashok Lama, to perform this task. The management of this crucial stage of the expedition has been entrusted to the ATKE Expeditions Company, ensuring that the necessary preparations are in place for climbers to safely attempt the summit.
The spring season is considered the optimal time for Everest and other Himalayan climbs, as the weather conditions are relatively stable compared to other times of the year. During this period, a significant number of foreign climbers flock to Nepal to take on the challenge of summiting Mount Everest, as well as other peaks like Annapurna and Makalu. This influx of climbers not only boosts Nepal’s tourism industry but also highlights the country’s growing importance as a destination for high-altitude mountaineering. As the construction of safe paths and the rope-fixing efforts continue, Nepal is firmly establishing itself as a prime location for climbing enthusiasts worldwide.
