Solukhumbu, March 13
With the arrival of the spring season, preparations for climbing Mt Everest have intensified. A team of 10 ‘icefall doctors’ has headed to Base Camp to establish a safe route for mountaineers, according to the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC).
SPCC Chairperson Lamakaji Sherpa stated that the team, led by experienced climbers Aangsarki Sherpa and Dawajangbu Sherpa, will fix ropes and ladders along the hazardous Khumbu Icefall. The Department of Tourism has assigned SPCC this responsibility since 1997.
Before beginning their work, the team performed a traditional Buddhist Puja to appease the mountain deities, a ritual believed to ensure climbers’ safety. The route up to Camp II is expected to take 20 days to complete, depending on weather conditions.
Foreign climbers pay $600 per person for this service, which also supports environmental initiatives. “The work of icefall doctors is crucial. A successful expedition is unimaginable without them,” said Sherpa.
While the exact number of climbers this season is yet to be confirmed, tourism entrepreneurs anticipate a high turnout. Preparations include route construction, sanitation, and safety measures to ensure a successful climbing season.
