Kathmandu, April 7
The Department of Tourism has begun issuing climbing permits for the spring season, with seven expedition teams already receiving approval to scale Mount Everest.
According to the department, the permits have been issued to 77 climbers so far — 17 women and 60 men — from both Nepal and abroad. In total, 198 climbers have been cleared to ascend 29 different peaks across the country, including Everest.
Tourism Department Director Liladhar Awasthi confirmed that climbers who obtained permits have already begun heading to their respective destinations.
Among other expeditions, six teams comprising 66 climbers have received permits for Annapurna I, while eight climbers from a single team will attempt Annapurna V. Separate teams of 15 climbers each have secured approvals for Makalu and Lhotse.
Route construction underway to Everest’s Camp II
Preparations for the Everest ascent are ongoing, with route construction to Camp II currently in progress. However, strong winds in the region have posed challenges over the past two days. Wind speeds reached up to 35 km/h as of last evening, scattering ice chunks across the Khumbu Icefall, the department reported.
Work is currently focused on placing ladders and fixing anchors across hanging areas in the icefall. “So far, four ladders and 12 anchors have been installed,” said Director Awasthi. “The trail needs to be extended up to 2,200 meters. At present, about 1,100 meters of the route has been constructed.”
The Icefall Doctors, a 10-member team deployed by the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC), are responsible for building the path from Base Camp to Camp II. Once this section is complete, the Expedition Operators Association will begin rope-fixing from Camp II to the summit. The task is being led by Ashok Lama and an eight-member team, with logistical management entrusted to the company “8K Expeditions.”
Spring is considered the prime season for climbing Everest, attracting a significant number of international mountaineers each year.
