Everest Climbing Begins, 421 Climbers Get Permit

This year's Mount Everest climbing season has officially begun after ropes were fixed to the summit. On May 9, a team of seven Sherpas from 8K Expeditions successfully reached the top of Everest and fixed the ropes, opening the route for other climbers.

The Department of Tourism confirmed that climbing activities can now begin as the route to the summit is ready. According to officials, weather conditions are favorable, and many climbers are expected to attempt the summit between May 11 and 15. A second possible summit window is between May 19 and 24.

The rope fixing work was more difficult this year due to heavy snow and large rocks, especially in the Khumbu Icefall area. The team faced challenges in placing ladders and ropes, but they managed to complete the task. It took them 14 days to fix the route from Camp 2 to Camp 4 because of bad weather. However, from Camp 4, the Sherpa team reached the summit in just two days.

Out of 16 Sherpas involved in rope fixing, only seven reached the summit. The successful team was under Ashok Lama and included Chhiring Pemba Sherpa, Pem Nurbu Sherpa, Tashi Sherpa, Karma Gyeljen Sherpa, Tashi Gyeljen Sherpa, and Pas Tenji Sherpa.

Sherpas have also fixed ropes on Lhotse and Ama Dablam, but those climbs were also difficult due to heavy snow. Experts believe climate change is making climbing harder by increasing the number of loose rocks on the mountains.

Many climbers are now moving between the camps, preparing for their summit push. Supplies like oxygen have already been sent to higher camps, and climbers are doing final training before attempting the summit.

Expedition leaders say hundreds of climbers are now ready and waiting for their chance to climb Everest in the coming days.