Kathmandu, Nepal. Sherpa climbers have opened the route to Mount Everest after it was blocked for two weeks by ice chunks and a large serac, officials said on Tuesday. The move allows mountaineers to begin attempts to reach the summit during the April-to-May climbing season.
Route reopened through Khumbu icefall
A 100-foot (30-metre) serac had blocked the path above base camp this month. Parts of it melted and broke away, enabling Sherpa climbers known as “icefall doctors” to fix ropes, place ladders and carve a safe route through the Khumbu icefall to Camp I at 6,060 metres (19,880 ft).
Lhakpa Sherpa of the 8K Expedition hiking company, who is coordinating the opening of the route, said 19 Sherpa climbers crossed the difficult section of the icefall and reached the Camp I site. He said they were expected to fix ropes to Camp II, which he described as not difficult, adding that Camp II is at about 6,400 metres (21,000 ft).
Climbers begin moving after delay
Hundreds of mountaineers from different countries had been stranded at Everest base camp for more than two weeks ahead of summit attempts next month. Department of Tourism official Nisha Thapa Rawal said climbers could now begin to climb from base camp.
Some climbers said they hoped to complete their expeditions despite the delay. British climber Kenton Cool, who is trying to climb Everest for the 20th time, said the delay could push summit dates back and create crowding in the icefall and possibly at the summit as teams try to make up for lost time.
Permits issued for the season
Authorities have issued 425 Everest permits so far this season, costing $15,000 each. Another 153 climbers heading to neighbouring Lhotse and Nuptse peaks also share part of the same route.
How do you think the two-week delay could affect congestion on the Everest route as climbers resume their ascents?