Lhotse rope-fixing team opens summit route for climbers
Expedition operators complete rope-fixing mission on the world’s fourth-highest mountain, clearing the way for permitted climbers
Rope fixing team of Nepali climbers on Sunday completed rope-fixing work to the summit of Lhotse, opening the world’s fourth-highest mountain to climbers for the spring mountaineering season, officials said.
The five-member team reached the 8,516m summit at around 8:10 am local time, successfully establishing a fixed climbing route from base camp to the top, according to the Department of Tourism.
“The rope-fixing mission to the summit of Lhotse has been completed, and the route is now open for all permitted climbers,” Chhang Dawa Sherpa told Nepal’s Department of Tourism field office.
The team, deployed by the Expedition Operators Association of Nepal (EOAN), comprised Mingma Dorchi Sherpa, Mingma Tenje Sherpa, Pam Dorjee Sherpa, Pasang Tenjing Sherpa and Lopsang Bhote.
The operation was managed by the Expedition Operators Association of Nepal with Seven Summit Treks serving as the official logistical partner.
Fixed ropes are installed each climbing season on 8,000m peaks to guide climbers and improve safety on steep and exposed sections of the route.
Lhotse, which shares much of its route with Mount Everest up to Camp IV on the South Col, attracts hundreds of climbers each year during Nepal’s spring climbing window.
Nepal has issued 143 climbing permits this season.