Mount Everest records season’s first summit from Tibet side

Climbing rope to the summit of Mount Everest has been laid from north side, while Nepali rope fixing team is set to open the route within this week

May 07, 2024 | Everest Chronicle

The opening of the summit route to ascend Everest from the North Tibetan side on May 6th has ended uncertainty for dozens of climbers who were awaiting visas and permits to conquer the peak from China.

Nepali expedition operator Climbalaya in its Instagram post said the summit route to the world’s highest peak opened on May 6. China officially closed Cho Oyu and Shishapangma this season, while it delayed in issuing visas for climbers and guides.

The news comes as a relief for more than 50 climbers and Sherpas who were awaiting clearance and acclimatizing on the Nepali side amidst uncertainty over visas.

Climbalaya said visa applications have been accepted and planning to reach the base camp on May 10.

The expedition on the southern side has been delayed due to the late opening of routes through the Khumbu Icefall. Some expedition operators used helicopter to transport expedition supplies to Camp II to expedite setting up tents and storing expedition supplies.

On the Tibetan side, there are over 100 climbers, including Chinese and foreigners, along with several dozen Nepali guides. Nepal has issued 403 climbing permits so far.

Apart from Climbalaya, other agencies such as Furtenbach Adventures, Madison Mountaineering, and Alpenglow Expeditions are guiding their clients from the southern side.

Although the Tibetan side is considered safer and easier to climb due to access to four-wheelers up to the base camp, most climbers still opt for the Nepali side due to the availability of multiple service providers, better services, lower costs, and helicopter rescue options in case of emergencies.

Related Articles

Everest local authority confronts environmental crisis in the mountain

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, the local government unit of Everest region, has brought forth a set of environmental regulations to limit the impact of expeditions on the world’s highest peak, but has retracted most of the provisions within weeks amid pressure.

Apr 06, 2024 | Everest Chronicle

Nepal makes RECCO reflector mandatory for climbers

Nepal has stepped up rescue and retrieval operations in the mountains as dead bodies pile up on crevasses and slopes raising concerns from climbers and environmentalists.

Apr 08, 2024 | Everest Chronicle

Kami Rita Sherpa aims for 29th Everest summit.

Veteran mountaineer Kami Rita Sherpa wants to break his own record of highest number of summit of the world’s highest mountain by summiting Everest this spring for a record 29 time.  

Apr 17, 2024 | Everest Chronicle

Rope fixing team hopes to open route up to Everest summit by mid-May

Seven seasoned Sherpa climbers have been deployed to fix the rope to the summit of Mount Everest, which serves as a lifeline for climbers to summit and descend back safely.

Apr 26, 2024 | Everest Chronicle

Nepal government makes historic “one time” decision on Everest; Choppers to fly supplies up to camp II

Exceptional circumstances around route opening in world’s highest mountain has pushed Nepal government to take a “one time” extreme decision of allowing choppers to ferry goods up to camp II. Helicopters beyond base camp is only allowed for “search and rescue” or “emergency situation”.

Apr 26, 2024 | Dewan Rai

Nepal’s top court directs government to limit climbing permits

The Supreme Court of Nepal ordered authorities to impose a limit on the number of climbing permits in the peaks of Himalayas, urging the government to ban the use of helicopters from the base camp to the peak.

May 03, 2024 | Everest Chronicle

Phunjo Lama back in Everest to reclaim fastest female ascent speed record

This spring, Lama has returned to Mount Everest, aiming to surpass current record with an even quicker ascent.

May 03, 2024 | Everest Chronicle

Nimsdai scales Makalu as his 45th summits of eight-thousander

Nirmal Purja holds multiple records of big mountains and continues to make new ones as he himself leads expeditions of 8,000m peaks.  

May 07, 2024 | Everest Chronicle