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.
