Securing permits for spring mountaineering begins

KATHMANDU, MARCH 26: The issuance of permits for this year’s spring mountaineering season has commenced. According to the Department of Tourism, a total of 58 climbers—18 women and 40 men—from eight mountaineering groups have received permits to scale various peaks, including Annapurna. Thus. so far,  the vclimbers from 24 countries, including Nepal, have obtained permission for expeditions this season.

Department Director Liladhar Awasthi confirmed that the permit issuance process is underway. "Authorization for scaling the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, will be granted soon," he stated. Meanwhile, expedition companies are actively preparing for Everest climbs.

"There has been a noticeable increase in climbing-related activities in the Everest region. Climbing companies have intensified their preparations to facilitate expeditions," Awasthi added.

Spring is considered the ideal season for mountaineering, attracting a significant number of international climbers aiming to reach the world’s highest summit.

To support these expeditions, the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC) has deployed an ‘icefall doctor’ to establish a safe route for climbers. A 10-member SPCC team has been tasked with constructing the route from Everest Base Camp to Camp II. Additionally, skilled climbers have been assigned to fix ropes from Camp II to the summit.

The Mountaineering Operators' Association has appointed a team of 10 Sherpa climbers, led by Ashok Lama, to handle rope-fixing operations to the summit.