Kathmandu, May 13 (PTI) An 11-member Nepali rope-fixing team on Wednesday scaled Mount Everest, officially opening the climbing route to the world’s highest peak for the spring mountaineering season, authorities said.
The team, led by Mingma Dorchi Sherpa, reached the 8,848.86-metre summit at around 10:30 am local time after completing the rope-fixing operations, according to Nepal’s Department of Tourism.
The climbers hoisted Nepal’s national flag atop the peak after completing the route and rope-fixing operations for the season, said Himal Sharma, an official at the department.
The team comprised Mingma Dorchi Sherpa, Pam Dorjee Sherpa, Pasang Tashi Sherpa, Lopsang Bhutia, Ming Nurbu Sherpa, Chhomba Tenji Sherpa, Guru Bhote, Mingma Tenje Sherpa, Ming Temba Sherpa, Dendi Sherpa, and Pasang Nurbu Sherpa.
The rope-fixing mission, carried out every year by experienced sherpas, is considered crucial for ensuring the safety of mountaineers attempting to scale Everest during the peak climbing window in May.
The spring season, which offers relatively stable weather conditions, is the most popular period for Everest expeditions and remains a major source of tourism revenue for Nepal.
According to the Department of Tourism, around 490 climbers from different countries have been granted permits to climb Everest this season.
Nepal, home to eight of the world’s 14 highest peaks, issues hundreds of climbing permits annually, with Everest expeditions contributing significantly to the country’s economy. PTI SBP SCY SCY
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