Eleven climbers successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest after fixing ropes, marking the official opening of the spring 2026 climbing season. The Department of Tourism confirmed that the rope-fixing team accomplished this feat at 10:25 am on Wednesday, allowing other climbers to attempt the ascent during the ongoing spring expedition.
The Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC) managed the climbing route through the Khumbu Icefall from Everest Base Camp to Camp II, as assigned by the Nepali government. Expedition Operators Association Nepal (EOA-Nepal) was responsible for fixing ropes from Camp II to the summit, deploying icefall doctors and mountain guides for this task.
They are a specialized team of experienced Nepali Sherpas known as icefall doctors, tasked with creating and maintaining a safe route through the Khumbu Icefall on Mount Everest. Despite geographical challenges, seasonal weather variations, and operational risks in the high Himalayas, the rope-fixing operation was successfully completed through coordination among various agencies.
The Department of Tourism highlighted that eight icefall doctors and 11 climbing guides were involved in the operation. Notable climbers who reached the summit include Mingma Dorchi Sherpa, Pasang Tashi Sherpa, Lopsang Bhutia, Ming Nurbu Sherpa, Chhomba Tenji Sherpa, Guru Bhote, Pam Dorjee Sherpa, Mingma Tenje Sherpa, Ming Temba Sherpa, Dendi Sherpa, and Pasang Nurbu Sherpa.
Spring is the primary climbing season for Mount Everest, attracting numerous climbers and support staff to Nepal annually. The tourism department reported that a record number of 492 mountaineers had received climbing permits for Mt. Everest by Friday, indicating a significant interest in climbing the world’s highest peak this spring.
