The Department of Tourism has started issuing climbing permits for Mount Everest for this year's spring season. So far, seven climbing groups—comprising 17 women and 60 men—have received permission to ascent the world’s highest peak, according to the department.

Leeladhar Awasthi, Director at the Department of Tourism, said permits have also been issued for 29 other smaller mountains. He noted that climbers who have obtained permits have already departed for their respective destinations.

According to the department’s data, a total of 198 climbers from various countries, including Nepal, have been granted permits to climb different peaks. Among them, 66 climbers from six groups have received permits for Annapurna I, while eight climbers from one group have obtained permits for Annapurna V. Additionally, 15 climbers each from two separate groups have received permissions to climb Makalu and Lhotse, respectively.

Meanwhile, route construction toward Camp II of Mount Everest is currently underway, although progress has been hindered by strong winds in the Everest region over the past two days. The Department of Tourism said wind speeds reached up to 35 kilometers per hour as of yesterday evening, causing icefall fragments to scatter and delay work.

The task of placing ladders and anchors in the Khumbu Icefall is currently ongoing. "So far, four ladders and 12 anchors have been installed in the icefall area," said Director Awasthi. "A total of 2,200 meters of route needs to be built to reach Camp II, and 1,100 meters have been completed so far."

The Everest Pollution Control Committee (SPCC) has deployed a team of 10 ‘Icefall Doctors’—specialized climbers responsible for preparing a safe route from Everest Base Camp to Camp II through the treacherous Khumbu Icefall. These experts are responsible for fixing ladders, ropes, and anchors to assist climbers in crossing dangerous ice sections.

Once the route to Camp II is completed, the process of rope fixing from Camp II to the summit will begin. The Nepal Mountaineering Association has entrusted this task to the Atke Expedition Company, which has deployed an eight-member rope-fixing team led by Ashok Lama.

Spring is considered the prime season for mountaineering in Nepal, especially for expeditions to Mount Everest. Each year, a significant number of international climbers arrive during this period to attempt the world's highest peak. -- RSS