Nepali Mountaineers Clear Everest Route Past Ice Block, Opening Path to Camp 2

Nepali mountaineers have cleared a route beyond a massive ice block on Mount Everest, facilitating progress for climbers past Base Camp after a two-week obstruction. Ram Krishna Lamichhane, Nepal's director general of tourism, confirmed that icefall doctors have now secured ropes up to Camp 2, situated at approximately 6,400 to 6,500 metres (21,000 to 21,325 ft).

“Still there are some risks, but icefall doctors have picked up the most convenient available route and identified the path forward,” Lamichhane stated. Preparations for the spring season were delayed as teams awaited the melting of a substantial 30-metre-high (100ft) ice block, known as a serac. This delay has pushed back the climbing schedule, raising concerns about potential summit congestion later in the season.

Lamichhane added, “We have information that from tomorrow, climbers will move towards Camp 1 and Camp 2 for acclimatisation.” Some 425 climbers hold permits for Everest ascents this year, contributing an estimated 924,222,675 Nepalese Rupees (GBP#4,535,143) in government revenue.

The critical route-setting work was carried out by icefall doctors from Nepal's Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC) and expert sherpas from expedition operator organisations. Lakpa Sherpa, an expedition operator and veteran climber, highlighted the use of airlift technology for delivering essential supplies such as ropes, ladders, and snow bars to the rope-fixing teams. He also noted the deployment of “3D photogrammetry and real-time drone surveys to map the Khumbu Icefall and assess hazards like seracs and crevasses.”

Despite the route to Camp 1 and Camp 2 being officially open, Sherpa cautioned that “a major serac remains unstable and may collapse within four to five days – avoid carrying heavy loads through the icefall.” He emphasised that “safety is our highest priority further rotations should proceed with extreme caution and at your own risk.” Nepal’s Department of Tourism reiterated this warning, stating on social media platform X, “As climbers navigate the route, utmost caution is urged, particularly in the serac-affected section. Wishing all a safe ascent.”