Everest Climbing Season 2026 Begins with 11 Climbers Reaching the Summit

Kathmandu, May 13: The route to the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, has officially opened for the spring climbing season of 2026. On Wednesday, 11 climbers reached the summit, marking the commencement of this year’s climbing season after successfully completing the rope installation.

The tourism department reported that the rope-fixing team arrived at the summit at 10:25 AM on Wednesday. This accomplishment has now prepared the climbing path for other mountaineers.

The Nepalese government assigned the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC) the task of managing the climbing route from Everest Base Camp to Camp II via the Khumbu Icefall. The responsibility for fixing ropes above Camp II up to the summit was given to the Expedition Operators Association of Nepal (EOA-Nepal).

They deployed icefall doctors and climbing guides to secure the path to the summit of Mount Everest. Icefall doctors are highly experienced Nepali Sherpas who create and maintain safe routes through the treacherous Khumbu Icefall. Although they are not medical doctors, they are referred to as “doctors” because they ensure the safety of the path. They assist climbers in crossing unstable glaciers by installing ladders and ropes, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.

The tourism department stated in a press release that despite challenging geographical conditions, weather changes, and the risks of high Himalayan areas, the collaboration among various agencies led to the successful completion of the work.

According to the department, the team included eight icefall doctors and 11 climbing guides. Notable climbers who reached the summit include Mingma Dorjee Sherpa, Pasang Tashi Sherpa, Lopsang Bhutia, Ming Nurbu Sherpa, Chomba Tenji Sherpa, Guru Bote, Pam Dorji Sherpa, Mingma Tenje Sherpa, Ming Temba Sherpa, Dendi Sherpa, and Pasang Nurbu Sherpa.

The spring season is considered the prime time for climbing Everest. Each year, hundreds of climbers and their support teams arrive in Nepal. As of Friday, 492 climbers had received permits to ascend Mount Everest, setting a record for the spring season so far.