Nepali Sherpas Brave Harsh Conditions to Open 2026 Everest Climbing Season
The path to the roof of the world is officially open. The Expedition Operators’ Association Nepal (EOAN) announced on Wednesday that the climbing route to the summit of Mount Everest is ready for the Spring 2026 season, following a successful mission by an elite 11-member rope-fixing team.
Led by the renowned Mingma Dorchi Sherpa, the team reached the 8,848.86-meter peak at approximately 10:25 am. Upon arrival, the climbers hoisted the flags of the Government of Nepal, the Department of Tourism, and the EOAN, signaling the formal completion of the season’s technical preparations.
The achievement comes despite what officials described as “extremely difficult” weather and high-altitude risks. EOAN General Secretary Rishi Bhandari praised the team, stating that the Nepali Sherpa community has once again demonstrated world-class courage and dedication. The fixing team included experienced mountaineers such as Pam Dorjee Sherpa, Pasang Tashi Sherpa, and Lopsang Bhutia, among others.
With the ropes now secured from the Base Camp to the summit, the window for commercial expeditions has officially opened. Currently, approximately 490 international climbers are stationed in the Khumbu region. These athletes have spent over a month acclimatizing to the thin air and are now monitoring weather windows to begin their final summit bids.
As the first wave of climbers moves toward the higher camps, the mountaineering world watches with bated breath, marking the start of what is expected to be a historic and busy season on the world’s highest peak.
