KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 2

A mountaineering team led by Xtreme Climbers Treks & Expeditions Pvt. Ltd. has begun the first-ever ascent attempt on Mt. Pathibhara (6,868m) via the South-East Route in eastern Nepal's Taplejung district.

Mt. Pathibhara, officially opened for climbing in 2025 by the Government of Nepal, lies in the Kanchenjunga region at 27°48′30″ latitude and 80°11′17″ longitude. The peak has remained unclimbed until now, making the current expedition a significant milestone in Himalayan mountaineering.

The expedition team, which departed on 21 September, comprises international climbers supported by four experienced Sherpa climbers, a dedicated rope-fixing unit, and professional ground staff. Their approach route passed through Taplejung, Siwa, Tapethok, Ghunsa, and Lhonak before reaching base camp.

Due to heavy rainfall, unstable moraine, and landslides, the team has set up base camp slightly lower than the planned 5,200m site, near the Mt. Kumbhakarna (Jannu) Base Camp. On 1 October, the climbers conducted a traditional puja ceremony before rope-fixing teams began advancing to higher camps. The strategy involves two camps - Camp 1 at 5,800m and Camp 2 at 6,300m - before launching the final push to the top of the unclimbed peak.

Xtreme Climbers stated that the attempt aims to highlight Nepal's newly opened climbing peaks and to bring global attention to the Kanchenjunga region as a mountaineering hub. The company emphasized its commitment to safety and environmental responsibility.