Rope-fixing operation removes outdated equipment, enhances route safety for upcoming expeditions
KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 27
The Expedition Operators Association Nepal (EOA-Nepal) has completed a post-season cleanup and rope-removal operation on Ama Dablam, clearing outdated ropes to improve safety on one of Nepal's most popular climbing peaks.
The work was carried outafter a busy autumn season that saw 494 foreign climbers from 39 teams attempt the 6,812-metre peak. A specialist rope-fixing team carried out the work, clearing outdated ropes from the mountain to ensure safer, more reliable routes for upcoming expeditions.
"This cleanup is essential for maintaining safe climbing conditions. Our team removed old ropes and ensured that the route is ready for the next season," said Rishi Bhandari, General Secretary of EOA-Nepal.
Since spring 2011, EOA-Nepal has been managing and deploying its own climbing teams to conduct route opening and rope-fixing operations on major peaks including Manaslu, Ama Dablam, Everest and Lhotse. The initiative operates with approval from the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation and is self-funded by EOA member agencies. The association expanded these operations to Himlung Himal starting in 2024.
"The rope-fixing operations are critical infrastructure for safe climbing in Nepal's mountains," said Bhandari. The teams' work ensures safe, guided routes for hundreds of climbers during the lucrative autumn season, he added.
The Ama Dablam team was led by Nuru Wangchu Sherpa of Pangboche, a veteran climber with more than 20 years of Himalayan experience including multiple ascents of Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Shishapangma, Manaslu and Makalu. Nuru has headed rope-fixing teams on Ama Dablam for the past four to five years. His crew includes Namgel Dorji Tamang, Lal Kumar Tamang, Pasang Tenji Sherpa, Ming Nuru Sherpa and Guru Zenzen Sherpa.
