KATHMANDU, MAY 13
Mount Everest's climbing route is now open for the Spring 2026 season after an 11-member rope-fixing team led by Mingma Dorchi Sherpa reached the 8,848.86-metre summit at approximately 10:25 am on Wednesday, the Expedition Operators' Association Nepal (EOAN) announced.
The team hoisted the flags of the Government of Nepal, the Department of Tourism, and EOAN at the summit, formally completing route and rope-fixing operations for the season.
"Despite extremely difficult weather conditions, high-altitude risks, and challenging mountain conditions, the Nepali Sherpa community has once again demonstrated its courage, professionalism, dedication, and commitment to mountaineering before the world," EOAN General Secretary Rishi Bhandari said.
The 11-member fixing team comprised Mingma Dorchi Sherpa, Pam Dorjee Sherpa, Pasang Tashi Sherpa, Lopsang Bhutia, Ming Nurbu Sherpa, Chhomba Tenji Sherpa, Guru Bhote, Mingma Tenje Sherpa, Ming Temba Sherpa, Dendi Sherpa, and Pasang Nurbu Sherpa.
With the route now open, summit bids across the mountain are underway.
Some 490 climbers from around the world have been waiting for favourable conditions after acclimatising in the Khumbu region for over a month.