KATHMANDU, MARCH 25

The Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation today issued the season's first climbing permit to attempt to scale the world's highest peak in the spring season.

After handing over the season's first Everest climbing permit to an eight-member international team from Himalayan Guides this afternoon, DoT Director Rakesh Gurung conveyed his best wishes to the team for the success and requested the team leader to help bring more tourists in the country.

Iswari Paudel, Managing Director at Himalayan Guides, said that HG team led by renowned climber Chhuldim Ang Dorjee Sherpa has obtained the first permit from the DoT to climb the world's highest peak this season

"The team led by Sherpa comprises climbers from the United States, Australia , United Kingdom and Ireland ,' he said. Leader Ang Dorjee from Pangboche will be attempting to scale the mountain for the 23rd time.

Tshiring Sherpa, Chief Executive Officer at Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee, said that a team of icefall doctors assigned to open a climbing route up to Camp II from the Base Camp will reach Camp I in the first week of April. 'They have now been setting up ropes and ladders in the treacherous section and will head towards Camp I soon,' Sherpa said.