Nepal says crevasse delays opening of Everest climbing route

KATHMANDU – Hundreds of mountaineers are currently stranded at the base camp of Mount Everest as a massive crevasse filled with ice chunks, including a towering 100-foot (30-meter) serac, has delayed the opening of the route to the world's tallest peak. Officials and climbers confirmed the setback on Friday.

The annual climbing season for Mount Everest, which stands at 8,849 meters (29,032 feet), typically runs from April to May, offering the best weather conditions to reach its icy, windswept summit. However, this year’s climbing season has been disrupted by the blockage above base camp.

A massive chunk of ice, known as a serac, is obstructing the path above the base camp, preventing Sherpa climbers—who are responsible for fixing ropes, placing ladders, and carving a safe route through the Khumbu icefall— from completing their task. These Sherpas, often referred to as "icefall doctors," are crucial to the safety of climbers navigating the treacherous terrain.

Garrett Madison, a U.S.-based mountaineer leading his 16th Everest ascent, told Reuters from base camp that the delay is affecting everyone's schedules. “It has now impacted everyone’s schedules … expeditions are all being delayed because of the impasse,” he said.

The massive serac is expected to collapse imminently, though it could take time before it does, according to Madison. The route is usually cleared by the third week of April, but the ongoing blockage has left "no good or viable route options" for the Sherpas to work with, he added.

Himal Gautam from Nepal’s Department of Tourism commented that if the serac melts or collapses, the "icefall doctors" would be able to open the route and climbers could still make their summit bids on schedule. However, if the stalemate persists, authorities may send additional Sherpas to assess the risks and explore alternative routes.

Mingma Sherpa, an 11-time Everest summiteer leading an international team at base camp, also mentioned that acclimatization rotations and the ferrying of gear to higher camps have been delayed.

Everest straddles the border between Nepal and Tibet and can be climbed from both sides, though most climbers choose the Nepali side for their expeditions. The mountain climbing industry is a vital source of income for Nepal, which is home to eight of the world’s 14 highest peaks. So far, 410 Everest permits have been issued this season, each costing $15,000.

As climbers wait for the route to be cleared, the situation highlights the challenges faced by those attempting to summit the world's highest peak. -Reporting by Gopal Sharma; Editing by Clarence Fernandez/Reuters