Nepali mountaineers have successfully cleared a route past a massive ice block on Mount Everest that had halted all progress beyond Base Camp for two weeks. Ram Krishna Lamichhane, Nepal's director general of tourism, confirmed to the BBC that icefall doctors have now fixed ropes up to Camp 2, situated at roughly 6,400 to 6,500 meters (21,000 to 21,325 feet).
"Still there are some risks, but icefall doctors have picked up the most convenient available route and identified the path forward," Lamichhane said.
The obstruction was a 100-foot-high (30-meter) ice block, known as a serac, which began melting only recently. Teams had started fixing ropes last month for the spring climbing season but were forced to wait for the serac to break down.
The delay has pushed preparations weeks behind schedule, raising concerns about overcrowding at the summit. However, Lamichhane noted that climbers are expected to move toward Camps 1 and 2 for acclimatization starting tomorrow.
This year, 425 climbers have permits to summit the world's highest peak, generating 924,222,675 Nepalese Rupees (about £4.5 million or $6.1 million) in government revenue, according to Nepal's Department of Tourism.
The route was re-established by icefall doctors from Nepal's Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC) and expert sherpas. Lakpa Sherpa, an expedition operator and veteran climber, explained that airlift technology was used to deliver ropes, ladders, snow bars, and food during critical phases. Teams also utilized 3D photogrammetry and real-time drone surveys to map the Khumbu Icefall and assess hazards like seracs and crevasses.
"The route to Camp 1 and Camp 2 is now officially open," Lakpa Sherpa said. "However, a major serac remains unstable and may collapse within four to five days—avoid carrying heavy loads through the icefall. Safety is our highest priority; further rotations should proceed with extreme caution and at your own risk."
He added that the season is "slightly delayed" but urged climbers to "stay patient. The summit will come."
Nepal's Department of Tourism posted on X: "As climbers navigate the route, utmost caution is urged, particularly in the serac-affected section. Wishing all a safe ascent."