Adverse Weather Disrupts Everest and Kanchenjunga Expeditions

Mountaineering activities on major Himalayan peaks, including Sagarmatha (Mt Everest) and Kanchenjunga, have been temporarily suspended due to unfavorable weather conditions, particularly strong winds, the Department of Tourism confirmed today.

Director Himal Gautam of the Department stated that planned summit pushes on Everest were called off after high-altitude winds made climbing unsafe. Many climbers have descended to lower altitudes for safety, while those equipped with ample oxygen supplies remain at Camps II and III, awaiting an improvement in conditions.

According to Pasang Bhote, a liaison officer at the Department’s temporary field office, climbers who had advanced to Camp IV are expected to retreat to base camp within the next two days. Expeditions are likely to stay on hold for at least three to four days, with a tentative resumption eyed for May 18, depending on weather improvements.

Originally, summit attempts were expected to peak between May 11 and 14, prior to a forecasted snowfall around May 16 and 17. However, deteriorating weather arrived earlier than predicted, disrupting plans.

So far, only four members of the rope-fixing teams have successfully reached Everest’s summit during this spring season.

This year, the Department has issued climbing permits to 1,127 climbers — comprising 240 women and 887 men from 119 expedition teams — for 26 peaks, including Sagarmatha. Of these, 453 climbers (84 women and 372 men) from 45 teams are aiming to conquer Everest, making it the most targeted peak this season.