Mount Everest summit route cleared by Sherpas after 2-week blockage

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2 min readApr 28, 2026 02:22 PM ISTDepartment of ⁠Tourism official Nisha Thapa Rawal said climbers could now begin to climb from the base camp.A group of Sherpa climbers reopened the Mount Everest route after a two-week ice blockage, allowing expeditions to resume during the peak April-May season, officials said on Tuesday (Apr 28).The peak’s annual climbing season runs from April to May, when weather conditions are most stable, providing the optimal window for summit expeditions, but this year the path was blocked by a huge 100-ft serac, or column of ice.However, some parts of it either broke or melted away, allowing Sherpa climbers, called the icefall doctors, to secure a safe route through Khumbu icefall to Camp I located at 6,060 metres (19,880 ft).Lhakpa Sherpa of the 8K Expedition hiking company, the one coordinating the clearance of the route, said that the 19 Sherpa climbers crossed the crucial portion of the icefall and have reached the site of Camp I, according to news agency Reuters.“They are expected to fix ropes to Camp II, which is not difficult,” Sherpa told Reuters from the base camp.Hundreds of mountaineers from different countries were stranded at the Everest base camp for over two weeks ahead of making summit ⁠attempts in May.‘Such a ​delay will push summits back’Nisha Thapa Rawal, the Department of ⁠Tourism official, said that the climbers could now begin to climb from the base camp.Story continues below this adDespite the delay, some climbers expressed their resolve to finish the expedition in time.“I think there is some hope … But such a ​delay will push summits back and possibly create crowding in ‌the icefall and maybe the summit as teams try to make up for lost time,” said British climber Kenton Cool, who is trying to climb the peak ‌for the 20th time, the ​most by any ​foreigner.Authorities issued 425 permits for Mount Everest this season, with additional climbers heading to Lhotse and Nuptse also using sections of the same route.The Express Global Desk at The Indian Express delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis. A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely tracks Canada’s immigration, visa, and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residence programmes, and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international students. All reporting from the Global Desk adheres to The Indian Express’ editorial standards, relying on official data, government notifications, court documents, and on-record sources. The desk prioritises clarity, accuracy, and accountability, ensuring readers can navigate complex global systems with confidence. Core Team The Express Global Desk is led by a team of experienced journalists and editors with deep expertise in international affairs and migration policy: Aniruddha Dhar – Senior Assistant Editor with extensive experience in global affairs, international politics, and editorial leadership. Nischai Vats – Deputy Copy Editor specialising in US politics, US visa and immigration policy, and policy-driven international coverage. Mashkoora Khan – Sub-editor focusing on global developments, with a strong emphasis on Canada visa, immigration, and study-related policy coverage. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© IE Online Media Services Pvt LtdTags:mount EverestAdvertisementLoading Recommendations...Live BlogSabarimala Reference in Supreme Court Day 9 Updates: If there is polarisation, state will step in, says Justice Nagarathna56 seconds agoAhsec.assam.gov.in, Assam Board HS 12th Result 2026 Live Updates: How to download scorecards?2 minutes agoGujarat Local Body Election Results 2026 Live Updates: BJP dominates municipal corporations, AAP sweeps 15 of 16 seats in Chikhda Panchayat6 minutes agoIran US War News Live Updates | Philippines not concerned Iran war will distract US from region, Defense Secy says7 minutes agoBhoot Bangla Box Office Collection Day 11 Live Updates: Akshay Kumar-starrer eyes Rs 200 cr; earns Rs 98 lakh on Tuesday9 minutes ago