11/05/2016
First Everest summit in nearly three years
Nepalese rope fixing guides reach Mount Everest summit, becoming the first climbers to reach the summit in nearly three years following the disasters which hit the region in 2014 and 2015. Their efforts now open the door for foreign climbers to reach the summit during the upcoming spring climbing season.
Ang Tshering Sherpa, UIAA Honorary Member and Nepal Mountaineering Association President reports from Nepal:
“A team of nine Sherpa climbers selected from different expedition teams including International Mountain Guides, Himalayan Experience, Madison Mountaineering, Asian Trekking, and Adventure consultant, Alpine Ascent, Himex, NCC, Arun Trek and Seven Summit summited Mt. Everest at 5:05 pm local time on Wednesday, 11 May 2016. Shera Gyaljen Sherpa of Asian Trekking’s Eco Everest expedition is leading the rope fixing team to summit of Mt. Everest this year. The names of the summiteers are Gyazen Dorjee Sherpa (HIMEX), Ang Pemba Sherpa (IMG) Nima Tshering Sherpa (AC), Pasang Tenzing Sherpa (Ascent Himalayas), Mingma Sherpa (Seven Summit), Mingma Chhiri (NCC), Ang Gyalzen (Arun Trek) and Lhakpa Tshering Sherpa (HG). This is the season’s first summit on Mt. Everest by the rope fixing team after a gap of two consecutive years. Congratulations to all the rope fixing team for the summit and safe return back to Base Camp. It was reported by the rope fixing team that there is a large accumulation of snow before the Hillary Step which had made their work difficult and slowed down progress. The above news have been compiled as per the communication with our Base Camp manager at 5:10pm local time on Wednesday, 11 May 2016.”
Photo credit: Parahamsa via Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND