Hundreds of climbers are proceeding with their ascent of Mount Everest despite a large, unstable ice block hanging over a key trail, as well as increased permit fees and travel costs. Around 410 climbers and an equal number of Nepali guides are currently at base camp, preparing to attempt the 8,850-metre peak this month.
The climbers gathered at the 5,300-metre base camp last month, but progress was stalled for over two weeks by a massive serac. The elite 'Icefall doctors' from the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC), who lay the annual route, opened the trail on 29 April with a severe caution. The SPCC warned that the serac has multiple cracks and may collapse at any time, urging extreme caution.
Renowned mountain guide Lukas Furtenbach, who has 40 international climbers, 11 guides and 90 Sherpas on the mountain, expressed concern. 'Anyone who says they’re not concerned is either inexperienced or not paying attention,' he said. 'The serac is a real, objective hazard.' He noted that the route is more complex and exposed than last year, passing under unstable features.
Expedition operators are taking precautions, including reducing loads, minimising exposure time, and carefully timing movements through the Khumbu Icefall. Ang Tshering Sherpa of Asian Trekking advised climbing in the morning when the ice is frozen, as afternoon warmth increases the risk of ice fall. A similar serac collapse in 2014 triggered an avalanche that killed 16 Nepali guides.
Despite the dangers, the number of climbers this season is robust, though the composition has shifted. Fewer climbers from Western countries are present, while Asian climbers have increased. China has closed its route this year, meaning all climbers must attempt the summit from Nepal's south side.
