A team of climbing Sherpas reached the top of Mount Everest this afternoon, becoming the first to climb the mountain this season. They summited at 3:30 pm.
Climbing from the Nepalese side, the team included Pasang Tenjing Sherpa, Pasdawa Sherpa, Lakpa Dendi Sherpa, Jen Jen Lama, Siddi Bahadur Tamang, Pemba Chhiri Sherpa, Tenzing Gyaljen Sherpa and Datuk Bhote.
The successful group consisted of Sherpas from both Himalayan Guides Nepal and Adventure Consultants. Himalayan Guides have been given the task of fixing the ropes on Everest this season. Their team has been working to fix the summit route since last week, and succeeded despite delays from high winds.
According to Himalayan Guides, the Sherpas reached the south summit at around 8:00 am, paving the way for the rest of the teams. Now, the more than 240 climbers currently on the mountain, along with their high-altitude support staff, can begin their final push to the top of the world.
This spring, 346 climbing permits for Everest have been issued for the Nepalese side. This includes 70-year old amputee Xia Boyu and his guide Mingma G. Sherpa, who stated on Facebook that they were striking out for the summit from the South Col at 8 pm this evening.
Xia Boyu. Photo: Imagine Trek and Expedition
