KATHMANDU: A team of three Nepali Sherpa climbers has completed route fixing and rope installation to the summit of Himlung Himal, opening the way for climbers attempting the 7,126-metre peak this autumn.

The team, led by Nuri Sherpa and comprising Suku Bahadur Tamang and Dawa Nurbu Sherpa, completed the work at 8:15am on October 24, according to the Expedition Operators Association Nepal (EOAN).

In a letter to the Department of Tourism dated October 27, EOAN said the work had been completed despite difficult conditions caused by heavy snowfall, avalanches and other natural hazards this season.

“Despite these adverse conditions, route opening and rope-fixing work on Ama Dablam and Himlung Himal has been successfully completed through EOAN’s coordination, cooperation from the concerned expedition companies, and the tireless efforts, courage and dedication of experienced Sherpa climbers,” said Rishi Ram Bhandari, general secretary of EOAN.

He said the work had made it easier for both Nepali and foreign climbers on the two mountains to proceed towards their summits. It had also helped organise climbing activities, with many climbers successfully making their ascents, according to the association.

Bhandari thanked the Department of Tourism and its director general for providing guidance, coordination, facilitation and administrative and logistical support to help make climbing on Ama Dablam and Himlung Himal safer and more organised.

EOAN said route preparation had been particularly difficult this year on mountains including Manaslu and Annapurna IV because of adverse weather, heavy snowfall and avalanche risks. However, route fixing has been completed on both Ama Dablam and Himlung Himal, allowing expeditions to proceed.