KATHMANDU: With the start of Spring climbing season, the Expedition Operators Association of Nepal today announced a 10-member team to fix routes to the summit of Mt Everest and Mt Lhotse.

Dambar Parajuli, President of EOA Nepal, said that the team would soon depart for the Mt Everest Base Camp with necessary rope fixing equipment.

“By handing over flags of the EOA and the Department of Tourism, we flagged off the rope-fixing team,” EOA Nepal’s general secretary Rishi Bhandari said.

According to Bhandari, the team is led by climber Mingma Tenje Sherpa while members of the team include Pam Dorjee Sherpa, Chhomba Tenji Sherpa, Pasang Tashi Sherpa, Mingma Nurbu Sherpa, Lopsang Bhote, Furtenzi Sherpa, Guru Bhote, Mingma Dorchi Sherpa and Pasang Tenjing Sherpa.

“Organising a formal event, EOA Nepal President Parajuli handed over two flags to the team which would place them on the top of Mt Everest and Lhotse summit,” Iswari Paudel, Senior Vice President of EOA Nepal shared.

On the occasion, Phur Gelje Sherpa, President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, Sagar Pandey, President of the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal, EOA Nepal’s second vice president Shivraj Thapa, members Pemba Sherpa, Ang Babu Sherpa, Krishna Aryal, Navin Trital, Murari Sharma among others wished the team success in the season.

The Rope-Fixing Coordination Subcommittee for 2026 is being coordinated by Pemba Sherpa, a member of the Executive Committee. “To ensure effective communication between Base Camp and Kathmandu, Babu Sherpa, an Executive Committee Member, has been designated as the Base Camp Coordinator and liaison. Additionally, Dorjee Ongdak Sherpa, Base Camp Manager and Sirdar of Seven Summit Treks and Expedition, has been appointed as an additional coordinator,” Bhandari said.

Addressing the program, NMA President Phur Gelje Sherpa emphasized the importance of carrying out route opening and rope fixing in a safe, reliable, and professional manner. 

Similarly, TAAN’s president Sagar Pandey highlighted the global significance of Mt. Everest and stressed the importance of ensuring safety and responsibility throughout all expedition activities. He further noted Nepal’s immense tourism potential and underscored the vital role of Sherpas—particularly climbing Sherpas—as representatives of the nation, emphasizing the need for appropriate recognition and support from the state.

“Furthermore, it was acknowledged that Chhang Dawa Sherpa, Executive Committee Member of the Expedition Operators Association of Nepal and Director of Seven Summit Treks and Expedition, has provided significant support to the climbing team by supplying essential equipment such as down suits and climbing boots, ensuring that the team is well-equipped for the ascent,” Bhandari shared.

In his remarks, EOA Nepal’s President Parajuli expressed appreciation for the dedication, professionalism, and integrity demonstrated by Sherpa guides in mountaineering over the years. He stated that Nepal’s mountaineering sector has been built upon the significant contributions of the Sherpa community, whose role remains fundamental to its continued success.

This year marks a significant change in how the rope fixing operation is conducted, according to the EOA. Unlike previous years, when EOA awarded the task through an open application process for all expedition agencies, the association has now taken direct responsibility for the 2026 operations on Mt Everest and Mt Lhotse. EOA selected and appointed a dedicated team, arranged all necessary gear and equipment, and secured payment for the expedition.

 “The team would fix the route above Camp II as the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee has already mobilized a team of icefall doctors there to set up a route from the base camp to Camp II,” Bhandari added.