KATHMANDU: More than a hundred climbers and support staff crossed the icefall route on Mt Everest this morning as they began acclimatisation rotations and ferrying loads to Camp II.

According to Rishi Ram Bhandari, general secretary of the Expedition Operators Association of Nepal (EOAN), most expeditions have started sending loads and climbers to the high camp after a joint team of EOAN and Icefall Doctors from the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC) opened the route to Camp II from Everest Base Camp, placing ladders and ropes along the treacherous icefall section.

"Nearly 100 people have crossed the icefall route this morning as they began climbing activities above base camp," said Tshering Sherpa, chief executive officer of SPCC.

The Department of Tourism has urged climbers to be cautious while passing the route, saying that hanging seracs still pose a risk in the Western Cwm. Pemba Sherpa, EOAN's coordinator for summit route fixing, said that the rope-fixing team would soon begin work from Camp II to the summit of Mt Everest and Mt Lhotse.

"The DoT extends heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated Icefall Doctors, SPCC EOA team for opening the Khumbu Icefall route for Spring 2026."

"As climbers navigate the route, utmost caution is urged, particularly in the serac-affected section. Wishing all a safe ascent," the DoT wrote in the social media.