KATHMANDU: A team of rope-fixing Nepali climbers reached above Camp IV on Mount Manaslu this afternoon, opening a climbing route as hundreds of climbers prepare for a final summit push on the world’s eighth-highest mountain, the Expedition Operators Association Nepal said.

Rishi Ram Bhandari, General Secretary of the association, said the team, which left Camp III last night to fix ropes above the high camp, had already reached above Camp IV and was making swift progress in fixing the summit route on the mountain.

“The EOA team aims to complete route fixing by late tonight or early tomorrow morning if everything goes according to plan,” said Bhandari, who is coordinating the Manaslu route fixing for the association, referring to details obtained from the mountain.

A small avalanche occurred above Camp III yesterday, and the EOA mobilized four additional Sherpa climbers to support the existing team of rope fixers led by Chhiring Bhote. “The team found a safe passage through the avalanche site this morning after the fresh snow was swept away,” Bhandari said, adding that the team is well equipped with rope-fixing logistics. This year as well, the EOA selected and appointed a dedicated team, arranged all necessary gear and equipment, and secured payment for the expedition.

Hundreds of climbers will begin the final summit push once the team opens the climbing route to the summit of the world’s eighth-highest mountain, Bhandari added. The Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation issued 480 permits to foreign climbers for Mount Manaslu, while nearly 500 climbing guides will also accompany them to the summit.

“All are well acclimatized and waiting for the opening of the climbing route,” Bhandari said.