Kathmandu, May 11 (IANS) After a two-year hiatus in the wake of deadly avalanches and last year's earthquake, the world's highest peak Mt Everest saw the first ascent on Wednesday as nine Nepali Sherpas made their way to the top of the mountain.
Mt Everest did not see any climbing activity in 2014 due to avalanches which claimed the lives of 19 climbers and porters and in 2015 following the April earthquake.
Gyanendra Shrestha, an official of the Department of Tourism, said those who have succeeded to reach the top are the Ice-fall Doctors who prepared the route up to Mt Everest. He said that nearly 12 foreign mountaineers are preparing to climb Mt Everest on Thursday.
"The weather is good so far. If things go as planned, the climbers will be able to reach the world's highest peak on Thursday."
At least 289 climbers are aiming to climb Mt Everest this season.
Normally, 50-60 percent climbers make it to the top of Everest. They will be accompanied by at least 400 Nepali high-altitude guides, which means the Everest will see a footfall of more than 600 individuals this season.
A team of Indian Army, including youth from the Indian National Cadet Corps, is also vying for the top of Mt Everest.
