Crevasse delays opening of everest climbing route in Nepal

Friday 24 April 2026 - 09:45

The start of the climbing season on Mount Everest has been delayed after a large crevasse and unstable ice formations blocked access through a key section of the route, officials and climbers reported.

The issue is located in the Khumbu Icefall, a notoriously dangerous area between base camp and higher camps. According to expedition teams, a massive block of ice—known as a serac—has created a major obstacle, preventing the installation of fixed ropes and ladders needed for safe passage.

Each year, the climbing season in Nepal typically runs from April to May, when weather conditions are most favorable for summit attempts on Mount Everest. However, this year’s preparations have been disrupted, leaving hundreds of climbers waiting at base camp.

Experienced Sherpa teams, often referred to as “icefall doctors,” are responsible for preparing the route by securing ladders and marking a safe path through shifting ice. However, experts say the current conditions offer no safe alternative route through the affected area.

Climbing operators have reported delays in expedition schedules, with some teams forced to postpone their ascent plans. Mountaineers emphasize that while such obstacles are not unusual in the Himalayas, the size and instability of the current ice formation have made progress especially difficult this season.

Despite the setback, teams remain hopeful that conditions will improve in the coming days, allowing route preparation work to resume and the climbing season to begin.