Path cleared for Everest climbers after huge ice block

Experts warn there are still risks of further ice collapses, and there are fears climbers will again have to queue to reach the summit. Path cleared for Everest climbers after huge glacier blockage Video shows 'huge' chunk of glacier blocking Mount Everest route Copyright current_year BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking. Copyright current_year BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking. Icefall doctors working to open the Khumbu Icefall route on Everest Path cleared for Everest climbers after huge ice block Watch: Video shows 'huge' chunk of glacier blocking the route up Mount Everest Vertical image of a glacier blocking route to Mount Everest Nepali mountaineers have cleared a route past a huge chunk of ice on Mount Everest that has blocked climbers from moving up past Base Camp for two weeks. Ram Krishna Lamichhane, Nepal's director general of tourism, told the BBC that icefall doctors had now fixed ropes up to Camp 2 - located at roughly 6,400 to 6,500 metres (21,000 to 21,325 ft) high. "Still there are some risks, but icefall doctors have picked up the most convenient available route and identified the path forward," Lamichhane said. Teams began fixing ropes last month for the spring season, but they were forced to wait for a huge 100-foot-high (30m) ice block, known as a serac, to start melting. The delay means preparations are weeks behind schedule for the spring, when the weather is usually best for Everest ascents, and fears are growing that climbers will be queuing to reach the summit again this year. The delay means preparations are weeks behind schedule for the spring, when the weather is usually best for Everest ascents, and fears are growing that climbers will be queuing But Lamichhane told the BBC: "We have information that from tomorrow, climbers will move towards Camp 1 and Camp 2 for acclimatisation." Some 425 climbers have permits to summit the world's highest mountain this year. Nepal's Department of Tourism said this would generate 924,222,675 Nepalese Rupees (£4,535,143; $6,114,955) in government revenue. Nepali mountaineers have cleared a route past a huge chunk of ice on Mount Everest Icefall doctors and sherpas at the Khumbu Icefall route Icefall doctors and sherpas at Khumbu Icefall The work to make a new route for climbers was completed by icefall doctors from Nepal's Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC) and expert sherpas from organisations of expedition operators who are involved in identifying the trek. Lakpa Sherpa, an expedition operator and veteran climber, said airlift technology was used to support rope-fixing teams by delivering ropes, ladders, snow bars and food during critical phases. The teams also used "3D photogrammetry and real-time drone surveys to map the Khumbu Icefall and assess hazards like seracs and crevasses", he said. "The route to Camp 1 and Camp 2 is now officially open. "However, a major serac remains unstable and may collapse within four to five days - avoid carrying heavy loads through the icefall." "Safety is our highest priority further rotations should proceed with extreme caution and at your own risk." He added that the season was "slightly delayed" but urged climbers to "stay patient". Nepal's Department of Tourism posted on X: "As climbers navigate the route, utmost caution is urged, particularly in the serac-affected section. Wishing all a safe ascent." Mountain climber Jim Whittaker wears a red snow jacket, gloves and goggles as he holds a stick affixed with a US flag as he summits Mount Everest in 1963. Jim Whittaker, first American to Mount Everest summit, dies aged 97 Komal Sher looks out to the right of the camera while wearing an orange top, snadals and white shawl. She is standing on the rubble of buildings in her village of Hassanabad, with damaged walls in the background. Melting glaciers leave homes teetering in valley of jagged mountains Sherpas cannot prepare the route to the world's highest peak because a huge block of ice is in the way. The lifelong outdoors advocate and former president of retailer REI returned to Everest decades later with his son. University of Leeds professor Dr Shaunna Burke is set for a new challenge, to summit Everest. The flood warning system at Imja glacial lake has not been maintained since 2016, fearful locals tell BBC. How did a youth movement triumph in one country but fall so short in another? More than 70 people were killed during an uprising last year which ousted Oli's government. Balendra Shah won the election by a landslide promising change to Nepalis who are angry at corruption. In 1912, Jamini Sen became the first woman Fellow of Glasgow’s Royal College, founded in 1599 and long closed to women.