Kathmandu, May 12, 2025 - Mountaineering activities on Mount Everest have been temporarily halted due to adverse weather conditions, the Department of Tourism reported. Strong winds at high altitudes have made climbing unsafe, forcing climbers to suspend their ascents.
Himal Gautam, Director at the Department of Tourism, confirmed that no climbing occurred today due to high-speed winds sweeping across the Everest region. "Climbing activities will remain suspended for the next few days until the weather stabilizes," he said. Many climbers are retreating to safer locations to wait for better conditions.
The spring climbing season on Mount Everest, which began on April 8 (Baisakh 26), has been marked by significant interest despite weather challenges. A total of 456 climbers, comprising 84 women and 372 men from 45 expedition teams, have received permits to ascend Everest this season.
In total, 1,127 climbers—240 women and 887 men from 119 teams—have secured permits to climb 26 peaks across Nepal during the spring season. Everest continues to be the top attraction, but weather-induced delays have impacted expeditions, highlighting the challenges climbers face in the high Himalayas.
With unpredictable weather being a perennial risk, experts emphasize the need for adaptive strategies and safety measures to minimize the dangers of high-altitude mountaineering. As the climbing season progresses, all eyes remain on the weather forecasts, which will determine the success of the 2025 spring expeditions.
