SANGAM

347 summit Everest in spring

SANGAM PRASAIN

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KATHMANDU, MAY 28 - The spring mountaineering season ended on May 25 with 347 climbers making it to the top of the world's highest peak. Among the summiteers, 157 are foreigners and 190 Nepalis, said Tilak Pandey, a government liaison officer.

According to Pandey, nine Sherpas and a foreigner ascended Everest on May 5 to fix ropes. On May 17, 93 climbers including 41 foreigners and 52 Nepalis made it to the summit. On the same day, Nepali world cyclist Pushkar Shah climbed Everest.

On May 22, Appa Sherpa, climbing with the Eco Everest Expedition, broke his own world record and reached the top of the world's highest mountain for the 20th time. Arjun Vajpai, the youngest Indian Everester, also made his successful ascent on that day.

May 23 saw 132 climbers including 62 foreigners and 70 Sherpas reaching the top.

On May 24, there were 26 summiteers (13 foreigners and 13 Nepalis); and on the last day of the season on May 25, 18 mountaineers reached the summit.

Chewang Nima Sherpa, in a bid to equal Appa Sherpa's record, made two ascents of Everest during the spring season just ended. He has 19 Everest ascents under his belt.

The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation received applications from 26 expeditions to climb Everest during the spring season compared to 27 last year. Altogether, 245 mountaineers receive permits to ascend Everest.

The government has collected Rs. 220 million in mountaineering royalty during this spring season. The royalty for Everest ranges from US$ 25,000 to US$ 50,000 per expedition depending on the number of members (which should not exceed 15) and the route.

According to government statistics, 3,128 mountaineers have summitted Everest till date. This season, the 2010 IMG Everest Expedition-I was the highest royalty-paying agency. It paid Rs 10.08 million for 15 Everest expedition members. The International Everest Expedition 2010 was the second highest royalty payer with Rs 10.07 million for 15 summiteers.