• Climbers determined to scale world's highest peak despite challenges
• Dangerous icy conditions slow progress and delay climbing attempts this season

Hundreds of climbers from various countries are attempting to scale Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, despite major challenges that include a massive unstable ice block hanging over the main route, alongside rising travel costs and permit fees.

Around 492 climbers, supported by an equal number of Nepalese guides, are preparing to begin their ascent during this month’s favorable weather window, aiming for a route reaching approximately 8,850 meters.

Climbers had begun gathering in April at base camp, located at an altitude of 5,300 meters, but their progress was halted for more than two weeks due to a huge ice formation known as a “serac,” which poses a direct threat along the climbing path.

This formation lies within the Khumbu Icefall, a highly unstable glacier characterized by deep crevasses and massive blocks of ice, some as large as a ten-story building, making it one of the most dangerous sections of the climb.

Mountaineering expert Ang Tshering Sherpa in Nepal said this season has seen solid participation despite higher costs, noting a decline in climbers from the United States and Europe, while interest from Asian countries has increased.

Everest sits on the Nepal–China border, but the Chinese route has been closed this season, leaving climbers to attempt the ascent exclusively via the southern route from Nepal.