A new, safer route to climb Mount Everest is nearing completion and expected to reopen by March 2026, according to Nepal’s Department of Tourism. The route retraces the historic 1953 path used by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa through the Nuptse side, offering climbers an alternative to the treacherous Khumbu Icefall.

Department Director Himal Gautam confirmed that nearly 80% of the construction work has been completed, with the remaining portion to be finished by March–April. The revived route bypasses the deadly icefall, known for frequent collapses and avalanches that have claimed numerous lives over the decades.

Veteran mountaineer Ang Tshering Sherpa explained that this route was originally abandoned in 1984 when the Khumbu Icefall became the primary access to higher camps. “The restored Nuptse route is much safer and more practical,” he said.

The project is led by a renowned international team featuring Kaji Sherpa of Nepal, French climber Marc Batard, and Antoine Erol, supported by the French Mountaineering Association. The Government of Nepal officially approved the initiative on January 5, 2025, authorizing the team to develop the route up to 6,100 meters (Camp I).

The total estimated cost of the project is USD 400,000, with USD 300,000 already utilized for route setup, safety gear, and infrastructure. International donors, including French mountaineers and private sponsors, have contributed to the effort.

“This is not just a climbing route — it’s a rebirth of Nepal’s mountaineering history, pride, and global identity,” said Kaji Sherpa, emphasizing the collaboration between local communities, Nepali climbers, and foreign experts.

The project is being hailed as a model of local and international cooperation, promoting eco-friendly tourism, job creation, and the preservation of Everest’s cultural heritage. Experts predict the route will significantly reduce congestion and accidents in the current Base Camp area, attracting more climbers worldwide.

Former Sagarmatha National Park officer Bhumi Raj Upadhyay noted, “This is more than a route — it’s a reconnection with our roots and an inspiration for the next generation of Nepali climbers.”French Mountaineering Federation