This time the point of return was at about 8,000 meters. The climbers, who have been fixing the ropes for the Chinese expedition on Mount Everest via the Northeast Ridge towards the summit, had to turn back today. Deep snow and also rockfall stopped them, a representative of the Chinese mountaineering authority said.
According to his words, the team was exhausted and decided to return to Advanced Base Camp at 6,500 meters. The climbers had spent the night in Camp 2 at 7,950 meters.
Troughs of the cyclone
Actually the plan was to reach the summit tomorrow Friday. The weather forecast promised a small window of good weather with little wind. But then the troughs of cyclone “Amphan”, which raged over India and Bangladesh today, reached the highest mountain on earth and caused wind and snowfall, thus again increasing the danger of avalanches.
Ten days ago the rope-fixing team had to turn back at 8,600 meters – also due to bad weather. The Chinese team, which was the only one to receive a permit for Mount Everest this spring, includes paying clients as well as surveyors – their job is to determine the exact altitude of Everest. The season on the highest mountain on earth usually finishes at the end of May when the monsoon announces its arrival. So there is not much time left for a summit success.
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