The climbing season has officially returned to the Himalayas, and once again, the highest peaks on Earth are humming with life. From veteran Sherpas preparing new routes to record-chasers and alpine purists pushing the limits, 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most eventful seasons in recent years.
Here’s a look at what’s unfolding right now in the heart of the mountains.
New Rules, Safer Climbs
This year, Nepal introduced a bold regulation: climbers aiming for Mount Everest must first summit a Nepali peak above 7,000 meters. The goal? To prevent overcrowding and accidents by ensuring climbers are better prepared for Everest’s death zone. The change, announced by Nepal’s Department of Tourism in early 2025, follows years of international pressure after high-altitude traffic jams and rescue operations dominated headlines.
The Permit Count: Fewer Climbers Than Expected?
This year, Nepal has issued 427 Everest permits by the end of April – a bit lower than the anticipated 500+ permits that many expected for the spring. Why the dip? Experts point to the upcoming permit fee hike, which will jump from $11,000 to $15,000 in September. This price increase seems to have deterred some last-minute applicants. But don’t be fooled – while the official numbers may seem low, the reality is that with the support staff (guides, Sherpas, cooks, etc.), the actual number of climbers pushing toward the summit could still reach over 700-800. If the weather plays nice, we could see a busy season ahead.
The Rhythm of the Season
By April, the Khumbu Valley transforms: yaks carry loads through Namche Bazaar, expedition banners flutter at base camp, and the sound of crampons crunching on glacier ice returns to the Khumbu Icefall.
As of April 25, Icefall Doctors confirmed that the route through the Icefall to Camp I is open. Rope fixing teams led by the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee are progressing toward Camp IV, according to Everest Chronicle, with summit windows likely opening in early May.
Over on Makalu, a quieter yet technically demanding 8,485-meter giant, teams are reporting excellent conditions. Base camps are buzzing, crampons are crunching through ice, and teams are steadily inching their way up the giant. From the southeast ridge to the north face, climbers are deep into acclimatization rounds, rotating through the high camps like clockwork. Camp II is already active at 7,000 meters, and there’s talk of Camp III going up any day now.
Satori Adventures, with its colorful mix of 14 climbers from nine countries, is updating regularly from base camp, giving us a peek into life on the mountain – tents flapping, gear checks, and lots of tea. Meanwhile, Madison Mountaineering has taken a scenic route via Everest Base Camp and is now acclimatizing in the Khumbu Valley, led by Terray Sylvester.
The final summit push? Still a few weeks away. But with fixed ropes climbing higher and weather looking cautiously cooperative, the stage is set. Makalu doesn’t give away its summit easily – but the mountain spirit is alive, and the climbers are ready.
Records and Remarkable Climbers
There’s no Everest season without history in the making:
Kami Rita Sherpa, legendary for his decades of service on Everest, is aiming for his 31st summit. His last successful climb was in 2023, setting a record that’s unmatched.
Lhakpa Sherpa, the trailblazing mother of 11, returns to Everest for a possible 11th summit – a number no other woman has matched.
On Makalu, an ambitious expedition led by Pemba Dorje Sherpa is eyeing a new route on the northwest face, rarely attempted. The team, is working with drone-based route planning and a no-fixed-rope approach – a creative blend of modern tech and old-school grit.
Nepal: Still the Heart of the Himalayas in 2025
In 2025, all roads to the world’s highest peaks still lead to Nepal – and it’s not just tradition keeping it that way. While China’s side of Everest is wrapped in red tape and tight windows, Nepal offers more freedom, a longer climbing season, and well-oiled expedition logistics built over decades. From guided climbs and Sherpa-led routes to a flexible approach on oxygen use, Nepal makes big mountain dreams more accessible. Even with new rules requiring experience and higher permit fees, climbers are still choosing the south side. Why? Because Nepal strikes the sweet spot: serious about safety, yet open to adventure. It’s no wonder the world’s elite – and first-timers – keep coming back.
And this year, there’s an added reason to support the Nepali side – ongoing cleanup efforts on Everest. As part of a national campaign, Sherpas and soldiers are working together to remove old tents, oxygen bottles, and waste left behind in previous seasons. So far, over 10 tons of garbage have been cleared this season alone. It’s a gritty, high-altitude effort to protect the world’s tallest peak – and another sign that Nepal is not just hosting climbers, but healing the mountain too.
What It Means for Future Adventurers
The Himalayas of 2025 are full of motion: policy shifts, weather windows, silent summits, and high-altitude dreams. But more than anything, this season feels like a recalibration. A return to the roots of climbing, with room for both experience and experimentation…
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