A historic moment awaits mountaineers and adventure enthusiasts worldwide. Nepal’s Department of Tourism has announced plans to reopen a new, safer route to Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, by next Chaitra (March–April 2025).
This newly revived route traces the same legendary path once taken by Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa of Nepal during their historic first ascent of Everest in 1953. About 80 percent of the construction work on the route has already been completed, officials confirmed.
Rediscovering the Original Hillary–Tenzing Route
A Safer Alternative to the Khumbu Icefall
The new path approaches Everest from the Nuptse Himal side, bypassing the notoriously dangerous Khumbu Icefall — a section known for its unstable ice towers, deep crevasses, and frequent avalanches.
According to Department of Tourism Director Himal Gautam, the alternative route is considered significantly safer and shorter than the current one. The project aims to provide a more secure and sustainable option for climbers heading to Camp I and beyond.
Mountaineering expert Ang Tshering Sherpa of the International Mountaineering Federation shared that this original Nuptse route had fallen out of use after the Khumbu Icefall route was opened in 1984. “The old path is far safer and more reliable,” he emphasized.
The Team Behind the Reopening Project
A Global Collaboration of Legendary Climbers
To rediscover and reopen this historic Everest trail, the Department of Tourism has appointed a special team led by Speed Kaji Sherpa, a renowned Nepali climber and researcher, along with French mountaineers Marc Batard and Antoine Erolt.
Director Gautam stated that about 80 percent of the route has already been constructed up to the planned Everest Base Camp area near the foot of Nuptse Himal. The remaining work is expected to be completed by spring 2025, just before the climbing season begins.
“This is not only a mountaineering project but a historic restoration of Nepal’s pride,” said Speed Kaji Sherpa, highlighting the collective efforts of Nepali climbers, local communities, international supporters, and the Government of Nepal.
Official Authorization and Global Support
Backed by French Mountaineering Associations
The Government of Nepal has officially granted permission to Speed Kaji Sherpa and Marc Batard to lead this initiative. The Cabinet of the Federal Government approved the project on 21 Poush 2081 (early January 2025) and issued written authorization for route development up to 6,100 meters elevation.
While the Nepalese government is providing official and logistical support, the project’s financial backing comes mainly from French institutions and donors.
Why This Route Matters?
Reducing Risk, Reviving History
The Khumbu Icefall, long considered the most dangerous segment of the Everest climb, claims numerous lives each year. “More than half a dozen climbers die annually in the Everest region, with about 25% of those deaths occurring in the Icefall,” Director Gautam shared.
By bypassing this perilous section, the new Nuptse approach route could dramatically reduce the risks faced by climbers while also honoring the legacy of the first Everest summit.
A Historic Revival for Mountaineers and Nepal’s Pride
The project to reopen the original Hillary and Tenzing route symbolizes more than a new climbing path—it represents a revival of Nepal’s mountaineering heritage. As the preparations near completion, this new route is expected to redefine the Everest Base Camp experience for both climbers and trekkers.
At Amazing Nepal Trek, we believe this initiative rekindles the spirit of adventure that first put Nepal on the world map in 1953. With safety, sustainability, and historical significance at its core, the reopening of this legendary Everest route marks a proud new chapter in Nepal’s mountaineering history.
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