Everest season kicks off amid tight serac limits and unstable Khumbu Icefall, delaying ascents and hiking costs. Aged ice, high stakes.
This month Nepal has seen a record single-day peak of climbers summiting Mount Everest from the south side while China has kept the northern route closed. An 18-year-old Australian has become the youngest Australian to reach the summit; veteran Sherpas have set new personal records. Several climbers have died this season and a dangerous serac and icefall conditions have delayed the route.