April 11, 2024: A team of Sherpa climbers, led by Lakpa Sherpa, achieved a remarkable feat by summiting Mt Makalu, the world’s fifth-highest peak, on Thursday. This ascent marks the first successful climb of the season above 8,000 meters.
The group, consisting of eight Sherpas, reached the summit around 4:40 pm local time, as confirmed by Mingma Sherpa, Chairman at Seven Summit Treks. Lakpa Sherpa, a seasoned mountain guide, led the team of rope-fixing members to the 8,485-meter summit, opening a new climbing route in the process.
This accomplishment holds special significance for Lakpa Sherpa, who has now conquered Mt Makalu for the eighth time. His previous achievements include scaling the peak three times in just 16 days back in 2022, setting a notable record for the most ascents of 8,485-meter peaks in a single season.
The Department of Tourism reports that 45 foreign climbers, representing four different teams, have been granted climbing permits for Mt Makalu thus far.
