KATHMANDU: After pausing expeditions on Mount Dhaulagiri for nearly a week, many climbers who returned to the mountain have already reached above Camp I in an attempt to scale the world’s seventh-highest peak.

Lakpa Sherpa, expedition leader and managing director at 8K Expeditions, said that nearly 20 climbers, including foreign clients from his company, have already reached base camp, while rope-fixing climbers have ascended to Camp I.

“We have decided to resume the expedition after a week, as the weather has improved gradually,” Lakpa said, adding that teams are assessing the route conditions there before making a summit push on Mount Dhaulagiri.

For the expedition, base camp has been re-established and logistical supplies have been provided. “Renowned climber and guide Dawa Ongju Sherpa is leading the expedition, while experienced Sherpa guides and foreign climbers are attempting to scale the mountain,” Lakpa said, adding that the teams plan to make the final summit push before October 15, depending on weather conditions.

Damber Parajuli, president of the Expedition Operators Association Nepal, also said that expedition teams are making good progress despite recent snowfall on Dhaulagiri. The Department of Tourism has issued permits to more than 35 foreign climbers for Dhaulagiri this season.