KATHMANDU: Hundreds of climbers from around the world have been waiting for the summit window, while veteran Everest climber Kami Rita Sherpa today left Everest Base Camp for the South Col to attempt to scale the world's highest mountain for the 32nd time.

"After a joint team of climbers from the Expedition Operators Association Nepal opened the summit route on May 13, hundreds of climbers who have already acclimatized here are waiting for the summit window of May 17-21 to make their final summit push on Mt Everest," informed Gyanendra Shrestha, an official at the field office of the Department of Tourism.

Chhang Dawa Sherpa, Expedition Director at Seven Summit Treks, said that legendary climber Kami Rita has left for the South Col to attempt to scale Mt Everest for a record 32nd time. "Kami Rita is now at Camp II, and he will then head for the South Col to prepare for the summit push on May 17 or 18, depending on weather conditions," Chhang Dawa said.

Born on January 17, 1970, in Solukhumbu, Kami Rita works as a senior climbing guide with 14 Peaks Expedition and Seven Summit Treks. He has held the record for the most ascents of Everest since May 2018.

"Our team will start making the summit push from May 17," said Chhang Dawa, who handles the largest expedition on Everest this season.

The Department of Tourism has issued a record 492 permits for Mt Everest this season. "Our clients are all ready for the summit push in the coming window," said Lakpa Sherpa, Managing Director at 8K Expeditions, adding that the rope-fixing team will attempt to open the route to Mt Lhotse on May 16.

Meanwhile, officials including the secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, as well as the director general and directors from the Department of Tourism, are planning to fly by helicopter to Everest Base Camp on May 16 to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Everest region, officials informed.