Storms Slow Start to Everest Season as Lukla Flights Cancelled

Gripped Magazine April 1, 2015

As hundreds of climbers are trying to reach the Everest Base Camp, heavy snow is creating problems for many.

To reach Everest Base Camp, climbers must fly from the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu to Lukla to begin their trek. Flights have been cancelled for the last few days because of rain, fog and low clouds.

The Lukla airport has no radar so if pilots can’t see the runway, flights are cancelled.

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Mountaineer Jim Davidson wrote on his Facebook page, “Pilots in Nepal say: ‘We do not fly in cloudy weather, because in Nepal the clouds have rocks in them!’ After a long wait at the Kathmandu airport today for the clouds to lift, all flights to Lukla are canceled. We retreated to a different hotel for the night, then we’ll return to the airport and try again tomorrow. Or, the next day. We must be calm and patient, like Buddha.”

"Approaching Kathmandu, the plane banked hard to the left, the clouds dropped below, and the high Himalayas appeared. Deep in my bones, I feel the mountains calling." Photo Jim Davidson — “Approaching Kathmandu, the plane banked hard to the left, the clouds dropped below, and the high Himalayas appeared. Deep in my bones, I feel the mountains calling.” Photo Jim Davidson

The Icefall Route that was closed last year after a deadly avalanche has not yet been put in place due to heavy snowfall.

The Himalayan Times reported that David Breashears is with the Icefall doctors in Nepal. Together, they’re planning the safest route through the dangerous glacier.

Ang Kami Sherpa is the leader of the Ice Doctors said that heavy but unusual snowfall has been affecting their work. Two-thirds of the route is complete and they expect the route will be fixed within 12 days.

Source: Explorers Web, Alan Arnette

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