Nepali climbers begin Everest season with first summit

A team of Nepali climbers reached the summit of Mount Everest on Wednesday, opening the route for hundreds of mountaineers expected to attempt the world's highest peak in the coming weeks. At least 12 members of a rope-fixing team made the ascent, marking the traditional start of the spring climbing window, expedition organisers said.

Nepal has issued a record 492 Everest permits this season, with a city of tents set up at the foot of Everest for climbers and support staff. Home to eight of the world's 10 highest peaks, Nepal relies heavily on mountaineering tourism as a key source of revenue.