Group of nine Nepalese Sherpa guides reached peak of world’s highest mountain on Wednesday, officials say

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

Mountaineering officials say nine Nepalese guides have reached the peak of Mount Everest, becoming the first climbers in two years to conquer the world’s highest mountain following two years of disasters.

Gyanendra Shrestha, of the Nepal mountaineering department, said the group reached the 8,850-metre (29,035-ft) summit on Wednesday.

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The Nepalese Sherpa guides are hired by expeditions to carry equipment and fix ropes on the icy and rocky slopes for the use of foreign climbers.

Nearly 300 foreign climbers and their guides are attempting to reach the summit this year.

An avalanche triggered by a powerful earthquake killed 19 climbers and injured 61 others at base camp last year. In 2014, 16 Sherpa guides were killed by an avalanche above the base camp.