Seven Summit Treks have updated us on their preparations as ahead of their 2025 Spring expeditions.
1. Expedition Overview
Well, this season is pretty much one of the biggest that we have ever organized. It wouldn’t be much exaggeration if we say, there are over 100 climbers attempting Everest with us this spring. Confirmed numbers of climbing members for the 2025 season as of late March with us are as follows:
The number on Everest is huge. However, in Seven Summit Treks, we offer personalized services to meet individual climber’s needs. The climbers will be part of 10+ climbing teams, each team managed by a separate leader with specific services to meet each climber’s needs.
In addition to the eight-thousanders, SST is organizing expeditions to other 6000er and 7000ers such as Ama Dablam, Baruntse, Nuptse, Island Peak, Lobuche East, and Mera Peak.
We are also catering to trekkers from around the world to Everest Base Camp (EBC), the Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), the Kanchenjunga, Langtang trek, and so on.
2. Rope-Fixing on Makalu
Seven Summit Treks is given responsibility of fixing ropes on Makalu (8,485 m), the fifth-highest mountain in the world. Currently our fixing team is on the way to Makalu BC and will begin the task shortly.
3. Team Movements and Progress
With the season’s official start, field teams have commenced their expeditions. Notably:
- Annapurna I Expedition: Our team has successfully reached Camp II. Rope-fixing above C2 is expected to proceed shortly, following which summit attempts will commence. Climbers are currently undertaking acclimatization rotations.
- Other 8000ers: Preparations, including gear packing and base camp mobilizations, are underway for Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, and Dhaulagiri. Climbers and support teams are expected to begin their approach from the second week of April.
4. Key Climbing Highlights of Spring 2025 Expeditions
There have been some really amazing climbs to witness
- New Route Attempt on Annapurna I: Alpinists Gian Luca Cavalli and Cesar Rosales, accompanied by expedition doctor Donatella Barbera, are attempting a new partial route via the North-West Spur in Annapurna I (8091 m).
- Increased Representation from Indian Climbers: There is a discernible increase in participation from Indian climbers across all major peaks this season, including Everest, Makalu, Annapurna, and Kanchenjunga.
- Sophie’s Legacy Climb: Sophie Lavaud, after her 14 8000er journey, is undertaking climbs of Annapurna II, III, and IV this season to honor the 75th anniversary of the first ascent of Annapurna I in 1950. She begins her project with Annapurna IV this spring with her long-time climbing guide Dawa Sangey Sherpa.
- Arnold Returns to Everest: Arnold Coster, a veteran of Himalayan expeditions, returns for his 21st time of Everest Expedition Management under SST’s logistics and coordination.
5. Spring 2025 in the Eyes of our Leaders
Our climbing leaders and senior guides are the pillars of SST’s expedition operation. Two of SST’s experienced leaders overseeing Everest operations have shared insights on the season’s preparedness:
- Dorchi Wangdak Bhote says that Everest expedition logistics are approximately 80% complete, with supplies en route. As he manages both Base Camp and Camp II, and supervises a large Indian climbing team, he notes the high operational responsibility involved.
“This season carries one of the highest responsibilities in SST’s history. The scale and expectations are high, and I must oversee everything with precision.”
– Dorchi Wangdak Bhote
Jenjen Lama, leading another Indian Army team on Everest, also notes that preparations are 80% complete. He notices something that goes beyond just a season on Everest.
“Leading an Indian Army team on a Nepali mountain is more than a task—it is an expression of shared national pride.”
– Jenjen Lama
He shares joy on the positive outcomes of recent technical training program organized by SST at Jagdol for the climbing Sherpas and field staffs, hoping, this will indeed be a well-prepared and better season.
6. Final Thoughts on the Onset of Spring Season by our Expedition Director
Chhang Dawa Sherpa, SST’s Director and the Expedition Leader who famously led the first successful K2 winter ascent, is overseeing operations on Annapurna I, Kanchenjunga, and Everest this season. He notes favorable early-season weather conditions and anticipates a safe and productive expedition season. While trekking tourism has shown relative decline, the overall volume of expeditions, particularly from institutional groups such as the Indian Army, has contributed to an increase in the number of climbers in Nepal.
“We expect a good season. The weather so far has been favorable. With our continued commitment to safety and logistical excellence, SST is fully mobilized to make Spring 2025 a successful season.”
– Chhang Dawa Sherpa.
