KATHMANDU: Nepal said on Friday it will allow hundreds of mountaineers forced to abandon Everest expeditions last year to use their $10,000 climbing permits until 2019, ending months of uncertainty.

Hundreds of climbers had to abandon their attempts last year due to an unprecedented shutdown after 16 Nepalese guides died in an avalanche, the worst accident ever to strike the world’s highest peak.

The Himalayan nation’s government, which earned $3.6 million from Everest permits issued to 334 climbers last year, has decided to allow those mountaineers to return to the peak at any time until 2019.

“The cabinet has decided to extend the permits of all climbers who were unable to climb last year -- they can come back with any company they want over the next five years,” said tourism ministry spokesman, Mohan Krishna Sapkota.

The delay in deciding on permit extensions has already seen a handful of foreign climbing companies cancel their expeditions this year.

Published in Dawn March 21st , 2015

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