High hopes as climbers converge in Nepal for start of Qomolangma expedition season

KATHMANDU - With the onset of spring season, over 346 mountaineers are attempting to climb the world's highest peak, Qomolangma aka Mount Everest, in May.

A total of 38 Nepali and foreign teams have been issued with climbing permits for expeditions this year, according to Nepal's tourism department.

"This year, 346 mountaineers from 38 teams have received permits for Qomolangma," Dinesh Bhattarai, director general of the department told Xinhua.