KATHMANDU: The government has extended the spring mountaineering season to climb Mt Everest until June 3.

The decision to this effect was made since several climbers are waiting for fair weather to climb the 8,848.86-metre peak.

The cyclones in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea have disrupted climbing activities of late.

According to the Department of Tourism, they have also decided to allow the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee — entrusted with the task to prepare the climbing route through the Khumbu icefall up to Camp 2 — to extend the closing date of the spring climbing season.

Nepal has issued 408 climbing permits this season. As many as 350 have already reached the summit so far.