Twenty-two mountaineering teams have been permitted to climb in the Nepali Himalaya this spring although more teams are expected to join as the climbing season progresses. Nepal's Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation has permitted ten expeditions, including two Indian expeditions to climb Everest (8848m) by the normal southeast ridge.

Baba Munindra Pal, an Indian national without a leg will attempt to climb Everest. Leader of the 7-member Handicapped Expedition 2001 India, Pal will attempt to reach the summit by May 31 when the climbing season ends. A 12-member Indian Army expedition led by Col SC Sharma will also attempt Everest while Biviane Cuo will lead the first Chilean women's expedition to the peak, the Ministry of Tourism says.

Apart from the Indian and Chilean teams, three American, two Spanish and one expedition each from Japan and Germany will attempt the 8848m peak. The Ministry has permitted five teams to climb Makalu (8463m), 4 teams to climb Amadablam (6812m), one team each to Himlung (7126m), Kantega (6779m), and to Mansalu (8163m).