Four months after an earthquake-triggered avalanche left 19 climbers dead, Nepal has decided to open up Mount Everest to climbers once again, according to the Associated Press. The first climber to attempt the hike up to the world's highest peak since the avalanche will be Nobukazu Kuriki. He was given his climbing permit by Nepal's tourism minister, Kripasur Sherpa, on Sunday.
"I have chosen to come now to help Nepal, which is in troubles because of the earthquake," Kuriki told reporters, according to the Times of India.
"The main purpose of my climb is to spread the message that Nepal was safe for climbers and trekkers even after the earthquake," Kuriki continued, according to Al Jazeera.
He will begin his climb in the fall, starting in September, according to the Times of India. It is an unusual time to begin the climb, many believe, as it gets much colder and daylight becomes shorter.
This is his fourth attempt to reach the top of Mount Everest, according to Al Jazeera. His last attempt in left him with frostbite, later losing nine fingers.
The closure left Nepal without a key source of the country's income, according to the Times of India. Tourism accounts for four percent of Nepal's gross domestic product.
