After a three-year gap that cut short climbing campaigns in 2014 and 2015, a group of foreign climbers is attempting to reach the world's tallest peak. They are currently waiting for a weather clearance that will help them trudge forward on the route that leads to the 8,850-metre summit, along the Southeast Ridge of the Mount Everest.

The southern route suffered major tragedies over the past two years - the 2014 avalanche in the Khumbu Icefall, and the disastrous Nepal earthquake that claimed 9,000 lives in 2015.

But now, nearly 289 climbers, along with their guides, are waiting for an opportunity to become the first group to reach the peak after a gap of three years. In 2013, around 700 people had successfully managed the feat.

Nepal Tourism Department official, Gyanendra Shrestha, told Reuters that ropes and supplies have already been fixed and stocked up to the South Col - the final camp that rests at 8,000 metres.