Eight Chinese hikers have reached the northern slope of Mt. Qomolangma on June 2nd, at a height of 7,028 meters, and they are now disembarking the mountain, according to hiking agencies in Tibet.

Samdrup, manager of the Tibet Mt. Yarla Shampo Hiking Adventure Company, said that the hikers have conquered mountains of 6,000 meters in the past, and are capable of reaching Mt. Qomolangma’s northern slope. The group of 12 hikers left Lhasa on April 20th toward Qomolangma’s base camp, and completed physical conditioning and training at a transition camp at 5,900 meters and a forward camp at 6,500 meters.

The 12 hikers left the forward camp toward Mt. Qomolangma’s northern slope on the same day. Eight of the hikers were able to reach their destination by morning, while four hikers did not due to health reasons.

The northern slope connects Mt. Qomolangma with the saddle portion of Mt. Changtse, which all hikers must cross hiking Mt. Qomolangma’s northern slope. It is a crucial camping area on the hiking route and known as the “Gate of Mt. Qomolangma.” For most hikers, they need to stay overnight in this area, adjust to the high altitude, and retreat down the mountain to recover before making the final charge toward the peak of Mt. Qomolangma.