Kathmandu, April 29 -- After 19 days of delay in preparing the route to climb Everest, there is finally some relief for hundreds of climbers and guides who have been waiting anxiously at base camp.

The world's highest peak had effectively remained blocked by millions of tonnes of towering ice in the Khumbu Icefall-the treacherous and constantly shifting section of the route that has claimed numerous lives over the years.

The Department of Tourism on Tuesday confirmed a major breakthrough, raising hopes that the climbing season can now proceed, albeit with some delay and heightened caution.

A passage through the Khumbu Icefall, which had been obstructed by a massive and unstable serac formation, has now been opened. By Tuesday, route se...