By NewsGram Staff Writer

Urging climbers to not give up their expeditions on Mount Everest, Tourism Minister of Nepal, Tulsi Gautam said that the repairs are under way and the climbing season can start from next week.

The avalanches triggered on Mount Everest due to the massive earthquake in Nepal on Sunday claimed the life of 18 mountaineers. The earthquake had also destroyed ladders through the treacherous Khumbu icefall higher up the mountain, casting clouds of doubt over the upcoming climbing season.

"The ladders will be repaired in the next two to three days and climbing will continue, there is no reason for anyone to quit their expedition," Gautam told a news agency.

He also said that the government had held talks with mountaineers and guides and they were ready to resume the activity.