The youngest, Pema Diki Sherpa, is 17 while the oldest, Nawang Futi Sherpa, is 31. The others include an acupuncturist, a journalist and a bowling champion. The women are among the 30-odd teams that have obtained permission from the Nepal government to scale the peak from the Nepal side.

This year, there has been growing uncertainty about Everest expeditions with China stopping all teams from proceeding through Tibet to ensure a smooth journey of the Olympic torch to the top while Nepal, under pressure from China, has put a curb on all Everest expeditions till May 10.

Photograph: StockXchng