Kathmandu, April 19 -- Heavy footfalls are expected on Mount Everest this spring, as a record 374 fee-paying climbers-12 of them Nepalis-have been cleared to scale the world's highest peak. And given the erratic weather pattern this season, many climbers are concerned that they could be left with a small window to make it to the top, and face a traffic jam during the final days of ascent.

Ang Tshiring Sherpa, former president of Nepal Mountaineering Association, said considering a large number of Everest aspirants waiting for a chance to mount a bid for the summit, a "traffic jam" on the slopes cannot be ruled out this year.

"It will depend on weather. If the weather does not behave well, all climbers could scramble to climb the peak du...