KATHMANDU, Nov 11 ― Sixty-one years after the first people reached the peak of Mount Everest, wi-fi service has finally reached the mountain.

Wi-fi service was set up by Everest Link at the base camp of Mount Everest this week as a part of its extension of service covering the entire Everest region.

"We aim to provide mountaineers and other people with easy access to internet facilities so they can remain connected with the world anytime," Everest Link director Buddhi Tamang said.

"The mountaineers are happy with having internet access at such a high altitude at a cheaper price," he said.

Mountaineers had previously relied on satellite service for internet connection at a costlier price.

Nepalese Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and New Zealander Edmund Hillary reached the top of Mount Everest on May 29, 1953.

Mt Everest or known as Sagarmatha in Nepal rises 8,848 metres above sea level.

The Kathmandu-headquartered Everest Link (P) Ltd was founded on October 1 this year to establish high speed, affordable internet services in the remote areas of Solukhumbu district, according to everestlink.com.np.

Everest Link works closely with local foundations like Namche Youth Group, Women Group and Department of National Park to provide information and communication facilities to locals, tourists, government offices, schools and hospitals of the Himalayan region. ― Bernama