Unprecedented number of ascents from Nepal’s side marks a new high amid strong weather and climbing demand.
Image BBC
A record 274 climbers successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest on May 20, marking the highest number of ascents in a single day from the Nepali side of the mountain, officials said. This figure surpasses the previous Nepali one‑day record of 223 climbers set in May 2019.
Everest, standing at 8,849 metres on the border between Nepal and China’s Tibet region, saw all climbing activity focused on the Nepal route this year after no permits were issued by Chinese authorities for the Tibetan side.
Officials said the total could rise slightly as some climbers who reached the top have yet to register their summit with base camp teams. Nepal has issued hundreds of permits for the spring season, a factor contributing to the high number of summit bids.
While such a large group at extreme altitude raises ongoing safety and congestion concerns, several expedition leaders noted that with good organisation and sufficient oxygen supplies, well‑managed teams can handle large summit days without major disruption
