A record 274 climbers reached the summit of Mount Everest from the Nepalese side on Wednesday, taking advantage of clear weather after a delayed spring season. The previous single-day record from Nepal was 223 climbers on 22 May 2019.
Rishi Ram Bhandari of the Expedition Operators Association Nepal confirmed the figure, noting it could rise as some climbers may not yet have reported their ascents. All but one climber used supplementary oxygen and Sherpa guides; Ecuadorian Marcelo Segovia summited without oxygen.
The large number of climbers on a single day resulted from a backlog of those waiting in higher camps for better wind conditions, joined by climbers from lower camps. Some reported queues and slow ascent in the 'death zone' above 8,000 metres.
This year's climbing season began late due to the threat of a serac (glacial ice cliff) overhanging the normal route. Nepal has issued 494 permits for the season, each costing $15,000. The Chinese side of Everest is closed this year.
Among notable ascents this week, Kami Rita Sherpa scaled Everest for a record 32nd time, while Lhakpa Sherpa set a women's record with her 11th summit. The season ends in May.
