A record 274 climbers reached the summit of Mount Everest from the Nepalese side in a single day, taking advantage of clear weather after a delayed spring season. The previous record for the Nepalese side was 223 climbers on 22 May 2019.
Rishi Ram Bhandari of the Expedition Operators Association Nepal confirmed the figure, noting that the number could rise as some climbers may not have reported their ascent yet. All but one climber used supplementary bottled oxygen and Sherpa guides; Ecuadorian Marcelo Segovia climbed without oxygen.
The large convergence occurred as climbers from higher camps, waiting for better wind conditions, were joined by those from lower camps, leading to queues and a slow pace. Mountaineering experts have criticised Nepal for permitting large numbers, which can create risky jams in the 'death zone'.
This week, Kami Rita Sherpa scaled Everest for a record 32nd time, while Lhakpa Sherpa set a female record with her 11th summit. Nepal issued 494 permits this year, each costing $15,000. The season began late due to the threat of a serac on the normal route.
