274 Climbers Reach Mount Everest Summit in One Day
Officials reported a record 274 climbers reached the summit of Mount Everest on a single day this week. The climbers used a window of clear weather on the southern route in Nepal.
nbcnews.comOfficials reported that 274 climbers reached the summit of Mount Everest on a single day, setting a new record for the southern route. The climbers took advantage of clear weather on Wednesday, said Rishi Ram Bhandari of the Expedition Operators Association Nepal. The southern route lies entirely in Nepal.
Veteran mountain guide Kami Rita Sherpa reached the summit for the 32nd time earlier this week, breaking his own record. Lakpa Sherpa reached the summit for the 11th time, setting a new record for the highest number of climbs by a female climber.
This year's climbing season began later than usual because of risk from a large serac above the main route. Approximately 494 climbers and an equal number of Sherpa guides are expected to attempt the 8,850-meter peak before the season ends at the end of May.
The mountain has been climbed by thousands of people since New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Sherpa guide Tenzing Norgay first reached the summit on May 29, 1953. Chinese authorities have closed the northern route this year.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
3 events- May 21, 2026
Officials reported 274 climbers reached the summit on a single day.
1 source@ABC - May 20, 2026
Kami Rita Sherpa reached the summit for the 32nd time.
1 source@ABC - May 2019
Previous single-day record was 223 climbers on Nepal side.
1 source@ABC
Potential Impact
- 01
Nepal tourism officials may receive increased permit revenue from the high number of climbers.
Transparency Panel
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