Record 274 Climbers Summit Mount Everest in One Day

A record 274 climbers reached the summit of Mount Everest on Wednesday, May 20, officials said Thursday. The climbers took advantage of clear weather on the southern route through Nepal. All activity this season has been concentrated on that side after Chinese authorities did not issue permits for the northern route from Tibet.

The figure surpasses the previous single-day record from the Nepali side of 223 climbers set on May 22, 2019. Authorities said the full count may still rise as some climbers have not yet formally reported their ascents. Nepal continues to review and certify summit claims based on documentation and photographic evidence submitted after climbers return to lower camps.

Veteran guide Kami Rita Sherpa reached the summit for the 32nd time, extending his own record. Pasang Dawa Sherpa climbed to the top for the 30th time. Lakpa Sherpa added another summit with her 11th successful climb, the highest number recorded for a female mountaineer.

This year’s climbing season began later than usual after a large serac temporarily blocked the main route. The delay compressed the timeframe for summit attempts. Hundreds of climbers packed onto the mountain’s narrow summit route, raising concerns about overcrowding and safety in high-risk zones.

Officials in Nepal have acknowledged risks tied to overcrowding, including delays and extended exposure at extreme altitude. There are around 494 climbers and an equal number of their Sherpa guides expected to attempt the 29,032-foot peak by the end of this month.