On May 21, 2026, a record-breaking 274 climbers summited Mount Everest from the Nepalese side in a single day, surpassing the previous record for this route, according to a representative of a tourism organization. Mount Everest, at 8,849 meters, lies on the border between Nepal and Tibet (China) and is accessible for climbing from both sides. Currently, no expeditions are conducted from the Tibetan side due to the absence of permits from the Chinese authorities.
Rishi Bhandari, the General Secretary of the Nepal Association of Expedition Operators, confirmed that this surpasses the prior record of 223 ascents documented on May 22, 2019. According to him, the total figure might be higher, as not all climbers who reached the summit reported their achievement at the base camp.
Official data on the number of ascents is unavailable; however, the regular season in April–May typically sees around 100 climbers from the Tibetan approach. Himal Gautam, a representative from the Nepalese Department of Tourism, shared preliminary information indicating that over 250 individuals had reached the summit the previous day. Final verification of these numbers will be conducted upon the climbers’ return, as they receive certifications and provide documented proof of their ascents.
In 2026, Nepal issued 494 permits for Everest expeditions, each costing $15,000 USD. Despite criticism from experts concerning the high volume of climbers and the risks posed by congested “death zones” near the summit, Nepalese authorities have implemented stricter controls to mitigate potential hazards.
Additionally, it is noteworthy that on May 17, 2026, Nepalese Sherpa Kami Rita Sherpa set a new world record by completing his 32nd ascent of Everest as part of an expedition organized by 14 Peaks Expeditions, accompanying a group of climbers.