ISLAMABAD: A record 274 climbers successfully summited Mount Everest via Nepal in a single day on Wednesday, 21 May, 2026, taking advantage of a brief window of favourable weather after a delayed start to the spring climbing season.
The achievement surpassed the previous single day record of 223 climbers set on 22 May, 2019. Nepal issued a record 500 climbing permits this season despite increasing the permit fee from $11,000 to $15,000.
Images from the mountain showed long queues in the dangerous “death zone” above 8,000 meters. While expedition organizers believe the situation remains manageable with proper oxygen support, mountaineering experts continue to warn about the risks of overcrowding.
Kami Rita Sherpa (56) extended his own world record by reaching the summit for the 32nd time.
Lhakpa Sherpa (52) set a new female record with her 11th successful ascent.
Rustam Nabiev (34), a Russian double-leg amputee, successfully climbed Everest using only his hands.
The season also witnessed several fatalities, including Nepali guide Phura Gyaljen Sherpa (21) and Bijay Ghimere (35), the first mountaineer from Nepal’s Dalit community to attempt Everest.
