Record 274 climbers summit Mount Everest in 24 hours

A record 274 climbers summited Mount Everest in a single day this week, as a brief break in weather triggered a rush to the top of the world.

Hundreds of climbers packed onto the mountain’s narrow summit route in Nepal on Wednesday, May 20, where all activity has been concentrated this season, raising fresh concerns about overcrowding and safety in high-risk zones..

The ascents all came via the southern route through Nepal, where nearly 500 permits have been issued this season, CNN reported. Expedition organizers said no climbers attempted the northern route from Tibet this year after Chinese authorities did not issue permits, concentrating all activity on the Nepali side.

The latest figure surpasses the previous single-day record from the Nepali side of 223 climbers set on May 22, 2019, according to Reuters. That same season ultimately saw a higher combined total when climbers from both Nepal and Tibet reached the summit across consecutive days.

Watch record 274 climbers reach Everest summit in single day

Crowding and safety concerns on the route

The record-setting day renewed scrutiny over congestion on the high-altitude route, where climbers must pass through narrow sections in the so-called "death zone," an area above 8,000 meters where oxygen levels are insufficient for survival without supplemental supply, Reuters noted.

Officials in Nepal have acknowledged risks tied to overcrowding, including delays and extended exposure at extreme altitude. Critics have long warned that bottlenecks can form when large groups converge on summit windows that are increasingly compressed by weather patterns and permit volume.

This year’s climbing season began later than usual after a large serac temporarily blocked the main route, delaying teams at base camp until the path was cleared, CNN reported. The delay compressed the timeframe for summit attempts, contributing to the surge in climbers during favorable weather.

Authorities said the full count may still rise as some climbers who reached the summit have not yet formally reported their ascent. Nepal continues to review and certify summit claims based on documentation and photographic evidence submitted after climbers return safely to lower camps.

Notable ascents and Sherpa milestones

The season also saw several record-setting achievements by veteran climbers, ABC News reported. Guide Kami Rita Sherpa reached the summit for the 32nd time, extending his own record for the most Everest ascents. Pasang Dawa Sherpa also climbed to the top for the 30th time, further marking milestones among high-altitude guides.

Lakpa Sherpa added another summit to her record with her 11th successful climb, the highest number recorded for a female mountaineer, according to expedition officials.

Contributing: Reuters

Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at [email protected], or on Twitter @athompsonUSAT