Nepal Official: Over 1,000 Climbers Summit Everest This Season, a New Record
A Nepalese official said on Wednesday that over 1,000 climbers have successfully summited Mount Everest this season, setting a new record for the busiest climbing season. The surge is attributed to a longer-than-usual 'summit window' of stable weather. At least five people have died this season.
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(Central News Agency, Kathmandu, 3rd, Combined Foreign Reports) A Nepalese official said today that over 1,000 climbers have successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest this season, making it the busiest climbing season on record.
According to a report by AFP, climbers and officials attribute the surge in successful summits to a longer-than-usual 'summit window' – the period of stable weather during which it is safe to attempt the climb.
Himal Gautam, an official from Nepal's Department of Tourism, told AFP: "More than 1,000 climbers have successfully summited this season, but the final exact number is still to be verified."
According to The Himalayan Database, the previous record for the number of successful summits in a single climbing season was set in 2019, when 877 people reported reaching the top.
The total number of successful summits will be tallied after verification, a process that requires photos and statements from the expedition companies and guides.
At least five people have died this climbing season, including two Indian climbers and three Nepalese climbers involved in preparation work on Everest. Another Nepalese guide is missing after descending from the summit.
Nepal issued a record 494 climbing permits for Everest to foreigners this season. On May 21 alone, an estimated 275 climbers reached the summit of the 8,849-meter peak, setting a record for the busiest single day on the south side. Photos from the day show long queues of climbers waiting to reach the top.
Earlier in the season, there were concerns about delays due to ice towers blocking the climbing route, but Nepalese climbers successfully opened an alternative route.
Lakpa Sherpa, a Sherpa guide from 8K Expeditions, said today: "It was challenging at first. We were very worried about what would happen if we couldn't open a route." The company had 80 clients and guides successfully summit Everest this season.
Several records were broken this season, including Nepalese Sherpa guide Kami Rita Sherpa celebrating his 32nd successful summit, extending his own record for the most ascents.
Eight of the world's top ten highest peaks are located in Nepal, attracting hundreds of adventurers every spring. Since the first successful ascent by New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay in 1953, this craze has turned mountaineering into a big business. (Translation: Liu Shuqin) 1150603
According to a report by AFP, climbers and officials attribute the surge in successful summits to a longer-than-usual 'summit window' – the period of stable weather during which it is safe to attempt the climb.
Himal Gautam, an official from Nepal's Department of Tourism, told AFP: "More than 1,000 climbers have successfully summited this season, but the final exact number is still to be verified."
According to The Himalayan Database, the previous record for the number of successful summits in a single climbing season was set in 2019, when 877 people reported reaching the top.
The total number of successful summits will be tallied after verification, a process that requires photos and statements from the expedition companies and guides.
At least five people have died this climbing season, including two Indian climbers and three Nepalese climbers involved in preparation work on Everest. Another Nepalese guide is missing after descending from the summit.
Nepal issued a record 494 climbing permits for Everest to foreigners this season. On May 21 alone, an estimated 275 climbers reached the summit of the 8,849-meter peak, setting a record for the busiest single day on the south side. Photos from the day show long queues of climbers waiting to reach the top.
Earlier in the season, there were concerns about delays due to ice towers blocking the climbing route, but Nepalese climbers successfully opened an alternative route.
Lakpa Sherpa, a Sherpa guide from 8K Expeditions, said today: "It was challenging at first. We were very worried about what would happen if we couldn't open a route." The company had 80 clients and guides successfully summit Everest this season.
Several records were broken this season, including Nepalese Sherpa guide Kami Rita Sherpa celebrating his 32nd successful summit, extending his own record for the most ascents.
Eight of the world's top ten highest peaks are located in Nepal, attracting hundreds of adventurers every spring. Since the first successful ascent by New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay in 1953, this craze has turned mountaineering into a big business. (Translation: Liu Shuqin) 1150603