A record 274 climbers ascended Mount Everest from the Nepalese side on Wednesday, marking the highest number to reach the summit in a single day. The ascent began at 3 AM local time and took 11 hours, taking advantage of favorable weather conditions. According to the Everest Chronicle, tourism on the world's highest peak has increased despite a rise in permit costs.

Breaking the 2019 Record

This achievement surpasses the previous record set on May 22, 2019, when 223 climbers reached the summit from the Nepalese side. On the same day that year, 113 climbers also reached the summit via the Tibetan route, but this season, China has closed that route to foreign climbers. This year, nearly 500 foreign climbers obtained permits for the 8,849-meter peak, a record number. However, experts warn of overcrowding and other safety risks. Most climbers attempt the ascent with the help of at least one Nepalese guide, who do not require permits. Only two climbers were reported to have suffered during the historic ascent.

Crowding in the "Death Zone"

Recent social media posts show long lines of climbers in the so-called "death zone," the area above 8,000 meters where most climbers rely on supplemental oxygen. Experts recommend spending no more than 20 hours in this zone. Expedition organizers acknowledge the risks of overcrowding but believe they can be managed. "If the teams carry enough oxygen, it is not a big problem," said Lukas Furtenbah of the Austrian company "Furtenbach Adventures" in an interview with Reuters. He noted that thousands of climbers ascend certain Alpine peaks daily, making 274 a relatively modest number considering Everest's scale. Despite the permit cost increase to $15,000 from $11,000, tourism on Everest continues to grow.

A Season of Records

Among those reaching the summit were both experienced and novice climbers, many setting new records. This week, experienced Nepalese guide Kami Rita Sherpa (56) broke his own world record for the most ascents, reaching the summit for the 32nd time. On the same day, 52-year-old Lhakpa Sherpa, known as the "Queen of the Mountain," broke her record for the most female ascents, reaching the peak for the 11th time. Additionally, Rustam Nabiev (34), a Russian with amputated limbs, reached the summit without prosthetics.