Back
World News

Record 274 Climbers Summit Mount Everest from Nepalese Side on May 22; Two Indian Climbers Die During Descent

Generated on: Last updated: 3 sources
View source

A record 274 climbers reached the summit of Mount Everest from the Nepalese side on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. The previous single-day record from Nepal’s side was 223 climbers, set on May 22, 2019.

The high number resulted from climbers waiting at higher camps for better wind conditions being joined by those from lower camps, leading to queues and slow ascent. All but one climber used supplemental oxygen and Sherpa guides; Ecuadorian Marcelo Segovia summited without oxygen.

Fatalities

Two Indian climbers have died on the mountain. One died at Camp II and another at the Hillary Step, according to Nivesh Karki of the expedition company Pioneer Adventure. Both had summited on Thursday but died during descent. One body remains at high altitude; efforts are underway to retrieve the second body from Camp II. Details of their deaths were not available.

Season Context

  • This year’s spring climbing season started late due to risk from a large serac (glacial ice cliff) overhanging the main route.
  • A serac blocked the route to the summit, keeping climbers at Base Camp until "icefall doctors" removed it on May 13.
  • Nepal issued 494 permits this season, each costing $15,000. An equal number of Sherpa guides are expected to accompany climbers.
  • The climbing season ends in May.

Records Set

  • Kami Rita Sherpa summited for the 32nd time, breaking his own record.
  • Pasang Dawa Sherpa summited for the 30th time.
  • Lhakpa Sherpa summited for the 11th time, extending her record for most summits by a woman.
  • British climber Kenton Cool, 52, reached the summit on Friday, May 22, achieving his 20th ascent. He first climbed Everest in 2004.

Verification Pending

  • Official confirmation of the number is pending return of climbers and submission of photographic evidence, per Department of Tourism official Himal Gautam.
  • Expedition Operators Association Nepal's Rishi Ram Bhandari stated the count is preliminary and may rise.
  • The overall number of summiters in 2019 was higher because some climbed from the north side in Tibet; China issued no permits for the north side in 2023.