Mount Everest record set as 274 climb Nepal’s side of world’s highest peak in single day

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Kathmandu, Nepal — A new record was set on Mount Everest as 274 climbers successfully reached the summit in a single day, marking the largest number of ascents on the popular southern route of the world’s tallest peak. The climbers took advantage of clear weather conditions on Wednesday to achieve this remarkable feat, according to Rishi Ram Bhandari of the Expedition Operators Association Nepal. The number of successful climbers may even increase as some individuals who reached the summit have yet to inform the base camp of their accomplishment.

Mount Everest can be climbed from either its Nepali side or the northern face in China’s Tibet. On May 22, 2019, Nepal’s side saw 223 climbers reach the summit, while the Chinese side had 113 climbers. However, the Chinese authorities have closed the route this year, leading to a surge in climbers attempting the Nepali route.

Nepal Everest Photo Gallery — Mountaineers ascend the Khumbu Icefall on their way to the summit of Mount Everest in Kathmandu, Nepal, on May 9, 2026.
Pasang Rinzee Sherpa / AP

Earlier this week, veteran mountain guide Kami Rita Sherpa broke his own record by scaling Everest for the 32nd time. His closest competitor, Pasang Dawa Sherpa, also achieved a significant milestone by reaching the summit for the 30th time. Additionally, Lakpa Sherpa set a new record for female climbers by scaling Everest for the 11th time.

The climbing season on Everest started late this year due to the presence of a dangerous serac hanging over the key route to the summit. Currently, there are approximately 494 climbers and an equal number of Sherpa guides expected to attempt the challenging ascent before the end of the month when the climbing season concludes.

Nepal has faced criticism from mountaineering experts for allowing a large number of climbers to attempt the summit simultaneously, leading to congestion at certain points on the mountain. In response, Nepal has implemented stricter controls and increased fees to regulate the flow of climbers on Everest.

Since its first successful ascent on May 29, 1953, by New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Sherpa guide Tenzing Norgay, thousands of people have reached the summit of Mount Everest, making it one of the most sought-after achievements in mountaineering.