A record number of climbers reached the summit of Mount Everest in a single day from the Nepal side of the mountain, officials said on Thursday, with the estimated figure touching around 275.

Officials said the climbs took place on Wednesday from the southern route in Nepal, which remains the only operational path this season after China shut the northern Tibet side of the mountain.

According to Nepal’s tourism department, the number marks the highest single-day summit count ever recorded from the southern face of the world’s tallest peak.

Verification process underway

Officials clarified that the exact figure will be confirmed only after the summit claims are formally verified. Climbers are required to submit photographs and supporting statements from expedition companies and guides before certificates are issued.

Himal Gautam, spokesperson for Nepal’s tourism department, said the current estimate points to a historic day on Everest.

“This is the highest ever number of single-day summits in the history of Mount Everest expeditions who have reached the peak of Mount Everest,” Gautam told.

He added that the official count would be finalised after the verification process is completed.

Higher combined total recorded earlier

Officials noted that in 2023, a larger number of climbers had reached the summit in a single day when ascents from both the Nepal and Tibet routes were open. However, no exact figure for that year was provided.

This year, Chinese authorities closed access to Everest from the northern side in Tibet, leaving Nepal’s southern route as the primary climbing path.

Everest boom continues in Nepal

Mount Everest has become a major source of tourism revenue for Nepal since Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa completed the first successful ascent in 1953.

The country has witnessed a massive surge in climbing activity over the years, turning Everest expeditions into a lucrative business involving climbers, guides, porters and support teams.

Nepal issued a record 492 Everest climbing permits this season. At the base camp, a temporary settlement of tents has been established to accommodate mountaineers and support staff during the spring climbing period.

Concerns over overcrowding return

Since the start of the spring climbing season last month, around 600 people, including climbers and expedition staff, have successfully reached the summit.

The unusually high number of climbers has once again sparked concerns over overcrowding on the mountain, especially during narrow weather windows that allow summit attempts.

Everest, which stands at 8,849 metres (29,032 feet), straddles the border between Nepal and China and remains one of the world’s most sought-after mountaineering destinations.

Officials expect this year’s climbing season to conclude by the first week of June.

Agency inputs