KATHMANDU: Nepalese government officials confirmed that on Wednesday alone, an estimated 275 mountaineers reached the top of Mount Everest in a record-breaking day on the southern face of the peak.
Khim Lal Gautam, a government official at the Everest base camp, told AFP that more than 600 climbers reached the peak since the spring season summits kicked off this month, taking advantage of a brief spell of good weather and typically calmer winds.
According to the Nepalese government official, a record 492 permits were issued to mountaineers this season, and a city of tents hosting foreign climbers and support staff had been set up at the foot of Everest.
The high numbers have rekindled concerns about overcrowding on the mountain, especially if poor weather shortens the climbing window.
British Climber
One of successful mountaineers is a British climber Kenton Cool, who reached the top of Everest for the 20th time on Friday, extending his own record for the most ascents of the world's highest peak by a non-Nepali.
"It was reported that he summited Everest this morning," Khim Lal Gautam, a government official at the base camp, told AFP.
Mountain guide Cool, 52, first climbed Everest in 2004 and has since had an expedition almost every year, taking clients up the 8,849 metre peak.
His 15th summit in 2021 tied him with American Dave Hahn for the most ascents by a non-Nepali climber, and his effort the following year gave him a solo title.
Cool was once told he would not be able to walk unaided again after a rock-climbing accident in 1996 that broke both his heel bones.
He told AFP in a 2022 interview after his 16th ascent that his Everest record was "not that amazing" in the context of achievements by Nepali climbers.
At least seven Nepali climbers have more than 20 summits under their belts.
"I'm really surprised by the interest... considering that so many of the Sherpas have so many more ascents," he said then.
Nepali climber Kami Rita Sherpa, 56, dubbed the "Everest Man", broke his own world record with a 32nd summit of Everest on Sunday.
Lhakpa Sherpa, 52, also broke her own women's record with her 11th summit the same day.
Three Nepali climbers involved in Everest expeditions have died so far this season.
Nepal is home to eight of the world's 10 highest peaks and welcomes hundreds of adventurers each spring.
