Mount Everest Sees Season’s Busiest Day with 135 Successful Summits

A total of 135 climbers successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest on Sunday, making it one of the busiest days of this year’s spring climbing season, the Department of Tourism confirmed.

With a window of clear weather opening up, climbers seized the opportunity to make their final push to the summit. The Department’s temporary office at Everest Base Camp reported ideal conditions, prompting a surge of ascents on May 18.

“This summit push was strategically planned for May 18, and the weather worked in our favor,” said Himal Gautam, Director at the Department of Tourism. He added that favorable conditions are expected to continue into Monday, with more climbers poised to reach the top.

The season had previously seen delays due to inclement weather, but the past three days have brought a steady rise in successful summits. More than 200 climbers have now stood atop Everest this spring, with additional ascents anticipated.

Among Sunday’s summiteers was celebrated photojournalist Purnima Shrestha, who reached the Everest summit for the fifth time. Shrestha, a native of Aarughat Rural Municipality–10 in Gorkha, made global headlines last year by summiting the peak three times in a single season—a world record. Her first ascent was in 2018.

Also making history was the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Expedition Team from India, which reached the summit at 4:45 a.m., marking a proud milestone for the youth organization.

In another inspirational achievement, Pemba Sherpa, a kidney transplant survivor, successfully summited Everest, underscoring the resilience and determination displayed on the mountain this season.

According to the Department of Tourism, 468 climbers—382 men and 86 women—from 47 expedition teams have received permits to climb Mount Everest this spring.