A new world record was set on Mount Everest as 274 climbers successfully reached the summit within 24 hours. Nepalese authorities confirmed the achievement on Thursday, May 21, 2026, citing favorable weather conditions that allowed a large number of climbers to ascend simultaneously via the southern route. Officials from the Expedition Operators Association of Nepal said such a high number of summits in one day had never been seen before.

Everest is typically climbed through two main routes: the southern route from Nepal and the northern route from Tibet, China. In 2019, 223 climbers summited via Nepal and 113 via China in a single day. This year, with China’s route closed, most climbers concentrated on the Nepal side. The season began slowly due to a large ice block hanging dangerously over the main route, but conditions later improved, allowing expeditions to resume.

Authorities said the climbing season will continue through the end of May, with about 494 foreign climbers and an equal number of Sherpa guides aiming to reach the 8,848.86-meter peak.