In the 2026 climbing season, over 1,000 climbers successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest, making it the busiest season on record, according to Nepalese officials. This figure surpasses the previous record of 877 climbers in 2019. The surge in climber numbers is attributed to an unusually long period of stable weather, with Nepal issuing a record 494 climbing permits. Notably, May 21 was the busiest single day, with 275 climbers reaching the summit. Despite five reported fatalities, expedition operators have labeled the season a success. However, safety concerns persist, particularly regarding a dangerous ice block along the route. In response to growing environmental concerns, Nepal has proposed stricter regulations for climbers, including requiring previous summits of mountains over 7,000 meters. The season also saw a shift in climber demographics, with increased participation from Asian climbers as interest from Western countries declined. Veteran climber Kami Rita Sherpa set a new record by summiting Everest for the 32nd time.