On Wednesday, a team of 12 Nepali climbers reached the summit of Mount Everest, signaling the start of the spring climbing season. This year, Nepal has issued a record 492 permits, indicating a high influx of climbers, with expectations of around 1,000 climbers attempting the ascent in the coming weeks. The rope-fixing team, coordinated by Chhang Dawa Sherpa of Seven Summits Treks, successfully opened the route despite initial disruptions caused by a serac in the Khumbu icefall. Concerns about overcrowding have emerged, particularly after the 2019 season, which saw climbers queuing near the summit. The closure of the northern approach from Tibet has further increased the number of expeditions on the Nepalese side, with Chinese climbers holding the largest share of permits this year. Tragically, three Nepali climbers have died during preparations, alongside two foreign climbers on other Himalayan peaks, highlighting the risks involved in such high-altitude endeavors.