274 Climbers Summit Everest in One Day

Why this is here: Rustam Nabiev, a former Russian soldier who lost both legs, summited Everest without prosthetics, ascending using only the strength of his arms and ice axes.

Rishi Bhandari, secretary general of the Nepal Association of Tour Operators, reported 274 people reached the summit of Mount Everest from the Nepal side on May 21. This number surpasses the previous record of 223 ascents from the same side in 2019. Among those reaching the peak was Rustam Nabiev, a Russian ex-military member who lost both legs and climbed using only his arms and ice axes.

Jordi Fugardo, a notary from Catalonia, Spain, also summited with his guide, Pasang Sherpa, completing the ascent and descent in roughly 17 hours despite strong winds and temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius. Alexandra Zulaika Grau, Fugardo’s partner, noted delays were caused by congestion on the slopes.

Nepal’s Department of Tourism indicates that the reported summits require photo and video confirmation. The government issued 494 permits this season to climbers from 55 countries, costing $15,000 each, and this number doubles when including accompanying sherpas. The concentration of people presents risks at such high altitudes.