Nepal has issued a record number of permits for climbing Everest this spring.

Nepal has recorded a record number of 492 permits for climbing Mount Everest until May 8, generating revenues of 7.1 million dollars, according to the Department of Tourism (DoT). The previous record was 478 permits, issued in 2023. In total, for the current season, 1,134 permits have been issued for 30 peaks, bringing in over 8.3 million dollars. The spokesperson for the DoT, Himal Gautam, mentioned that the large number of climbers is historic, despite recent protests in Nepal.

The increase in demand is attributed to the closure of the Tibetan route by China, and most applications come from China, the USA, and India. Although the increased number of climbers is expected to boost the economy, there are concerns about overcrowding on Everest, which has previously led to deaths in the summit area. The season started late due to weather conditions and logistical issues, but officials state that it is proceeding as planned.