Nepalese authorities issued a record number of permits to climb Mount Everest this spring, officials said, raising concerns about overcrowding on the world's highest mountain.
As of May 8, Nepal had issued 492 permits for Everest alone, equivalent to $7.1 million in revenue, according to the Department of Tourism (DoT). The previous record dates back to 2023, when 478 permits were issued for the summit of Everest, writes the DPA agency, quoted by Agerpres. Last year, the Nepalese authorities issued 468 permits.
In total, 1,134 climbing permits were issued for the 30 peaks in the coming season, equating to record receipts of more than $8.3 million.
“Despite the protests of Generation Z and the Israel-Iran war, a record number of climbers received permits this season. It's historic,” DoT spokesman Himal Gautam told DPA.
In September, Nepal was rocked by a protest of young people who, following the authorities' desire to ban their access to social networks, took to the streets with tens of thousands, denouncing widespread corruption and nepotism. At least 76 people lost their lives in these so-called Generation Z protests.
Will there be traffic jams on Everest again?
According to articles in the Nepalese press, the reason for the record number of permits issued is the fact that China has closed the ascent of Everest from the Tibetan side. Nepalese officials say the most requests this year have come from China, followed by the US and India.
The increase in the number of climbers is expected to boost Nepal's economy, but there are also voices that fear traffic jams on Everest due to delayed preparations for the summer season.
In the past, overcrowding at the summit has forced climbers to wait for hours in the so-called “death zone,” where oxygen levels are low, contributing to deaths that some climbers and experts say could have been prevented.
Compared to previous years, this spring the first ascent was delayed by almost two weeks due to unstable ice, bad weather, logistical problems and a dispute over the use of drones.
However, Himal Gautam said the season is going according to plan.
