Everest, increasingly crowded: Nepal issued climbing permits worth $7.1 million

Authorities in Nepal have issued a record number of permits for climbing Mount Everest this spring, fueling fears of overcrowding on the highest peak on the planet, reports DPA. By May 8, the Nepal Tourism Department had issued 492 permits for climbing Everest alone, generating revenue of about $7.1 million. The previous record was set in 2023, when 478 such permits were granted. In 2025, the number of permits was 468. Over the entire climbing season, Nepalese authorities issued 1,134 permits for climbing 30 mountain peaks, totaling more than $8.3 million.

• China closes Tibetan route, Nepal benefits

According to officials in Kathmandu, one of the main explanations for the increase in demand is the closure of access to Everest from the Chinese-controlled Tibetan side. In these conditions, many climbers have turned to the Nepalese route. Most applications for permits came from China, followed by the United States and India. "Despite the protests of Gen Z and the conflict between Israel and Iran, the number of climbers applying for permits has reached a historic level,” said Himal Gautam, a spokesman for the Department of Tourism.

• Economic benefits and major risks

Climbing Everest is a major source of income for Nepal, a country that depends heavily on mountain tourism. However, economic success comes with significant risks. In previous years, the crowding near the summit has forced climbers to wait for hours in the so-called "death zone,” located at an altitude of more than 8,000 meters, where oxygen levels are extremely low. Experts believe that some of the deaths recorded in this area could have been avoided without these blockages.

• Season delayed by ice, weather and... drones

The start of this spring's climbing season has been postponed by almost two weeks due to unstable ice, adverse weather conditions, logistical problems and even a dispute over the use of drones. However, Nepalese authorities maintain that the season is currently proceeding as planned. Everest remains an irresistible attraction for climbers from around the world, but this year's record numbers show that the challenge is no longer just conquering the mountain, but also finding a place in the queue for the roof of the world.