Everest Expedition update

Most ascent by non-Sherpa guide 

A British mountain guide has scaled Mount Everest on Sunday for the 19th time, breaking his own record for the most ascents of the world’s highest mountain by a non-Sherpa guide. Kenton Cool, 51 from southwest England, climb Mt Everest for the 19th time on 18 May 2025 and kept the record of the non-Sherpa climber with most ascents on Everest.

First death of the climbing season 

A climber from the Philippines died at camp IV on the 14th May. 45 year old Philipp II Santiago breathed his last at camp IV while preparing for the summit push on the night of 14th. This was the first death of the climbing season 2025. 
Efforts were underway to bring his body to the base camp, Bhandari informed.

Route opened up to South Col (7,900 m)

6 - 5 - 2025
On the afternoon of May 5, a team of climbers tasked with establishing a route from Camp II to Camp IV successfully reached South Col. Led by Ashok Lama, the team opened a climbing route up to 7,900 meters at approximately 4:30 PM. They are now preparing for the final effort to set fixed lines to the summits of Everest and Lhotse next week, contingent upon favorable weather and conditions.

The Expedition Operators' Association Nepal (EOAN) has designated 8K Expeditions to establish routes to the summits of both Everest and Lhotse this season. The team plans to return to base camp for rest before proceeding to fix the rope to the summit of Everest next week, following a review of the weather forecast and strategic planning. Previously, the icefall doctors from the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee had opened a climbing route from Base Camp to Camp II by installing ropes and ladders across the hazardous section of the Khumbu icefall.

Use of drone will revolutionize Everest expeditions this year

22 - 4 - 2025
This Year Drones are being employed to transport essential equipment such as ropes, ladders, and oxygen cylinders across the perilous Khumbu Icefall — a treacherous area that Sherpa climbers have skillfully navigated for many years to establish climbing routes for expeditions on the highest mountain in the world, according to a report by CNN Travel.

Airlift Technology, a start-up based in Nepal, has implemented drone technology to assist the 'icefall doctors,' the expert Sherpas responsible for opening and maintaining the climbing path from Base Camp to Camp I, situated at an altitude of 6,065 meters. Although this route spans only 1.8 miles, it requires seasoned Sherpas nearly seven hours to complete. In contrast, a drone can traverse this distance in less than seven minutes.

Additionally, drones play a crucial role in environmental conservation efforts. Airlift Technology recently utilized drones to successfully remove 1,100 pounds of waste from Camp One. 

Climbing Everest to break his own redord of 30 successful ascents 

Kami Rita, who holds the record for the most successful ascents of Mount Everest, is preparing to climb once more in an attempt to surpass his own record. He currently has 30 successful summits and aims to reach the peak for the 31st time, with the possibility of achieving a 32nd ascent as well. In May of the previous year, he successfully reached the summit twice. His nearest rival for the title of most ascents is fellow Sherpa guide Pasang Dawa, who has accomplished 27 successful climbs of the mountain.

Number of Everest climbers likely to increase in 2025 

Number of Everest climbers in 2025 are estimated to go higher than in 2024. While 421 Everest climbing permits were issued in the year 2024, it is estimated that more than 650 climbers may reach the summit of Mount Everest from the Nepalese side, contributing to an overall total of 700 to 800 summits from both Nepal and Tibet. While this figure is anticipated to be significant, it remains below the pre-pandemic peak of 877 summits recorded in 2019. Various factors, such as modifications in mountaineering regulations and rising permit costs, are impacting these estimates. 

Everest Base Camp Trek

Solo expedition banned on Everest and other 8,000ers 

The newly implemented regulations prohibit solo climbing expeditions and mandate that a guide must be assigned for every two climbers on peaks exceeding 8,000 meters, including Everest. For other mountains, the requirement is at least one guide per group. This marks the conclusion of the era of solo climbing on these high-altitude peaks, irrespective of a climber's level of experience. Whether employing alpine-style or expedition-style techniques, climbers will now be unable to ascend these mountains without the assistance of a support guide. The presence of mandatory guides is expected to not only decrease the number of casualties but also facilitate the location of missing climbers and the recovery of bodies in the event of accidents

Everest climbing permit fee increased 

Nepal increased the Everest climbing permit fee from USD 11,000 to $ 15,000 in Spetember 2025, which will not impact this Spring season. 

Autumn Season (September - Novermber): From USD 5,500 to USD 7,500 
Winter (December - February): From USD 2,750 to USD 2,750 
Monsoon (June - August): From USD 2,750 to USD 3,750 
Spring (March - May): From USD 11,000 t0 USD 15,000