At least five climbers, including two Indians and three Nepalese, have died on Mount Everest this season, raising concerns about overcrowding.
Published May 22, 2026
Two Indian climbers have died on Mount Everest during a record-breaking climb via Nepal’s southern route as experts warn of crowding at the world’s highest peak.
Nepal is home to eight of the world’s ten highest peaks and welcomes hundreds of adventurers each spring.
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At least five climbers, including two Indians and three Nepalese, have died during this year’s Everest season. Earlier this month, an American and a Czech climber died on Mount Makalu.
Nivesh Karki, director of Pioneer Adventures, named the latest victims as Sandeep Are, who reached the summit on May 20, and Arun Kumar Tiwari, who reached the summit on May 21.
“They fell ill during the descent at high altitude. We are considering ways to recover the bodies,” Kalki told AFP news agency.
Nepali climber Kami Rita Sherpa, who climbed Mount Everest for a record 32nd time earlier this month, returned to the capital Kathmandu on Friday and expressed concern about the experiences of some climbers.
Photos posted by climbers show long lines of people climbing fixed ropes in the icy, low-oxygen high-altitude region.
“This expedition felt a little crowded,” said Kami Rita Sherpa, known as “The Man on Everest.”
“The government should regulate this a little bit… Only high-quality climbers should be accepted and there should be limits,” he told AFP.
A record number of climbers reached the 8,849-meter (29,032-foot) Himalayan peak from the Nepali side on Thursday, with a preliminary total of 275 people awaiting final confirmation, tourism officials said.
The peak can be reached from both Nepal and the north face of Tibet, but Chinese authorities closed the latter route this year.
The Guinness Book of World Records states that the record for most summits of Everest in one day was 354 in May 2019.
Nepali tourism officials said the final count will be tallied after the climb is confirmed, which will require photos and statements from climbing companies and guides.
Among the successful climbers on Friday was British guide Kenton Cool, who made his 20th ascent, breaking his own record for the highest summit in the world by a non-Nepali.
The high number of climbers has reignited concerns about overcrowding on the mountain, especially if bad weather shortens the climbing period.
The country has issued a record 492 Everest permits to foreigners this season, and a tent city has been set up at the base of the mountain for climbers and support staff.
About 600 people, including guides, have climbed Everest since this year’s spring climbing season began in April.
