Nepal’s Department of Tourism (DoT) has issued 427 climbing permits for Mount Everest (8,848.86 meters) this spring, with the number expected to rise slightly as the season progresses. This figure falls short of the expectations of both officials and expedition operators.

Authorities had anticipated around 500 paying climbers ahead of a planned permit fee increase, set to take effect in September. "We are not expecting many more applications now, as April has come to an end," said Sandesh Maskey, a DoT official.

Most climbers have already arrived at Everest Base Camp for acclimatization and have begun their rotations—a process where climbers ascend to Camp II and return to base camp to adapt to the altitude. Typically, two rotations are completed before teams make their summit push, usually beginning in the second week of May and continuing until the end of the month.

Some climbers currently attempting Makalu and Kanchenjunga may still apply for Everest permits. However, the majority are expected to have secured their permits by the end of April, with Everest climbing permits generally issued until mid-May.

Earlier this year, Nepal announced an increase in Everest permit fees, from $11,000 to $15,000, effective from September 1, 2025.

In 2024, Nepal issued 421 permits, a slight decrease from 479 permits issued in the spring of 2023. Access to Everest’s northern side via China remains restricted, driving increased demand on the Nepalese side, operators said.

This season, several climbers are aiming for new records. Veteran guide Kami Rita Sherpa, who holds the record for the most Everest ascents at 30, will lead another expedition, aiming to extend his record. Lhakpa Sherpa, popularly known as the "Queen of Everest" and the record holder for the most Everest summits by a woman, is targeting her 11th ascent. Meanwhile, Tashi Gyaljen Sherpa plans to attempt four Everest ascents within 20 days to set a new speed record.

Notably, Chinese climber Jing Zhang, 32, will attempt a ski descent from Everest, while Piolets d’Or recipient Valery Babanov is aiming to summit Everest in alpine style without the use of bottled oxygen.

Mount Everest can be climbed from both Nepal and China. However, Nepal’s southern route remains the more popular option due to lower costs, fewer restrictions, greater availability of guides, more acclimatization opportunities, and better rescue support.