Mount Everest stands as the tallest mountain in the world and a symbol of adventure, persistence, and the essence of humankind. Every year, people from all around the globe try to find out how many people have climbed the legendary peak. Some aspire one day to be included in the queue, whereas others just desire a glimpse into the scale and legends behind the figures.
Up to mid-2025, thousands of mountaineers have been on top of the world. The figures, however, are more than mere statistics; they speak of bravery, accidents, achievements, and the development of mountaineering. In this article, we shall discuss the current records of Everest ascents, how the figures have increased and decreased over the years, what makes the Nepal side popular, and what it all implies if your thoughts involve planning your own trip.
A Brief History of Everest Summits
The first successful climb of Mount Everest was in 1953, when Sir Edmund Hillary from New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa from Nepal reached the summit via the South Col route. Their historic achievement marked the beginning of a new era in mountaineering.
In the first decades, a climb of Everest was a rarity. The expeditions were big, expensive, and needed the support of a government. Far fewer than 300 individuals had reached the top by the late 1970s. As the years passed, with advances in equipment, logistics, and the growth of professional guiding operations, the number increased steadily.
Everest today is much more accessible, even though it is extremely tough. Commercial expeditions enable climbers with all levels of experience to try the top, predominantly from the Nepal side, which makes it one of the world's most ascended high mountains.
How Many People Have Summited Everest As of Mid-2025?
As maintained by the Himalayan Database and recent reports:
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12,884 summits were reached by all routes by the conclusion of the climbing season for the year 2024.
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These climbs were made by some 7,269 distinct individuals (most climbers have made the top many times).
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Out of them, some 9,156 ascents were from the Nepal (South Col) route, and some 3,728 ascents were from the Tibet (North Col) route.
Up to mid-2025, during the spring climbing season, these figures would already have increased, particularly on the Nepal side, which retains the greatest share of mountaineers.
To put it in perspective: in 1953, only two men had stood on top of Everest. Today, thousands of climbers from dozens of countries have joined that exclusive club.
Trends Over Time
The increases in climbing Everest have not been consistent; they mirror fluctuations in access, guiding, and foreign interest.
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1950s-1970s: Less than one hundred mountaineers a year reached the top during the years following the first successful climb in 1953. The expeditions were large, government-backed, and months of labor.
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1980s-1990s: Improved equipment, breathing apparatuses, and the north side of Tibet opening up gradually raised the success rates. Everest remained the preserve of the top mountaineers.
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2000s-2010s: Commercial expeditions popularized the mountain, opening it up for adventurous souls beyond professional mountaineers. Summits reaching the hundreds by the end of each year.
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2020s: The pandemic interlude witnessed Everest bounce back promptly. Nepal issued over 450 permits in 2023, a record for the mountain, which shows how ingrained the demand for the mountain has become.
Spring today is preferred due to the compact but consistent window of weather; autumn is less popular as the weather is less reliable.
Records & Notable Statistics
The big numbers speak for themselves, but Everest is also filled with extraordinary records and feats:
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Largest Number of Summits by One Person: Held by Kami Rita Sherpa with 31 successful climbs until 2025.
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First Woman Ascent of the Peak: Junko Tabei of Japan, 1975. Hundreds of women had followed since.
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Supplemental Oxygen-Free Climbs: Approximately 1.7% of all the ascents were made without bottled oxygen, which is reckoned as one of the greatest achievements in mountaineering.
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Everest Deaths: More than 335 individuals have lost their lives climbing Everest, which illustrates the danger involved with climbing at extreme elevations.
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Quickest Ascents, Youngest and Oldest Climbers: Records are broken every summer, gaining global notoriety for the mountain.
These milestones also remind us that though Everest has been made more "accessible," respect, preparation, and ability are still required.
Nepal Side vs. Tibet Side: What’s Different?
You can ascend Mount Everest from both Nepal and Tibet but the Nepal (south) route remained the first choice for the majority of the mountaineers.
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Popularity: Upwards of 70% of all the climbs result from the Nepali side. The route south is well established, popular, and well supported.
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Logistics: Kathmandu serves as the gateway, and your gateway involves an adventurous flight into Lukla followed by the trek into the Everest Base Camp. This trek itself is one of the most popular journeys around the globe.
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Permit Fees: Nepal costs around $11,000 for the climbing permit. The permits for Tibet differ in price and also include tighter access terms.
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Safety & Success: The mountaineers usually have higher success rates on the Nepal side because of the superior infrastructure, more experienced Sherpa support, and camps.
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General Nepal route provides not just the climb but also cultural interaction with Sherpa villages, monasteries, and beautiful landscapes all the way.
By comparison, the Tibet (north) route is sparsely populated and offers a different perspective of Everest. Though logistically more complicated and politically more closed, as well as historically less successful.
What These Numbers Mean for New Climbers & Tourists
To learn that more than 12,000 people have ascended Everest might come as a matter of little surprise, but the mountain is one of the biggest tests the planet provides.
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Physical Strain: After 8,000 meters lies the "death zone" with extremely thin air. Normal motions feel exhausting, and every stride takes a lot of energy.
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Risks: Climbers face avalanches, altitude sickness, sudden weather changes, and sheer exhaustion. Success depends not only on fitness but also on luck with conditions.
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Preparation: Months even years of training and high-altitude exposure are necessary. Even with the help of Sherpas and guides, the climbers need to be prepared mentally and physically.
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Cost: The price of an Everest expedition could range anywhere between $35,000 and $70,000+, depending upon support, equipment, and guiding service.
For those not climbing for a summit, the Everest Base Camp trek offers a cheaper and less dangerous way for viewing the majesty of the world's tallest peak while simultaneously participating in Sherpa culture and dramatic Himalayan vistas.
Why Climb With Nepal Outdoor Expeditions
If Everest is the name on your mind, whether it's trekking up to the base camp or an actual climb, you need the best-of-the-best team with you. That's when Nepal Outdoor Expeditions (NOE) steps into the picture.
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Yoga: Our Sherpa guides have years of experience leading the routes of Everest safely.
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Safety Above All: We prioritize acclimatization, proper logistics, and modern equipment.
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Smooth Operation: From permits to transport, all the factors fall into place for you, so you can solely attend to the climb.
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Tailor-made Assistance: Whether a professional mountaineer or a beginner trekker, the experience gets customized according to your requirements.
Selecting NOE is selecting reliability, confidence, and a personal desire for sharing the wonder of Everest with the globe.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Everest Expeditions
Climbing Everest is evolving. Governments ponder stricter controls to limit crowds and prevent accidents. The changing climate also modifies glacier conditions, posing new challenges on the trails. At the same time, advances in technology, such as forecasting the elements and lighter equipment, keep getting safer.
For those aspiring mountaineers, this means attention to sustainable climbing, responsible guidance, and cautious planning. Everest will remain the icon of adventure, but the key to success will rest more on how well the mountaineers and the agencies meet these developments.
Conclusion
So, how many climbed Mount Everest? To date, up to mid-2025, nearly 13,000 ascents had been recorded by over 7,200 mountaineers, the vast majority from the Nepal side. They embody not only statistics but also the essence of mankind, of determination, resilience, and adventure.
If scaling at the base or the top of the globe’s tallest mountain is at the top of your bucket list, it's time to get planning. When adequately prepared and with the right guiding organization, your Everest dreams come alive.
Ready for the first stride toward your Everest journey? Get in touch with Nepal Outdoor Expeditions today and let us assist you with planning the journey of a lifetime up the roof of the globe.
June 2025,
FAQs
1. How many individuals have climbed Mount Everest thus far?
Up to June 2025, almost 13,000 successful ascents of Everest by more than 7,200 various mountaineers, the vast bulk from the Nepal side, had been accomplished.
2. What were the first ascents of Mount Everest?
Nepali Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary first reached the summit successfully in 1953.
3. How many times does Everest get attempted annually?
Around 600-800 mountaineers attempt Everest annually, with the bulk of the permits during the spring seasons.
4. Why would the Nepal side receive more popularity than the Tibet side?
The Nepal route enjoys simpler logistics, a higher success rate, and the renowned trek up Everest Base Camp, and thus by a wide margin enjoys the use of more than 70% of mountaineers.
5. How much does it cost to climb Mount Everest?
Expeditions usually vary from $35,000 to $70,000+ depending on the guiding company, support level, and route.
6. How perilous climbing Mount Everest is.
Everest is still very dangerous. Around 335 people lost their lives undertaking the climb due to avalanches, altitude, falls, and harsh climates.
7. Where is the "death zone" on Everest?
The “death zone” refers to altitudes above 8,000 meters (26,247 ft), where oxygen levels are so low that the human body cannot survive for long without supplemental oxygen.
8. Can you climb Everest without oxygen?
Indeed, but it's extremely difficult. Far less than 1.7% of all climbs have been made without bottled oxygen.
9. When is the ideal time of the year for climbing Everest?
Spring (April-May) is optimum as the sky stabilizes for a highly limited instant. Some mountaineers also try the mountain during autumn (September-October).
10. How long does the climb up Mount Everest take?
A whole expedition would thus take approximately 6-8 weeks, involving acclimatization, rest days, and some time for a good weather window.
11. How physically fit do you have to be to climb Everest?
Climbers need excellent physical stamina, prior exposure at high altitude, and strong mental stamina. Preparation may well extend for months or years.
12. What is the success rate for climbers?
The overall success rate has been around 60-65% during the last few years but relies on the preparation and the weather.
13. Are Everest expeditions for beginners?
Absolute novices don't ascend Everest. Climbers would typically have had prior experience by climbing lower great mountains before they try Everest.
14. How is the hike to the Everest Base Camp?
The Everest Base Camp trek is a 12-14 day trek through Sherpa towns, monasteries, and spectacular Himalayan views. One of the globe's most popular trekking expeditions.
15. How do I book an Everest trek or expedition?
Your best bet is to go with a reputable local outfitter. Nepal Outdoor Expeditions offers professional guides, Sherpa support, permissions, and all the support necessary for getting your trek safe and unforgettable.