The 2025 Everest season is set to be historic as Nepal’s Department of Tourism has granted 500 climbing permits – the highest ever recorded since pre-pandemic years. Mountaineers from 60 countries have already arrived in Kathmandu for acclimatization before heading to Base Camp.

Officials from the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation say enhanced waste-management rules and digital permit tracking will reduce crowding and ensure safety. Each climber must now carry GPS beacons and insurance coverage of at least USD 20,000.

Leading expedition companies such as Seven Summit Treks and Department of Tourism – Nepal are deploying record numbers of Sherpas to manage traffic in the Khumbu Icefall.

Tourism Minister Kamal Bahadur Shahi stated, “This is a moment of pride for Nepal’s mountain economy and a reminder to prioritize safety and sustainability.”