Mount Everest is the tallest peak on Earth. Standing at 29,032 feet (8,849 meters) above sea level, it is a symbol of human ambition. Since the first documented successful ascent by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953, thousands have attempted to reach its summit. Despite the risks, the number of climbers has increased significantly, especially in recent decades.

Total Attempts and Successful Summits

As of 2024, more than 7,000 people have successfully summited Mount Everest. When accounting for multiple ascents by the same individuals, the total number of successful summits exceeds 10,000. The increasing accessibility due to commercial expeditions and improved equipment has contributed to the rise in successful climbs.

Attempts Per Year

• 1950s to 1980s: In the early decades, attempts were limited due to political restrictions, lack of infrastructure, and less advanced climbing technology. Annual attempts rarely exceeded a few dozen climbers.
• 1990s: The number of attempts began to rise, averaging around 150 to 200 climbers per year.
• 2000s: This period saw further growth, with 300 to 400 climbers attempting the summit annually.
• 2010s: Attempts increased dramatically. By the end of the decade, 800 to 900 climbers were attempting Everest each year.
• 2020: The COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of the 2020 climbing season.
• 2021-2024: Attempts resumed with health protocols in place, with about 800 climbers each year.

The commercialization of Everest expeditions has made the mountain more accessible to non-professional climbers. Guided tours, better equipment, and established routes have contributed to the increased number of attempts and successful summits.

The surge in climbers has led to overcrowding, especially in the “death zone” above 26,247 feet (8,000 meters). In 2019, images of long queues near the summit highlighted the risks of traffic jams, including increased exposure to altitude sickness and harsh weather.

The growing number of climbers has also raised concerns about environmental degradation. Efforts are underway to implement stricter regulations on waste management, limit the number of permits issued, and promote sustainable climbing practices.

Successful Summits Per Year

• 1950s to 1980s: From 1953 to the late 1980s, successful summits were rare, with only a handful each year.
• 1990s: Annual successful summits increased to 100 to 150.
• 2000s: Numbers rose to 200 to 300 successful summits per year.
• 2010s: Record numbers were achieved, with 500 to 600 successful summits annually.
• 2021-2024: There were approximately 400 to 500 successful summits each year.

Summit success rates have significantly improved over the past two decades, with two out of every three climbers succeeding. The reasons behind the improvement include better weather forecasting, presence of fixed ropes on much of the route, accumulated logistic and route experience, improved oxygen equipment, and shifts in oxygen use.

Fatalities on Everest

Climbing Everest is not without significant risk. As of 2024, over 340 climbers have lost their lives on its slopes.

Deaths Per Year

• 1950s to 1980s: Fatalities were low in number but high in proportion due to fewer climbers and limited rescue capabilities.
• 1990s: Annual deaths ranged from 5 to 15 climbers, with notable disasters like the 1996 tragedy that claimed eight lives in a single storm.
• 2000s: Fatalities remained relatively steady, averaging 6 to 10 per year.
• 2010s: The number fluctuated, with some years experiencing higher death tolls due to avalanches and earthquakes, such as the 2014 avalanche that killed 16 Sherpas and the 2015 Nepal earthquake that resulted in 22 deaths at Base Camp.
• 2021-2024: Fatalities were lower, with 3 to 5 deaths reported each year, partly due to fewer climbers and improved safety measures.

The current overall death rate on Everest is 1%, showing a slight improvement from previous years. Advancements in weather forecasting, climbing gear, and medical support have enhanced safety on the mountain. Sherpa guides and support teams play the biggest role in fixing ropes, setting up camps, and assisting climbers, contributing to higher success rates.