British climber Kenton Cool summits Everest for 20th time amidst record-breaking day

British mountaineer Kenton Cool reached the summit of Mount Everest for the 20th time, setting a record for the most ascents by a non-Nepalese climber. Cool, who first summited in 2004, noted that his achievement is surpassed by several Nepalese climbers, including Kami Rita Sherpa, who recently reached the summit for the 32nd time, and Lhakpa Sherpa, who achieved her 11th ascent. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, May 20, a record-breaking 274 climbers reached the summit from the Nepalese side in a single day, according to the Nepal Mountaineering Expedition Operators Association. This figure surpasses the previous record of 223 set on May 22, 2019. Official data indicates that Nepal issued a record 492 climbing permits for the spring season. Due to a lack of permits from Chinese authorities, no climbs were conducted from the Tibetan side this season. Himalayan officials are currently verifying the final figures through photographic evidence as climbers return to base camp.