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.

Total Attempts and Successful Summits

As of December 2024, over 7,200 individual climbers 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 to 2023: Attempts resumed with health protocols in place, with about 600 to 700 climbers each year.
• 2024: More than 1,000 attempts were made.

Successful Summits Per Year

• 1950s to 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.
• 2020: There were no summits due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 2021 to 2023: There were approximately 400 to 600 successful summits each year.
• 2024: Approximately 860 people reached the summit.

Fatalities on Everest

As of December 2024, over 330 climbers have died on Mount Everest. More than 200 bodies still remain on the mountain.

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.
• 2020: There were no deaths due to the closure of the mountain.
• 2021 to 2024: Fatalities were lower in 2021 and 2022, then higher in 2023 and 2024. The average number of deaths during this time frame was about 8 deaths per year.

Trends Over the Years

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 successful summits while advancements in weather forecasting, climbing gear, and medical support have enhanced safety on the mountain.

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.