How many people have climbed Mount Everest? The ultimate guide to its climbing history

Mount Everest has a way of drawing people back time and again. Perhaps it's the opportunity to boast. Perhaps it is a test of human endurance. Or maybe it's just the chance to be on top of the world, literally.

For whatever reason, countless climbers have tried their best to reach the top of Everest; some have returned home with a lifetime of glory, while others weren’t as fortunate. So, how many people have succeeded in doing it? And how many didn’t? Let’s get into it.

Since 1953, close to 7,000 individual climbers have reached Everest’s summit. But if we’re counting the total number of successful summits, that number soars past 12,000—because many climbers, especially Sherpas, have stood at the top multiple times.

And if you think those numbers mean Everest is easy—think again. The climb is still brutal, with deadly weather, extreme altitude, and exhaustion stopping hundreds of climbers every year.

Back in the 1950s and 1960s, summiting Everest was like winning the lottery—it happened, but only for a lucky few. There were no advanced equipment, commercial guides, or current weather forecasts to save a life. It was simply a lot of risk and willpower.

The 1990s and 2000s saw huge changes, with Everest becoming much more accessible due to improved equipment, professional guides, and a growing appetite for extreme adventure. Suddenly, hundreds of climbers were ascending the peak each year.

2020-2024 2,000+ (Data sourced from the Himalayan Database and Alan Arnette’s Everest Reports.)

Don't be misled; Everest hasn't become any safer. It is still one of the most dangerous climbs on the planet due to its great elevation, irregular storms, and freezing temperatures. Furthermore, the risks—from congestion to inexperience—are only increasing as more people attempt to reach the summit.

The best climbing season for Everest is spring (April-May), when the weather is most stable. The busiest year on record was 2023, when 667 climbers summited from Nepal’s side alone, despite the dangers of overcrowding.

Other record-breaking years include:

The mountain's terrible reputation is well-deserved. Over 320 climbers have died climbing Everest, the causes ranging from falls and avalanches to frostbite and a lack of oxygen. Despite increased safety precautions, the death rate remains approximately 1%.

That word "successfully" is crucial. Even though almost 6,600 individuals have climbed to the top, no two summits are alike. Some climbers only make it to the South top, which is near but not the actual top at 8,749 meters (28,704 feet). Others turn back due to weather or health complications.

According to recent data, the summit success rate has nearly doubled over the past 30 years, from about 30% in the 1990s to nearly 60% today (Varying significantly on the South Col versus North Ridge route). This indicates that approximately six out of every ten climbers will reach the summit, a huge improvement over previous decades.

According to Exped Review, in 2023 Everest saw over 600 successful summits.

Though over 6,600 individuals have made it to the summit, the attempts are much greater. Since the first attempt in 1921, more than 11,000 people have attempted to conquer Everest.

Despite technological advancements, Everest remains a tough task. Almost 40% of climbers who tackle the mountain fail to reach the top owing to:

No discussion of Everest would be complete without acknowledging the Sherpas—the indigenous mountain guides of Nepal who make most summits possible. Here's how:

Despite their expertise, Sherpas endure great hazards, with many deadly avalanches mostly affecting Nepali workers. Their help often means they face much higher risks.

While most climbers use the conventional South Col route from Nepal or the North Ridge from Tibet, several explorers have pushed the limits:

As we continue our exploration of the highest peak in the world, we now examine record-breaking accomplishments, the effects of climbing on the ecosystem, and the prospects for Everest missions.

Reaching Everest’s summit is an extraordinary feat, but some climbers have gone even further, breaking records that seem almost superhuman.

Youngest, oldest, and fastest climbers

Not all adventurers aim for the summit—many trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m / 17,598 ft) instead. This hike, while still challenging, offers a safer alternative to reaching the top.

Trekking to Everest Base Camp is an achievable goal for most fit hikers, whereas climbing to the summit requires serious mountaineering skills. For more information about the Everest Base Camp trek, click here.

Even the most experienced climbers might succumb to altitude sickness at Everest's tremendous heights. Once above 7,500 m (24,600 ft), oxygen levels drop to 33% of those at sea level, making ordinary movements tiring.

For trekkers trekking to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m / 17,598 ft), altitude remains a challenge, although it is significantly less severe. If they acclimate appropriately, the majority of hikers may finish the journey without any problems.

The Everest Base Camp hike offers breathtaking vistas, an incredible experience, and a taste of Everest's well-known routes without the expensive costs, risk, or months of preparation.

Over the years, more than 300 people have died on Everest, and many others have turned back due to illness, exhaustion, or harsh conditions. The Everest Base Camp trek, however, is a manageable adventure—with a far lower risk of failure or serious danger.

Although Everest was originally only accessible to the most skilled mountaineers, anyone with sufficient funds and experience can now try the ascent.

Today, about 75% of Everest climbers are on commercial trips, which means they depend on bottled oxygen, pre-made ropes, and Sherpa guides. Although this provides access to Everest, it also attracts more inexperienced climbers, increasing the risks on summit day. The New York times noted that in this season alone, five climbers have passed, increasing concerns about inexperience and overcrowding.

With hundreds of climbers trying Everest every year, the peak faces significant environmental challenges. National Geographic has documented the impact of climate change on Everest, along with how responsible climbing is the only way to ensure preservation for future generations.

To combat Everest’s pollution problem, Nepal and China have introduced strict waste removal rules. Every climber must:

Mount Everest is the pinnacle of mountaineering, drawing thousands of climbers each year. But between the unforgiving conditions, sky-high costs, and life-threatening risks, it’s not a journey for everyone. Summiting Everest demands intensive training, a serious budget, and the mental and physical strength to push through the harshest environments on Earth.

The Everest Base Camp trek, on the other hand, offers an epic adventure without the same dangers or financial strain. You’ll still journey through the stunning Khumbu region, catch awe-inspiring views of the legendary Hillary Step, and stand in the shadow of the world’s tallest peak—all without battling altitude sickness, exhaustion, or the extreme risks of a summit climb.

Ready to take on Everest—your way? At Follow Alice, we specialise in guiding trekkers through the breathtaking Himalayas with expert support, carefully paced itineraries, and an unforgettable experience. Hike past centuries-old monasteries, soak in jaw-dropping mountain views, and follow in the footsteps of mountaineering legends—no oxygen tanks required.