KATHMANDU: A total of 135 climbers successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest in a single day on May 18 as weather conditions turned favorable, the Department of Tourism has confirmed. This marks a significant milestone in the ongoing spring climbing season.

According to the department’s temporary field office at Everest Base Camp, ideal weather allowed a large number of climbers to make their summit push. Many more are also expected to attempt the climb today.

Department Director Himal Gautam stated, “There was a planned maximum summit attempt for May 18, which is why such a high number of climbers reached the peak today.”

Although the early days of the season saw delays, the past three days have seen a surge in successful ascents.

Director Gautam added that over 200 climbers have reached the summit so far this season, with several more expected to make their summit bids on Monday.

Among today’s successful climbers is photojournalist and record-holder Purnima Shrestha, who summited Everest for the fifth time.

According to Satori Adventure Pvt. Ltd., Shrestha reached the top this morning. She made history last year by summiting Everest three times in a single season.

Shrestha hails from Aarughat Rural Municipality-10 in Gorkha and first climbed Everest in 2018.

According to the Department of Tourism, a total of 468 climbers—382 men and 86 women—from 47 expedition groups have received permits to climb Everest this spring.