KATHMANDU, Nepal: A record 274 climbers scaled Mount Everest on May 20, the highest number ever to reach the world's tallest peak on the same day from the Nepali side, a hiking ‌official said.

Mount Everest, which is 8,849 meters (29,032 feet) tall, lies on the border between Nepal and China's Tibet region. Climbers can reach the summit from either side. However, this year, no one climbed from the Tibetan side because China did not give permits.

Rishi Bhandari from Nepal's Expedition Operators Association said that the highest number of climbers from Nepal in a single day was 223 on May 22, 2019. The next day, May 23, 2019, a total of 354 climbers reached the summit from both sides, setting a world record. He said this year's numbers could still increase because some climbers may not have reported their success yet.

Almost all climbers used Sherpa guides and bottled oxygen. Only one climber, Marcelo Segovia from Ecuador, reached the top without help or extra oxygen.

Experts often criticize Nepal for allowing too many climbers, which can cause dangerous traffic jams near the summit in the "death zone," where oxygen levels are very low. This year, many climbers reached the top on the same day because those waiting at higher camps for good weather were joined by others coming up from lower camps, leading to slow movement and queues.

In 2019, 223 climbers from Nepal and 113 from China reached the summit on the same day. But this year, the Tibetan route is closed.

Famous guide Kami Rita Sherpa climbed Everest for the 32nd time this week, breaking his own record. Pasang Dawa Sherpa reached the summit for the 30th time, and Lhakpa Sherpa climbed it for the 11th time, setting a record for female climbers.

This year's climbing season started late because of a dangerous ice formation hanging over the route. By the end of May, about 494 climbers and a similar number of Sherpa guides are expected to attempt the climb.

Since Everest was first climbed on May 29, 1953, by Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary, thousands have reached the summit.

A tourism official said early reports suggest more than 250 people climbed the mountain on Wednesday, but the final number will only be confirmed after climbers return and provide proof. Nepal has issued 494 climbing permits this year, each costing US$15,000.