Nepal has granted a record number of permits for climbing Mount Everest this season, raising concerns of potential safety risks due to overcrowding in the “death zone” of the mountain. Nepal’s Department of Tourism has approved 463 permits for the current climbing season, which runs from March to May, well exceeding the previous record of 409 permits granted in 2021. Climbing Everest is an important source of revenue for Nepal, with each season bringing in millions of dollars despite the high fee, which exceeds $10,000 per climber. However, critics worry that the government’s reliance on Everest for revenue may compromise safety, as overcrowding in the “death zone” can lead to exhaustion and exposure to the elements, as the body’s cells begin to die due to low levels of oxygen. In 2019, at least 11 climbers died attempting to summit Everest, with almost all of them being in the “death zone.” The director of Nepal’s tourism board, Yubaraj Khatiwada, has stated that the government is ready to protect climbers this season by placing a team of doctors and officials at base camp and spreading out the summit bids as long as possible to ensure smooth climbing.