The Nepal government has issued a record number of permits for climbers to ascend Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain. Nepal’s Department of Tourism has issued 463 permits as part of 42 expeditions for climbers from 65 nations, with Chinese climbers receiving the most permits, followed by India. The number of permits could rise, as the spring climbing season begins in the second week of May. The increased number of permits will likely result in long queues of climbers, potentially leading to regulation and monitoring challenges for the Nepal government. Climbers will also be joined by around 1,500 Sherpas and staff, with the climb itself taking six days to complete. Despite previous problems with queueing and quarrels among climbers, mountaineering is an important source of income for Nepal, home to eight of the ten highest mountains in the world.