Nepal has issued a record-breaking 463 climbing permits for Mount Everest for this year’s summit season, despite concerns over overcrowding on the mountain that has resulted in deaths in the past. Permits have been approved for 367 male and 96 female climbers from 65 countries, including one each from the UAE. The easing of Covid-19 restrictions is cited as the reason behind the increase in permits. Overcrowding on the mountain has previously caused delays, with climbers waiting for hours in freezing temperatures to reach the summit, leading to sickness and exhaustion. Mountaineering is a lucrative business in Nepal and generates employment for many people. Each permit costs $11,000.