KATHMANDU: Twelve climbers from the Asian Trekking Chengdu Snow Lion Everest Expedition 2026 and Eco Everest Expedition 2026 successfully summited Mt Everest (8,849m) on Wednesday morning, with ascents recorded between 4:40 AM and 7:30 AM NPT, according to Managing Director Dawa Steven Sherpa.

The summiteers represented six nationalities — Nepal, Japan, the United Kingdom, China, Romania, and Spain — climbing alongside their Sherpa guides in a series of roped teams across the early morning window.

Leading the day's ascents was a team comprising Tai Sekizaki of Japan with Tukte Sherpa and Wang Chhedar Bhote, who topped out at 4:40 AM. They were closely followed by Tenzing David Sherpa — Managing Director of The Terraces Resort and Director of Asian Trekking — alongside Lhakpa Dorchi Bhote, and British climber Thomas Andrew McGibbon with Tenjin Nurbu Bhote, both at 5:00 AM.

Chinese climbers formed a strong contingent across the morning, with Chen Tao (Qiangzi) summiting at 5:36 AM, Zhang Fangfang at 5:40 AM, Kan (Xie) Tingting at 6:20 AM, Guo Jianjun at 6:35 AM, Gao Dali at 7:10 AM, Wang Wei and Xu Peng both reaching the top at 7:30 AM.

Madalin-Ioan-Valeriu Cristea, a dual British-Romanian national, summited at 6:00 AM with Pasang Sherpa, while Spanish climber Oscar Arroyo Ubeda reached the summit at 7:07 AM with Mingma Tenjing Sherpa and Phurpu Thilen Bhote.

"Your courage, determination, teamwork, and professionalism have once again demonstrated the enduring spirit of Himalayan mountaineering," Dawa Steven Sherpa said, extending congratulations to all climbers and Sherpa guides.

The successful ascents add to an already active Spring 2026 season on the world's highest peak. All teams were reported to be descending safely to base camp following their summits.