Everest 2026: May 17 Weekend Update—Summits!

About this episode

The episode discusses the recent summits on Everest and Lhotse, including records set on May 17, 2026, and the current climbing conditions.

With the ropes to Everest and, now, Lhotse in place, there were multiple summits, including records on Sunday morning, May 17, 2026. With the weather improving, the route in, team after team has left base camp to be in position for their summit. While the major impact of the jet stream has passed, fragments could still create bitter windchill and frostbite, so climbers will need to be prepared to bail if the jet stream suddenly returns. The Everest summits for the season total is around 86, with 54 Sherpas and 32 clients. The ratio is skewed by the large rope team, entirely comprised of Sherpas. Nepal has issued 492 Everest permits, surpassing the 2024 record of 479. There is climbing on the Tibet side of Everest. Climb On! Alan Memories are Everything https://www.alanarnette.com/blog/2026/05/17/everest-2026-may-17-weekend-update-climbers-to-the-summit/

People in this episode

Host: Alan Arnette

Topics covered

• Everest
• climbing
• summits
• weather
• Sherpas
• permits

Keywords

• Everest
• Lhotse
• summits
• Sherpas
• climbing permits
• weather conditions
• jet stream

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Everest, Lhotse, Nepal

More episodes of The Podcast on alanarnette.com

• Everest 2026 Season Summary–Records, Crowds, Trash & Winds · June 3, 2026 · 33 min
• Everest 2026: May 3 Weekend Update Record Season Over & 1 More Death? · May 31, 2026 · 12 min
• Everest 2026: May 24 Weekend Update Nearing the End · May 24, 2026 · 25 min
• Everest 2026: Garrett Madison Podcast from Camp 2, 2 More Deaths · May 22, 2026 · 10 min
• Everest 2026: The Western Team's Turn, My Summit Anniversary · May 22, 2026 · 26 min
• Everest 2026: Weather Alert and More Summits · May 18, 2026 · 13 min