Everest 2026: Climbers to Watch this Season

Norwegian mountaineer Kristin Harila, who holds the record for the fastest ascent of all 14 eight-thousanders, plans to return to Nepal to summit Nuptse, Lhotse, and Everest without supplemental oxygen. She will use Seven Summit Treks expeditions for all three mountains.

Also, an ever-increasing number of climbers are trying to nab Lhotse after their Everest summit to leverage acclimatization and travel to the South Col. Personally, I think a Lhotse summit should only be counted when climbing from Base Camp, but that’s just me.

Kami Rita Sherpa will be going for his record 32nd summit, while Kenton Cool is aiming for his 20th, a non-Sherpa record.

Fly Like an Eagle

Tim Howell wants to fly off Lhotse in a wingsuit again this season. Last year, high winds stopped Tim and British IFMGA guide Jon Gupta is once again in support.

Sea-to-Summit: Human Powered

British climber Oliver Foran will start his Everest expedition from India’s coast. Several steps are needed before he reaches the mountain: cycling 1,150 km/715 miles from the Indian coast to the foothills of the Himalayas, then trekking 150 km/93 miles, and completing an acclimatization climb of Mera Peak before reaching Everest Base Camp to begin the ascent. The current world record is 67 days, held by South Korean national Kim Chang-ho, and Oliver is targeting 60. He explains his “why”:

After losing my mum to brain cancer, I struggled with my mental health. For a long time, I felt lost. Like I was searching for something, but didn’t know what it was. When I found mountaineering, something clicked. It showed me what I’m capable of. And I believe as humans, we are all capable of amazing things. And now, this is bigger than just a climb. Together with Youturn, this expedition is for the kids out there struggling in silence. The ones who feel lost, like I once did.

https://www.instagram.com/oliverforan/

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