On 13 May 2018, a group of Nepali climbers reached the summit of Mount Everest, the first of the season. This group paves the way for more climbers to reach from the Nepal side of the mountain, and 346 permits were granted for this year in the climbing season which runs in the spring from April to the end of May. As of April 2018, about 350 climbing permits for tourists had been issued so far on the Nepal side. Another 180 climbers were said to be making a summit bid from the northern side, in China (Tibet region). This is the time when there are a few days of calm and good weather high on the mountain.