Tashi Tenzing reached the summit for a second time

Americans Phil and Susan Ershler also made history by becoming the first couple to climb the highest peaks on each of the world's seven continents.

A Sherpa known only as Appa completed his twelfth Everest ascent, shattering his own record set last year.

Another member of the record-breaking party was Tashi Wangchuk Tenzing, the grandson of Sherpa Tenzing Norgay - who together with New Zealander Edmund Hillary became the first to reach the top of Everest.

Edmund Hillary's son Peter is also on the mountain.

He had planned to met Tashi Tenzing on the summit, but did not make it in time.

Anniversary celebrations

The 54 mountaineers, who come from a number of expeditions, were able to reach the summit via its south route after a week of bad weather cleared up.

The original conquerors: Norgay and Hillary

Most climbers had been boxed in either at base camp or higher level camps for days.

Tashi Tenzing and Peter Hillary's climb marks the beginning of celebrations for next year's 50th anniversary of the first conquest of Everest.

A total of 1,114 people have reached Everest's summit since it was conquered 50 years ago. But 180 climbers have died on its slopes.