At 55 years old, Kami Rita Sherpa, known as "Everest Man", has reached the summit of Mount Everest for the 31st time, surpassing his own record for the most ascents of the world's highest peak.
Kami Rita Sherpa Breaks Record with 31st Ascent of Everest
Kami Rita Sherpa Breaks Record with 31st Ascent of Everest
Nepal's legendary climber sets a new milestone in the world of mountaineering with his latest summit.
Kami Rita achieved this remarkable feat at 04:00 local time on Tuesday while guiding a group of Indian army officials during a season that has seen rising numbers of climbers on the mountain.
The expedition organizer, Seven Summit Treks, hailed Kami Rita as a "global symbol of Everest itself." He initially summited Everest in 1994 and has climbed it nearly every year since, making the ascent multiple times in certain years, including 2023 and 2024. His closest rival, Pasang Dawa, has reached the peak 29 times, with his last ascent occurring just last week.
Kami Rita has expressed that while records are satisfying, they are often temporary. "I am glad for the record,” he mentioned, “but records are eventually broken. I am happier that my climbs help Nepal gain global recognition.”
Recently, he shared moments from his life on Everest, including a Puja ceremony—an important Tibetan Buddhist ritual aimed at ensuring a safe and successful expedition.
His achievements coincide with British mountaineer Kenton Cool's recent summit of Everest for the 19th time, marking a record for non-Sherpas. The current climbing season has seen over 500 successful ascents as Nepal issued more than 1,000 climbing permits for various peaks. However, increased attempts have raised concerns regarding overcrowding and environmental strain on Everest, leading to regulations for waste management among climbers.
The expedition organizer, Seven Summit Treks, hailed Kami Rita as a "global symbol of Everest itself." He initially summited Everest in 1994 and has climbed it nearly every year since, making the ascent multiple times in certain years, including 2023 and 2024. His closest rival, Pasang Dawa, has reached the peak 29 times, with his last ascent occurring just last week.
Kami Rita has expressed that while records are satisfying, they are often temporary. "I am glad for the record,” he mentioned, “but records are eventually broken. I am happier that my climbs help Nepal gain global recognition.”
Recently, he shared moments from his life on Everest, including a Puja ceremony—an important Tibetan Buddhist ritual aimed at ensuring a safe and successful expedition.
His achievements coincide with British mountaineer Kenton Cool's recent summit of Everest for the 19th time, marking a record for non-Sherpas. The current climbing season has seen over 500 successful ascents as Nepal issued more than 1,000 climbing permits for various peaks. However, increased attempts have raised concerns regarding overcrowding and environmental strain on Everest, leading to regulations for waste management among climbers.
