A veteran Nepali Sherpa guide has once again made mountaineering history after reaching the summit of Mount Everest for a record 32nd time.
The achievement further extends his own world record and highlights his long-standing contribution to Himalayan expeditions. The climb took place on Sunday, according to officials.
Kami Rita Sherpa, aged 56, reached the 8,849-metre summit while guiding climbers from the 14 Peaks Expedition company.
Record-Breaking Climb on the World’s Highest Peak
Kami Rita successfully reached the top of Mount Everest, which remains the highest mountain on Earth.
He completed the ascent at 10:12am on Sunday. Officials confirmed the timing in a statement and praised his achievement.
As a result, he has now broken his previous record set just a year earlier.
The Department of Tourism in Nepal congratulated him and described the achievement as a “historic milestone.” Authorities also recognized his role in supporting Nepal’s mountain tourism industry.
Another Sherpa Achieves Multiple Summit Record
During the same climbing window, another notable ascent was recorded.
Sherpa climber Lakhpa, aged 52, reached the Everest summit for the 11th time. This makes her one of the most experienced female climbers on the mountain.
Officials confirmed that she currently holds the record for the most Everest ascents by a woman.
However, detailed reports about the specific climbs were not immediately available.
A Legacy Rooted in Everest History
Kami Rita Sherpa was born in Thame village in Nepal’s Solukhumbu district.
Interestingly, the same region is also the birthplace of Tenzing Norgay, who was part of the first successful Everest expedition in 1953 alongside Sir Edmund Hillary.
Kami Rita first climbed Mount Everest in 1994. Since then, he has continued returning to the peak almost every climbing season.
He has climbed every year except 2014, 2015, and 2020, when expeditions were disrupted or suspended.
In several seasons, he has reached the summit more than once, further increasing his record total.
Everest Records and Global Climbing Milestones
More than 8,000 climbers have successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest since the first historic ascent.
However, Sherpa guides continue to dominate the record books due to their repeated climbs and guiding responsibilities.
Among non-Sherpa climbers, British guide Kenton Cool holds the record with 19 ascents. American climbers Dave Hahn and Garrett Madison follow with 15 each.
Both Kenton Cool and Garrett Madison are currently active on Everest and are attempting to further increase their records.
Sherpas Remain Essential to Everest Expeditions
Sherpa guides play a critical role in supporting foreign climbers on Everest.
Their work provides essential income for families in the Solukhumbu region, where Mount Everest is located.
Because of their experience and endurance, Sherpas remain central to every major expedition season in the Himalayas.
Current Climbing Season and Conditions
Nepal has issued 492 climbing permits for the March to May Everest season.
Meanwhile, the season has also seen risks, with three Nepali climbers reportedly losing their lives on the mountain this month.
Despite the challenges, climbing activity continues as Everest remains one of the world’s most sought-after mountaineering destinations.
