Kami Rita Sherpa scales Everest for record 31st time
Legendary climber Kami Rita Sherpa led Indian Army team to summit, breaking his own world record for the most ascent of the world's highest peak
Legendary mountaineer Kami Rita Sherpa has reached the summit of Mount Everest for a record-breaking 31st time, further extending his own world record for the most ascents of the world’s highest peak.
The 55-year-old climber reached the 8,848.86-meter summit at 4:00 a.m. on Tuesday, leading a team from the Indian Army Adventure Wing Everest Expedition, according to a statement from his expedition organizer, Seven Summit Treks.
Kami Rita, often hailed as the “Everest Man,” climbed the mountain twice in 2024, continuing a streak of near-annual ascents that began in 1994. Over the years, he has become a symbol of endurance and excellence in high-altitude mountaineering.
In addition to his Everest conquests, Kami Rita has also scaled several other of the world’s highest peaks, including K2, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Manaslu, solidifying his status as one of the most accomplished climbers in mountaineering history.
His closest competitor, fellow Sherpa guide Pasang Dawa, has successfully reached Everest’s summit 29 times.
Kami Rita set the record while fulfilling his duties as a guide for his clients. "I’m not climbing for any record. It’s just another day on the job," he told Everest Chronicle before departing Kathmandu for base camp.
Mountain guides like Kami Rita are the backbone of expeditions, tasked with critical responsibilities such as fixing ropes, carrying supplies, and safely guiding climbers through some of the world’s most dangerous terrain. Their expertise is essential to the success and safety of international climbers attempting to reach the summit.
With 43 ascents of 8,000-meter peaks, Kami Rita is considered one of the most experienced and sought-after high-altitude guides in the world.
This climbing season, Nepal has issued 458 permits to foreign climbers aiming to scale Everest. The season has witnessed an extended weather window, though frequently interrupted by unfavorable conditions. Kami Rita team is the last one to attempt for the season. The spring climbing window often closes on May 29.
