Famed Nepali mountaineer Kami Rita Sherpa, a man often called “Everest Man,” has once again etched his name in the record books. Last month, on May 27, he successfully completed his 31st ascent of Mount Everest, breaking his own record for the most ascents of Everest (male).
Now 55 years old, Kami Rita reached the 8,849-meter (29,032 ft) summit via the traditional south-east ridge route while guiding members of the Indian army on their expedition. The feat extends a record he has held since 2018.
Kami Rita’s remarkable journey began at the age of 24 when he first summited the world’s highest peak on May 13, 1994. Since then, he has scaled the mountain nearly every year, and in some seasons, such as 2023 and 2024, he has reached the summit twice.
His dedication is not for personal glory but is a testament to the essential role of Sherpas in high-altitude mountaineering.
“I’m not climbing for any record. It’s just another day on the job,” he told the Everest Chronicle before his recent expedition. “I am more happy that my climbs help Nepal be recognized in the world.”
The veteran climber, who follows in the footsteps of his forefathers, has made a career of braving the risky terrain and guiding hundreds of international climbers safely to the top. His closest competitor, fellow Sherpa guide Pasang Dawa, is a distant second with 29 ascents, solidifying Kami Rita’s unparalleled legacy in mountaineering history.
