Nepali climber Kami Rita Sherpa, famously known as the “Everest Man,” reached the summit of Mount Everest for a record-breaking 31st time on Tuesday, more than 30 years after his first successful ascent.
“Massive congratulations to the legendary Kami Rita Sherpa on his 31st successful Everest climb — the highest number of ascents in history,” said expedition organizer Seven Summit Treks. “He is not only a national hero but a global symbol of Everest itself.”
Sherpa first stood atop the world’s highest peak in 1994 while working on a commercial expedition. Since then, he has returned almost every year, guiding clients to the summit.
Speaking after his 29th and 30th climbs in 2024, Sherpa humbly said, “I’m just working and never aimed to set records. I’m more proud that my climbs help Nepal gain recognition worldwide.”
On this latest ascent, Seven Summit Treks noted Sherpa led an Indian army team, guiding the final members safely to the top.
‘To the next height’
Meanwhile, 29-year-old Nepali climber Tashi Gyalzen Sherpa set a record by summiting Everest four times in just 15 days, completing his final climb on May 23. Returning to Kathmandu, he expressed pride in his achievement.
“Many pioneers have climbed Everest multiple times, but not four times in one season,” he told AFP.
As the spring climbing season nears its end, over 500 climbers and guides have reached Everest’s summit amid brief windows of favorable weather, according to Nepal’s tourism department.
This season has recorded fewer deaths than recent years, with two fatalities reported at high camps. Nepal issued over 1,100 climbing permits this season, including 458 for Everest, generating more than $5 million in royalties.
The country, home to eight of the world’s ten highest peaks, attracts hundreds of adventurers each spring when conditions are warmer and winds calmer.
Earlier this month, British climber Kenton Cool extended his record as the non-Nepali with the most Everest summits, reaching the peak for the 19th time.
Tourism official Himal Gautam said Kami Rita Sherpa’s latest record “reflects Nepal’s growing stature in global mountaineering and takes the sector to the next height.”
Mountaineering remains a booming and lucrative industry since the historic first ascent by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa in 1953.
AFP
