Sherpa Kami Rita Reflects on Record-Setting Ascent and Climate Challenges on Everest

In an exclusive interview following his latest record-breaking ascent of Mount Everest, legendary Sherpa guide Kami Rita discusses the difficulties faced by climbers and the alarming impact of climate change on the mountain’s conditions.

Kami Rita Sherpa, the celebrated Nepali mountain guide, made headlines this week by climbing Mount Everest for the 31st time, further extending his already impressive record for the most successful summit attempts. The 55-year-old Sherpa has dedicated more than three decades of his life to guiding climbers from across the globe to the peak of this iconic mountain.

In a conversation with The New York Times shortly after his achievement, held in Kathmandu, Rita shared his thoughts on recent trends in mountaineering, including the rise of luxury expeditions, new technologies like xenon gas for acclimatization, and the significant challenges that climate change is introducing to Everest expeditions.

“Achieving this 31st climb fills me with pride,” Rita stated. “As a guide, I aspire to make climbers' dreams of reaching the world’s highest point a reality. This year was particularly fulfilling as I helped many achieve their long-held aspirations.”

Despite his excitement, he acknowledged the increasing difficulty of ascents in recent years, attributing it to worsening weather conditions and the effects of climate change, which have resulted in unpredictable and harsher climbing circumstances. “In the past two to three years, I’ve noticed that it has become more challenging to scale the mountain safely,” he noted.

As he reflects on his illustrious career and the future of Everest climbing, Rita emphasizes the need for adaptation in the face of environmental changes, spurring both climbers and guides to rethink their methods and approaches on the world's highest peaks.