Kami Rita Sherpa Sets Everest Record with 31st Summit

Kami Rita Sherpa, known as "Everest Man", has climbed Mount Everest for the 31st time, a record-breaking achievement that underscores his dedication and connection to the mountain.

Nepal's esteemed Sherpa, Kami Rita, famously dubbed the "Everest Man," has reached the summit of Mount Everest for the 31st time, surpassing his own previous record for the most ascents of the world's highest peak. The 55-year-old climber reached the top, standing at 8,849 meters, at 04:00 local time on Tuesday, which corresponds to 23:15 GMT on Monday.

Chosen to lead a group of Indian army officials during this ascent, Kami Rita's extraordinary feats have made him a revered figure in the mountaineering community. According to expedition organiser Seven Summit Treks, he is recognized not just as a national hero but also as an international ambassador of Everest itself.

Kami Rita's first ascent of Everest occurred in 1994 while guiding a commercial group, and he has returned to its slopes nearly every year since, sometimes climbing it twice in a single year, including both 2023 and 2024. His chief competitor for this notable record is fellow Nepali Sherpa Pasang Dawa, who has summited Everest 29 times, with his latest attempt happening just last week.

In his own words, Kami Rita has expressed a pragmatic view toward his climbing achievements. "I am glad for the record, but records are eventually broken," he conveyed to AFP in May of last year. "I am more happy that my climbs help Nepal be recognised in the world."

Earlier in the month, he shared glimpses of his life on Everest, including a Puja ceremony—a traditional Tibetan Buddhist ritual conducted prior to expeditions to ensure a safe and successful climb.

This remarkable achievement arrives just one week after British mountaineer Kenton Cool also broke his record for the most climbs by a non-Sherpa, reaching the summit for the 19th time. The current climbing season, which is winding down, has seen over 500 climbers and their guides successfully summit Everest. The Nepalese tourism department issued more than 1,000 climbing permits this season, facilitating numerous expeditions on Everest and other peaks.

However, with the surge in climbing attempts in recent years, concerns about overcrowding and environmental degradation have intensified. In response, authorities implemented a rule requiring climbers to manage their waste responsibly, including removing their own excrement for disposal at base camp. Recent studies have also highlighted the concerning melt rates of Everest’s highest glaciers. The focus on sustainable climbing continues as mountaineers make their way through one of the world's most challenging terrains.