In a historic achievement, Nepali Sherpa Kami Rita, widely known as "Everest Man," reached the summit of Mount Everest for the 31st time, further solidifying his status as a legendary figure in the mountaineering world. At 55 years old, he accomplished this incredible feat at 04:00 local time on Tuesday. This ascent occurs while guiding a group of Indian army officials, allowing him to break his own record for the most successful climbs of the world’s tallest peak.
Expedition organizer Seven Summit Treks praised Kami Rita, stating that he has become almost synonymous with Everest itself, serving not just as a national hero but as a global symbol of the iconic mountain. His journey to the summit first began in 1994 during a commercial expedition, and he has continued to scale Everest almost every year since, reaching the summit twice in certain years.
His closest rival, fellow Nepali Sherpa Pasang Dawa, stands at 29 successful summits, underscoring Kami Rita’s substantial lead in Everest achievements. Despite the accolades, Kami Rita remains humble, having remarked previously that for him, climbing Everest is part of his job, expressing his happiness about contributing to Nepal’s recognition on the global stage rather than simply focusing on records.
Recently, he shared glimpses of life on Everest through social media, showcasing the Puja ceremony conducted before climbs, a Tibetan Buddhist ritual aimed at ensuring safety and success for climbers. This summit follows shortly after British mountaineer Kenton Cool achieved his own milestone, completing his 19th ascent of Everest, establishing a new record for non-Sherpa climbers.
With the current climbing season nearing its end, over 500 climbers and their guides have successfully reached Everest’s summit this year alone, coinciding with the issuance of more than 1,000 climbing permits for various peaks in Nepal. However, the surge in summit attempts has raised concerns regarding rescue efforts, environmental sustainability, and climbing regulation adherence. In response, Nepal's authorities now mandate climbers to manage their waste, ensuring a comprehensive approach to preserving Everest’s majestic landscape.
