Kami Rita Sherpa, affectionately dubbed "Everest Man," has once again made history by reaching the summit of Mount Everest for the 31st time, solidifying his status as a living legend in the mountaineering world. The Nepalese climber reached the peak's towering altitude of 8,894 meters at 04:00 local time on Tuesday, while leading a team of Indian army officials on the ascent.
At 55 years old, Kami Rita's incredible achievement not only breaks his own record for the most climbs but also highlights his deep commitment to both the mountain and the legacy of Sherpa climbers. According to the expedition organizer, Seven Summit Treks, he has become a global icon representing Mount Everest itself.
Kami Rita's climbing journey began in 1994 when he guided his first commercial expedition to the summit. Since then, he has consistently returned to the peak, often summiting multiple times in a single climbing season. Despite such remarkable feats, he remains modest about his accomplishments. In previous interviews, he emphasized that for him, climbing Everest is a job and a service to his country, enhancing Nepal's international stature.
Earlier this month, he also shared glimpses of his life on Everest, including a traditional Puja ceremony — an important Tibetan Buddhist ritual conducted before expeditions to ensure a safe journey. Interestingly, his record-breaking climb follows closely after British climber Kenton Cool's successful summit for the 19th time, making headlines in the climbing community.
The current climbing season has seen over 500 successful expeditions, as Nepal issued more than 1,000 permits for Everest and other peaks. This increased interest has raised concerns regarding overcrowding and environmental degradation on the mountain, prompting local authorities to enforce strict regulations, including the requirement for climbers to pack out their waste.
As the world's focus continues to shift toward sustainable practices and environmental responsibility in mountaineering, Kami Rita Sherpa stands as a shining example of both remarkable personal achievement and the enduring spirit of the Sherpa community.
At 55 years old, Kami Rita's incredible achievement not only breaks his own record for the most climbs but also highlights his deep commitment to both the mountain and the legacy of Sherpa climbers. According to the expedition organizer, Seven Summit Treks, he has become a global icon representing Mount Everest itself.
Kami Rita's climbing journey began in 1994 when he guided his first commercial expedition to the summit. Since then, he has consistently returned to the peak, often summiting multiple times in a single climbing season. Despite such remarkable feats, he remains modest about his accomplishments. In previous interviews, he emphasized that for him, climbing Everest is a job and a service to his country, enhancing Nepal's international stature.
Earlier this month, he also shared glimpses of his life on Everest, including a traditional Puja ceremony — an important Tibetan Buddhist ritual conducted before expeditions to ensure a safe journey. Interestingly, his record-breaking climb follows closely after British climber Kenton Cool's successful summit for the 19th time, making headlines in the climbing community.
The current climbing season has seen over 500 successful expeditions, as Nepal issued more than 1,000 permits for Everest and other peaks. This increased interest has raised concerns regarding overcrowding and environmental degradation on the mountain, prompting local authorities to enforce strict regulations, including the requirement for climbers to pack out their waste.
As the world's focus continues to shift toward sustainable practices and environmental responsibility in mountaineering, Kami Rita Sherpa stands as a shining example of both remarkable personal achievement and the enduring spirit of the Sherpa community.
