Nepali sherpa Kami Rita Sherpa, famously known as "Everest Man," has ascended Mount Everest for the unprecedented 31st time, surpassing his own record for the most climbs of the world’s tallest peak. At 55 years old, he reached the summit at 04:00 local time on Tuesday, guiding a group of Indian army officials during his latest expedition.
Expedition organizer Seven Summit Treks celebrated his achievement, stating that "Kami Rita Sherpa needs no introduction" and noting that he stands as "a global symbol of Everest itself." His mountaineering journey began in 1994 when he first summited Everest while leading a commercial group; since then, he has climbed the peak nearly every year, achieving multiple ascents in certain years, including 2023 and 2024.
His nearest competitor, Pasang Dawa, has made the trek 29 times, with his last attempt coming just last week. Reflecting on his climbs, Kami Rita previously shared with media, "I am glad for the record, but records are eventually broken," emphasizing his excitement in promoting Nepal's international recognition more than personal accolades.
Earlier this month, he also gave followers a glimpse into life on Everest, sharing moments like the Puja ceremony, a Tibetan Buddhist ritual performed before expeditions to ensure a safe journey. His recent accomplishment closely follows British mountaineer Kenton Cool's 19th summit, marking another record for non-Sherpas.
This climbing season has witnessed over 500 climbers successfully reaching Everest's peak, as indicated by the Nepali tourism department's issuance of more than 1,000 climbing permits for Everest and other mountains. However, a surge in summit attempts has raised alarms about overcrowding and environmental consequences. In response, authorities have recently mandated climbers to return waste, including human excrement, to base camp for proper disposal.
