Kami Rita Sherpa breaks world record with 31st Mount Everest summit

KATHMANDU: Legendary Nepali Sherpa climber Kami Rita Sherpa has once again etched his name in mountaineering history by summiting Mount Everest for an unprecedented 31st time, breaking his own record for the most successful ascents of the world’s highest peak. The 55-year-old reached the 8,849-meter (29,032-foot) summit at approximately 4:00 AM local time today, leading a team from the Indian Army Everest Expedition, according to Chhang Dawa Sherpa, Expedition Director at Seven Summit Treks.

Over the past two years, Kami Rita scaled Everest twice each season, bringing his total to 30 successful summits before this latest achievement. This season, Kami Rita scaled Everest leading a team of the Indian Army Everest Expedition.

Born on January 2, 1970, in Thame village, Solukhumbu, Nepal, Kami Rita developed a passion for climbing at a young age. His mountaineering journey began in 1992 as a support staff member for an Everest expedition. Since his first summit in 1994, he has become a senior lead guide with Seven Summit Treks and 14 Peaks Expedition, dedicating over three decades to mountaineering. “Kami Rita has become synonymous with the world’s highest peak,” Chhang Dawa said, highlighting his lifelong commitment to the sport.

Kami Rita’s climbing achievements extend beyond Everest. Between 1994 and 2025, he has summited K2 and Lhotse once each, Manaslu three times, and Cho Oyu eight times, showcasing his versatility and endurance in high-altitude mountaineering. His expertise and leadership have been vital in guiding international climbers safely to Everest’s summit, contributing significantly to Nepal’s mountaineering tourism industry, which saw 468 climbing permits issued this season, each costing $11,000.

Kami Rita’s record-breaking 31st ascent comes during the busy spring climbing season, a critical period for Nepal’s economy, as hundreds of climbers and Sherpa guides attempt to conquer Everest before weather conditions worsen. His closest competitor, Pasang Dawa Sherpa, has logged 29 ascents, including two this season, trailing Kami Rita’s remarkable tally.

The veteran Sherpa’s achievements highlight the critical role of Sherpa guides in ensuring the safety and success of Everest expeditions. Kami Rita’s father was among the first professional Sherpa guides, and his legacy continues to inspire the global mountaineering community. Beyond setting records, Kami Rita has played a pivotal role in developing mountaineering infrastructure, such as fixing ropes to ensure safe ascents for clients.

Despite the dangers of high-altitude climbing, including avalanches and oxygen scarcity in the “death zone,” Kami Rita’s unparalleled experience has made him a beacon of resilience and skill. His 31st summit reinforces his nickname, “Everest Man,” and underscores the growing accessibility of Everest, thanks to advancements in guiding logistics and equipment since the first confirmed ascent by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953.

As Nepal continues to regulate Everest climbs to improve safety—recently proposing that climbers summit a 7,000-meter peak before attempting Everest—Kami Rita’s feats stand as a testament to the expertise and endurance of Sherpa guides. His 31st ascent not only cements his legacy but also shines a spotlight on Nepal’s vital role in global mountaineering.