Kenton Cool Breaks Own Record With 19th Everest Climb

Photo: @kentoncool

By India-West News Desk
NEW DELHI – British mountaineer Kenton Cool has scaled new heights — once again — by reaching the summit of Mount Everest for a record-breaking 19th time as a non-Sherpa climber. The 51-year-old reached the 8,849-meter (29,000-foot) peak on May 18, accompanied by seasoned Nepali Sherpa Dorji Gyaljen, who completed his 23rd summit.

Cool’s latest ascent cements his position as the most prolific non-Sherpa climber on Everest, a mountain he first conquered in 2004 and has returned to nearly every year since. His enduring presence on the mountain has earned him admiration from fellow mountaineers across the globe.

The 2025 spring climbing season on Everest has seen moments of both triumph and tragedy. While Cool’s achievement has made headlines, the mountain has also claimed lives this month — including Subrata Ghosh from India and Philipp “PJ” Santiago II from the Philippines — underscoring the ever-present dangers of high-altitude climbing.

Ahead of his summit attempt, Cool posted an update on Instagram expressing cautious optimism. “Finally have a positive forecast,” he wrote. “Let’s hope that we manage to thread the needle with regard to numbers of climbers and we have a safe and enjoyable time up high.” His successful ascent, completed without incident, adds to a legacy of skill, preparation, and respect for the mountain.

Despite holding the non-Sherpa record, Cool has repeatedly downplayed his personal milestones. Following his 16th summit in 2022, he remarked in an AFP interview, “I’m really surprised by the interest… considering that so many of the Sherpas have so many more ascents.” He has consistently acknowledged the achievements of the Nepali climbing community, many of whom have surpassed his tally.

Indeed, the all-time Everest summit record remains firmly with Nepali Sherpa Kami Rita, who has reached the top 30 times and is currently on the mountain aiming to extend his extraordinary record.

Cool’s 19th summit has drawn praise from the global mountaineering community. American climber and guide Adrian Ballinger called Cool “a great person to share stories from two decades on the mountain,” adding that his “experience, charisma, and strength make him a valuable part of the Everest community.” Jordanian mountaineer Mostafa Salameh, part of the elite group to complete the Explorers Grand Slam, simply noted: “Amazing, Kenton.”

In addition to his personal achievements, Cool is a sought-after expedition leader, known for guiding high-profile figures including British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes on multiple Himalayan climbs.

As celebrations pour in for his historic 19th ascent, Kenton Cool continues to be a standard-bearer for professionalism, humility, and perseverance in the world of high-altitude mountaineering.