Legend Kami Rita Breaks Own Record With 32nd Everest Summit

KATHMANDU- Kami Rita Sherpa, the record holder for the highest number of ascents of Mount Everest, broke his own record by scaling the world’s tallest peak for the 32nd time on May 17.

The veteran Nepali mountaineer, 55, successfully reached the 8,848.86-metre summit at 10:12 a.m. during the Spring 2026 mountaineering season, Nepal’s Department of Tourism said in a statement.

“Based on information received from the department’s field office at Everest Base Camp, the ascent was completed while leading an expedition organized by 14 Peaks Expedition,” the department said.

Pasang Dawa Sherpa remains his closest competitor, having summited Mount Everest 29 times.

Expedition organizer 14 Peaks Expedition also confirmed Kami Rita’s ascent in a Facebook post.

“Congratulations to the legendary Kami Rita Sherpa @kamiritasherpa on achieving an incredible 32nd successful ascent of Mount Everest at 10:12 a.m. on May 17, 2026,” the company said.

“At 55 years old, he once again proves that determination, experience, and resilience can continue to achieve success even at the highest peaks on Earth,” it added. “Your achievement is not only a personal milestone but also a proud moment for Nepal and the global climbing community.”

Known worldwide as the “Everest Man,” Kami Rita first summited Mount Everest in 1994 and has since become one of the most celebrated figures in global mountaineering.

Born on January 17, 1970, in Thame in Nepal’s Solukhumbu District, Kami Rita has worked for many years as a high-altitude mountain guide on Everest. He is currently serving as a mountain guide on Mount Everest under Climbing Permit No. 70 issued by Nepal’s Department of Tourism.

Separately, Nepali climber Lhakpa Sherpa, known as the “Mountain Queen,” scaled Mount Everest for the 11th time at 9:30 a.m. on May 18, setting a world record for the highest number of ascents by a female climber.

Born in 1973 in Nepal’s Sankhuwasabha district, Lhakpa Sherpa added another milestone to the country’s mountaineering history. (IANS)