Kami Rita Sherpa, a 55-year-old Nepali mountaineer, has made history by breaking his own world record for the most ascents of Mount Everest. Known as the “Everest Man,” Rita reached the summit of the world’s tallest mountain for the 31st time on a Tuesday, continuing a record-setting climbing career that began in 1994. His latest ascent took place via the southeast ridge route, where he served as a guide for a 22-member Indian Army expedition, supported by an additional 27 Sherpas.

Rita's achievement has been widely celebrated in Nepal and across the global mountaineering community. The expedition organiser, Seven Summit Treks, praised him for setting the highest number of ascents in history and described him as a legendary figure. The company emphasized that Kami Rita is more than just a national hero—he is a symbol of Mount Everest itself. A company director also confirmed that Rita was descending to lower camps safely after his record-setting climb.

Born into a Sherpa family, Kami Rita is the son of a mountain guide, and his life has long been connected to Everest. Since his first successful summit in 1994, he has climbed the mountain almost every year, except during periods when climbing was suspended by authorities due to safety or environmental concerns. Despite his exceptional record, Rita remains humble. In a 2024 interview with AFP after a previous record-setting climb, he stated that he is not particularly driven by records. "I am just working," he said, adding, "I am glad for the record, but records are eventually broken." For him, the greatest satisfaction comes from seeing Nepal gain global recognition through his climbing achievements.

The second-highest number of Everest ascents is held by another Sherpa, Pasang Dawa, who has reached the summit 29 times. The two climbers have developed a friendly rivalry in recent years, pushing the limits of human endurance and Sherpa excellence on the world's highest peak.

Nepalese government officials have also recognized Kami Rita’s contributions. Himal Gautam, the director of the mountaineering and adventure section of Nepal’s Ministry of Tourism, said Rita’s accomplishments have elevated Nepal’s mountaineering sector and brought international attention to the country's adventure tourism industry.

Rita’s journey is emblematic of the important role Sherpas play in Himalayan expeditions. While international climbers often receive global recognition, it is Sherpa guides like Kami Rita who shoulder much of the physical burden, navigating treacherous conditions and ensuring the safety of clients.

Mount Everest, standing at 8,849 meters (29,032 feet), was first successfully summited in 1953 by Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa from Nepal. Since then, more than 8,000 individuals have reached the peak, with climbing Everest becoming a symbol of human endurance and achievement. Despite its popularity, Everest remains a dangerous and challenging climb, requiring immense physical preparation, acclimatization, and support from experienced guides like Kami Rita.

Rita’s 31 ascents serve as a powerful testament not only to his individual strength and perseverance but also to the legacy and contributions of the Sherpa community in the world of high-altitude mountaineering.