Nepali climber Kami Rita Sherpa set a new world record on Wednesday by achieving his 30th ascent of Mount Everest, the highest number of climbs by any individual on the world’s tallest peak. At 54 years old, the seasoned guide surpassed his previous record set earlier this month.
Mingma Sherpa from Seven Summit Treks, coordinating his expedition, confirmed, “Kami Rita reached the summit this morning, establishing a new record with 30 summits of Everest.” Known as “Everest Man,” Sherpa first conquered the 8,849-meter (29,032-foot) peak in 1994 and has continued almost annually, guiding various clients.
Reflecting on his achievements, Kami Rita told AFP, “I am glad for the record, but records are eventually broken. I am more happy that my climbs help Nepal be recognized in the world.”
His relentless pursuit saw him climbing Everest twice last year to reclaim his record after fellow guide Pasang Dawa Sherpa temporarily matched it. Despite his record-breaking feats, Sherpa views his accomplishments as part of his job rather than a quest for records.
Beyond Everest, Sherpa has also scaled other formidable 8,000-meter peaks, including K2 in Pakistan. However, the season has also seen its hardships, marked by the death of Romanian climber Gabriel Viorel Tabara on Lhotse, the world’s fourth-highest mountain. Tabara was found deceased in his tent at Camp Three, as reported by Mohan Lamsal of Makalu Adventure. Efforts are underway to recover his body, highlighting the perilous nature of high-altitude climbing.
