‘Everest Man’ continues to redefine limits of high-altitude mountaineering as Nepal’s legendary guides dominate the world’s highest peak.
A renowned Nepali Sherpa guide has scaled Mount Everest for a record 32nd time, further cementing his status as one of the greatest high-altitude mountaineers in history.
Kami Rita Sherpa, 56, reached the 8,849-metre summit on Sunday morning while guiding clients for the 14 Peaks Expedition company, Nepal’s Department of Tourism confirmed. He arrived at the top at around 10:12 am local time, breaking his own previous record of 31 ascents set last year.
Decades of Everest Mastery:
Born in 1970 in Thame village in Nepal’s Solukhumbu district-the gateway to Everest-Kami Rita first summited the world’s highest mountain in 1994. Since then, he has returned almost annually, guiding international climbers and contributing significantly to Nepal’s mountaineering economy.
His remarkable career began in 1992 as support staff on Everest expeditions. Over the decades, he has also summited other formidable Himalayan peaks, including K2, Cho Oyu, Lhotse and Manaslu. Sherpas like Kami Rita form the backbone of commercial expeditions, providing critical expertise, logistical support and cultural knowledge that enable thousands of foreign climbers to attempt the mountain each season.
Nepali Climbers Set Historic Everest Records in 2026 Season:
Kami Rita’s latest achievement comes during a busy spring 2026 climbing season that saw a record number of permits issued. Nepal’s authorities and Prime Minister have hailed him as a national icon and a symbol of Sherpa strength and endurance.
On the same day, fellow Nepali climber Lhakpa Sherpa extended her own record as the woman with the most Everest summits, reaching the peak for the 11th time.
Officials described the twin records as a “historic milestone” for Nepal’s mountaineering heritage. The Department of Tourism praised the climbers’ contributions to promoting mountain tourism, which remains a vital part of the country’s economy.
Human Cost and Changing Climate:
While records continue to fall, Everest expeditions face increasing scrutiny over safety, environmental impact and the effects of climate change. Melting glaciers, unpredictable weather and overcrowding on the mountain have raised concerns among veteran climbers and environmentalists.
Kami Rita’s repeated success, however, underscores the unparalleled experience and physiological adaptation of Sherpa climbers, many of whom hail from communities living at high altitudes for generations.
As the “Everest Man” continues to push boundaries well into his mid-50s, his story serves as both inspiration and a testament to the quiet determination that defines Nepal’s mountain communities.