Nepali Climber Makes Record, Climbs Mount Everest For 27th Time.
Kami Rita Sherpa, a renowned climber from Nepal, achieved a remarkable feat by reaching the summit of Mount Everest for an unprecedented 27th time.
He reclaimed the record for the most summits of the world’s highest peak on Wednesday, surpassing his own previous record. Accompanied by a Vietnamese climber, Kami Rita successfully scaled the 8,848-meter (29,029-foot) summit in the early morning hours, as confirmed by Mingma Sherpa of Seven Summit Treks, his expedition organizer.
At 53 years old, Kami Rita Sherpa had held the title since 2018 when he completed his 22nd ascent of Everest, surpassing the previously shared record held by two other Sherpa climbers, who have since retired. However, on Sunday, Pasang Dawa Sherpa equaled the record by reaching the summit for the 26th time. Kami Rita Sherpa’s incredible achievement once again solidifies his status as one of the world’s foremost mountaineers.
Having started his career as a guide more than two decades ago, Kami Rita Sherpa first conquered Everest in 1994 while working with a commercial expedition. Since then, he has been a regular climber, ascending the peak nearly every year. His expertise is highly regarded, and he has often led the first rope-fixing team to open the route for subsequent climbers.
Despite his monumental accomplishments, Kami Rita Sherpa remains humble, stating that these records were not his primary goal but rather a byproduct of his work as a guide. Born in the Himalayan village of Thame in 1970, he hails from a family with a rich mountaineering heritage. Inspired by his father and brother, who were accomplished mountain guides, Kami Rita Sherpa embraced the world of mountaineering at a young age.
Nepal, known for its awe-inspiring peaks, including eight of the world’s ten highest, attracts numerous adventurers each spring when favorable weather conditions prevail. This year, authorities have issued 478 permits to foreign climbers, with fees ranging from $45,000 to $200,000, including the $11,000 climbing permit.
With more than 900 people attempting to reach the summit this season, a record number, the role of Nepali guides, especially the Sherpas, is vital. They undertake immense risks to support climbers by carrying equipment, providing food, fixing ropes, and maintaining essential infrastructure.
Kami Rita Sherpa’s remarkable achievement serves as an inspiration to climbers worldwide and reinforces Nepal’s reputation as a premier destination for mountaineering enthusiasts. His dedication and unparalleled mountaineering prowess have solidified his legacy as “the Everest man” and a symbol of the Sherpa community’s indomitable spirit.
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