In a remarkable achievement that has once again pushed the boundaries of human endurance, Kami Rita Sherpa has reached the summit of Mount Everest for the 31st time. The legendary mountaineer broke his own previous world record, cementing his position as the individual with the most successful ascents of the world’s highest peak.
On the morning of May 27, 2025, the 55 year old Sherpa guide led a group of climbers to the top of the 8,849 metre Everest peak from the southern Nepal side. According to the Kathmandu based Seven Summits Treks, he successfully guided his team to the summit and was in good health as they descended toward base camp. His experience, composure, and intimate understanding of the Himalayan terrain once again played a key role in the safe and successful climb.
Kami Rita had expressed his goal of achieving a 31st or even 32nd ascent before this season ended. Although an earlier attempt had to be aborted due to unfavorable weather, he remained determined and eventually succeeded. The mountaineering season in Nepal typically runs through April and May when weather conditions are at their most stable, making it the ideal time for climbing.
Born in a mountain village in Nepal, Kami Rita began his Everest journey in 1994 and has returned almost every year since. He is among a revered group of Sherpa guides whose skills and local knowledge are essential for foreign climbers seeking to summit the Himalayan giant. His accomplishments go beyond Everest as he has also conquered other major peaks including K2, Cho Oyu, Manaslu, and Lhotse.
The Sherpa community, often considered the backbone of Himalayan expeditions, has long played a crucial role in high altitude climbing. Kami Rita's father was one of the pioneering Sherpa guides and that legacy of strength and resilience has clearly continued in his footsteps. The profession, while dangerous, is often passed down through generations and serves as both a source of pride and income for many families living in the highlands of Nepal.
Kami Rita’s closest challenger for the Everest summit record is Pasang Dawa Sherpa, who has climbed the mountain 29 times. But it is clear that Kami Rita continues to push the bar higher with each season. With international climbers returning to Nepal in large numbers post pandemic, the demand for expert guides like him remains strong, and his legendary status continues to inspire a new generation of climbers.
His repeated ascents are not just feats of physical strength, but also symbols of perseverance, humility, and devotion to a life lived in close connection with the mountains. For many, climbing Everest once is a lifelong dream. For Kami Rita Sherpa, it is a mission that keeps evolving with every new step he takes on the snow covered slopes.
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