KATHMANDU – Nepali mountaineer Kami Rita Sherpa reached the summit of Mount Everest for a historic 31st time on May 27, cementing his status as the world’s most prolific climber of the planet’s highest peak. The 55-year-old, often referred to as the “Everest Man,” first conquered the 8,849-metre mountain in 1994 and has since guided dozens of expeditions nearly every year.
Expedition organiser Seven Summit Treks congratulated him on the feat, calling him “not just a national climbing hero, but a global symbol of Everest itself.” Kami Rita has consistently downplayed his record-breaking achievements, previously saying, “I am just working,” after his 30th summit in 2024.
This spring climbing season has already seen over 500 ascents, with climbers taking advantage of short windows of favourable weather. So far, the death toll remains low, with two fatalities – one Filipino and one Indian – reported in the high camps. Nepal’s tourism department has issued more than 1,100 climbing permits this year, including 458 for Everest alone, generating over US$5 million in royalties.
Nepal, which hosts eight of the world’s ten highest peaks, continues to be a magnet for global adventurers each spring. The climbing boom, spurred since the historic 1953 ascent by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, has transformed the mountain into a major economic and cultural pillar for the Himalayan nation.
Tourism Ministry official Himal Gautam said Kami Rita’s record “reflects the country’s wider efforts” to elevate Nepal’s mountaineering stature. His achievement follows that of British climber Kenton Cool, who earlier this month completed his 19th successful Everest climb, a record for non-Nepalis.
With his latest ascent, Kami Rita continues to redefine the limits of endurance and resilience in high-altitude mountaineering, reinforcing his legendary status in the annals of Everest history.