Kathmandu: Several renowned mountaineers have attempted but not succeeded even once, and then there is Kami Rita Sherpa, who broke his own record by scaling Mt Everest for the 32nd time on Sunday.
According to a statement issued by Nepal’s Department of Tourism, Kami (55), successfully reached the 8,848.86-metre summit at 10:12 am (Nepal time), during the Spring 2026 mountaineering season.
“Based on information received from the department’s field office at Everest Base Camp, the ascent was completed while leading an expedition organised by 14 Peaks Expedition,” the department said.
Kami’s closest competitor is Pasang Dawa Sherpa, who reached the summit of the world’s tallest peak 29 times. The two have been competing to achieve the highest number of Everest ascents.
Expedition organiser 14 Peaks Expedition also confirmed Kami’s ascent to the summit in a Facebook post. “Congratulations to the legendary Kami Rita Sherpa @kamiritasherpa on achieving an incredible 32nd successful ascent of Mount Everest today at 10:12 am on May 17, 2026,” the company said, lauding the achievement.
“At 55 years old, he once again proves that determination, experience, and resilience can continue to achieve success even at the highest peaks on Earth,” it said, adding: “Your achievement is not only a personal milestone but also a proud moment for Nepal and the global climbing community. Thank you for carrying the spirit of the Himalayas to the world.”
Kami, known as the “Everest Man” worldwide has continued to redefine human endurance, courage, and dedication. Since his first summit in 1994, he has inspired millions through his unmatched passion for the mountains and his extraordinary contribution to Himalayan mountaineering. Born on January 17, 1970, in Thame, Solukhumbu District of Nepal, Kami Rita has been working as a high-altitude mountain guide on Everest for many years.
Kami is currently engaged as a mountain guide on Mount Everest under Climbing Permit No 70 issued by the Department of Tourism. Besides being a celebrated mountaineer, Kami is also an advocate for environmental sustainability and has undertaken several initiatives to help preserve Mount Everest and the Himalayan region.
He has also been actively raising awareness about melting glaciers and their impact on local ecosystems and communities, while recognising the alarming effects of climate change on the Himalayan mountains.
Meanwhile, Lhakpa Sherpa, popularly known as the “Mountain Queen,” scaled Mount Everest for the 11th time at 9:30 am on Monday, setting a world record for the highest number of ascents by a female climber.
