Kami Rita Sherpa Sets Record with 31st Everest Ascent
In a breathtaking testament to human endurance and perseverance, Kami Rita Sherpa has once again carved his name into the annals of mountaineering history by successfully summiting Mount Everest for the 31st time. This unparalleled achievement was confirmed on May 22, 2025, when the 54-year-old climber from Thame village in Nepal reached the world’s highest point at 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet). His 31st ascent not only extends his own record but also solidifies his legendary status among the mountaineering community worldwide.
Who Is Kami Rita Sherpa?
Kami Rita Sherpa is more than just a climber—he is a living symbol of the resilience and determination that define the Himalayan spirit. Born in 1969 in Solukhumbu District, Kami Rita grew up in the shadows of the Himalayas. His father was among the first professional Sherpas after the mountain opened to commercial climbing in the 1950s, and Kami Rita naturally followed in his footsteps.
He began his Everest career in 1994, and over three decades later, his name is now synonymous with Everest expertise and high-altitude mastery. His resume includes multiple ascents of other 8,000-meter giants, such as K2, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Manaslu, but Everest has always been his home.
Record-Breaking Feat: 31 Times to the Top
Climbing Everest once is a monumental achievement. Doing it 31 times is almost incomprehensible. Each ascent requires immense preparation, including physical training, risk management, mental strength, and the courage to confront the ever-present danger of avalanches, frostbite, altitude sickness, and deadly storms.
Kami Rita completed his 31st summit as a lead guide for Seven Summit Treks, one of Nepal’s leading expedition organizers. According to their official statement, he reached the summit from the Southeast Ridge route, the same route taken by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953.
Defining Sherpa Excellence
The Sherpa community has long been the backbone of Himalayan mountaineering, providing essential logistical support, guiding expertise, and life-saving skills in the harshest environments on Earth. Yet, despite their critical role, global recognition often overlooks their individual achievements. Kami Rita’s record helps bridge this gap, bringing long-overdue attention and respect to the contribution of Sherpas in global adventure sports.
Kami Rita has continually used his fame to advocate for better pay, insurance, and recognition for Sherpa climbers, many of whom risk their lives each year guiding clients to the top of the world.
Mount Everest: Still the Ultimate Challenge
While Everest has become more accessible due to commercial expeditions, it remains one of the most dangerous mountains. More than 330 climbers have died on its slopes, and the risks remain high with each passing season. In recent years, challenges such as overcrowding, climate change, and shifting glaciers have increased the difficulty of the climb.
Despite these growing risks, Kami Rita continues to summit Everest with precision, humility, and unmatched experience. His intimate knowledge of the terrain, weather patterns, and survival tactics makes him the most dependable and respected figure in the mountaineering world today.
Nepal’s Pride on a Global Stage
Kami Rita’s achievements have become a source of immense pride for Nepal, a country that has long embraced its identity as the gateway to the Himalayas. The Nepalese government, tourism board, and global trekking companies have acknowledged his role in boosting Nepal's global tourism profile.
In 2023, he was awarded the Prabal Janasewa Shree, one of Nepal’s highest civilian honors, for his contribution to tourism and mountaineering. His career also symbolizes the potential of high-altitude sports to uplift local economies, provide employment, and inspire the next generation of Nepali climbers.
Training the Next Generation
Beyond his own climbing accomplishments, Kami Rita plays a vital role in mentoring young Sherpas and aspiring mountaineers. He regularly trains new climbers, instills safety practices, and promotes the sustainable development of Nepal's mountaineering industry.
He advocates for eco-friendly expeditions, responsible waste management on the mountains, and preserving the fragile Himalayan ecosystem, which faces threats from melting glaciers and human impact.
Breaking Records, Not Spirits
When asked why he continues to climb Everest, Kami Rita's answer is always humble: “It’s my job. It’s my passion. It’s my identity.” For him, climbing is not about personal glory but about honoring the legacy of the Sherpa people and sustaining a livelihood passed down through generations.
Despite the physical toll and advancing age, he shows no signs of slowing down. “As long as my body supports me and as long as the mountain calls, I will climb,” he told reporters after his historic summit.
Global Recognition and Legacy
Mountaineers, journalists, and leaders across the globe have paid tribute to Kami Rita’s perseverance and heroism. His story has been featured in National Geographic, BBC, CNN, and The New York Times, and he is frequently invited to speak at international climbing events.
Yet, his heart remains in the Himalayas, where he continues to lead, climb, and inspire.
Kami Rita's legacy is not just about the number 31—it is about consistency, courage, cultural pride, and the unwavering belief that no peak is too high if the soul is strong enough.
Final Thoughts: A Living Legend
In a world where extreme sports are often glamorized for Instagram moments and adrenaline highs, Kami Rita Sherpa represents the soul of true mountaineering. His journey is a reminder that greatness is built over time, with every footstep carefully placed on dangerous ridges, every breath earned in oxygen-starved air, and every summit conquered not alone, but with a deep sense of tradition and purpose.
As global acclaim surrounds his 31st summit of Mount Everest, this achievement stands as far more than a statistic—it tells a profound story of perseverance, cultural legacy, and the limitless strength of the human spirit.
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