For thousands of people around the world, climbing Mount Everest is a once-in-a-lifetime achievement. However, Kami Rita Sherpa probably has a different perspective.
This morning, the 54-year-old Sherpa mountain guide reached the world’s highest point for the 30th time, beating his own Everest record and setting a new benchmark in the history of mountaineering. It’s also his second summit this month, as Kami Rita helps transport customers up and down the mountain during the busiest season of the year.
According to Khim Lal Gautam, a government official at the Everest base camp, Kami Rita reached the 29,032-meter summit at 7:49 a.m. on Wednesday during his 30th visit to the “roof of the world.”
Kami Rita Sherpa reached the summit yesterday (May 12, 2024) at 7:25 AM and took this photo at 7:30 AM. Congratulations on your 29th Everest summit, Kami Dai. We are proud of you!
(Copyright issues: Do not use this photo without prior permission.) pic.twitter.com/DatpHpx95x— Gautam Khim Lal (@gautamkhimlal) May 13, 2024
On May 12 he reached the summit for the 29th time. In a brief interview at the time, the Sherpa appeared to shrug off the Everest record. According to CBS News, Kami Rita’s closest competition for the title of “most Everest summits” goes to fellow Sherpa guide Pasang Dawa, who has made 27 successful ascents.
“I’m happy with the record, but at the end of the day the records are broken,” he said. “I am more happy that my climbs are helping Nepal to be recognized in the world.”
A lifetime of climbing in the Himalayas
Kami Rita first reached the summit of Everest in 1994 and has done so almost every year since, according to Seven Summits Treks, where the Sherpa works as a Senior Guide. The leading company said in an Instagram post earlier this month that he has dedicated his life to mountaineering and “has become synonymous with the highest mountain in the world.”
“Kami Rita has fearlessly embarked on countless expeditions and climbed Everest multiple times,” wrote Seven Summits Treks. “Kami Rita’s achievements extend beyond Everest as he has also conquered other formidable peaks including K2, Cho Oyu, Lhotse and Manaslu.”
It’s already been a busy season on Everest, which has become an important part of Nepal’s tourism economy. Nepali officials said more than 450 climbers have already completed their expeditions this year.
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