Nepali climber Kami Rita Sherpa, known as the “Everest Man,” reached the summit of Mount Everest for a record-breaking 31st time on Tuesday, solidifying his status as the most accomplished Everest climber in history. The 55-year-old mountaineer first conquered the peak in 1994 and has since returned nearly every year, primarily as a guide.
This latest ascent was completed while leading an Indian army expedition, with Sherpa successfully guiding the remaining team members to the summit. Expedition organizers Seven Summit Treks praised him as a national and global icon, stating, “Kami Rita Sherpa needs no introduction… he is a global symbol of Everest itself.”
Though Sherpa previously said he wasn’t chasing records, he expressed pride in helping put Nepal on the global map through his achievements. His 31st climb comes as this year’s spring season nears its close, with over 500 climbers reaching the summit so far and relatively few fatalities compared to previous years.
Nepal, home to eight of the world’s 10 highest peaks, continues to attract hundreds of climbers each year, generating millions in revenue. Officials and the global climbing community alike hailed Sherpa’s milestone as a powerful testament to Nepal’s leadership in the mountaineering world.
