Renowned Nepali Sherpa climber Kami Rita has achieved a historic milestone by conquering Mount Everest for the 29th time, surpassing his own previous record of 28 ascents. Fondly known as the ‘Everest man,’ Kami Rita embarked on the Spring Season Everest expedition from Kathmandu, leading a team of approximately 28 climbers organized by Seven Summit Treks.
Born into the Sherpa community at the foothills of Everest, Kami Rita initially started his career as a porter before transitioning into a seasoned climbing guide. His journey to the summit of Everest began in 1994 when he completed his inaugural ascent at the age of 24. Since then, Kami Rita has consistently conquered Everest nearly every year, as recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records.
Despite challenges such as the closure of the south side of Everest in Nepal in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kami Rita persevered and achieved his 25th summit in May 2021 following a partial reopening. In 2023, he tied the record of 27 ascents set by fellow guide Pasang Dawa Sherpa, only to surpass it later that year with his 28th climb.
Mount Everest, known as Sagarmatha in Nepal, stands at an awe-inspiring height of 8,848.86 meters above sea level, making it the tallest peak on Earth. Notably, a joint initiative involving Chinese and Nepalese land surveyors reported in 2020 that Everest’s height had increased from the previously recorded 8,848 meters determined in 1954 by the Survey of India.
The historic significance of Mount Everest resonates with the monumental achievement of New Zealand’s Edmund Hillary and Nepali Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, who became the first individuals to reach its summit on May 29, 1953, marking a momentous milestone in the annals of mountaineering history.
