Daijiworld Media Network - Kathmandu

Kathmandu, May 17: Legendary Nepali mountaineer Kami Rita Sherpa once again rewrote mountaineering history on Sunday by reaching the summit of Mount Everest for a record 32nd time.

The 55-year-old climber successfully scaled the world’s highest peak, standing at 8,848.86 metres, at 10:12 a.m. Nepal time during the Spring 2026 climbing season, according to Nepal’s Department of Tourism.

Officials said Kami Rita completed the ascent while leading an expedition organised by 14 Peaks Expedition.

Widely known as the “Everest Man,” Kami Rita has become a global symbol of endurance and Himalayan mountaineering excellence. Since first summiting Everest in 1994, he has continued to break his own records and inspire climbers across the world.

His closest rival in Everest ascents remains Pasang Dawa Sherpa, who has climbed the peak 29 times.

Celebrating the latest achievement, 14 Peaks Expedition praised Kami Rita’s determination and resilience, calling his feat a proud moment for Nepal and the international climbing community.

Born in Thame village in Nepal’s Solukhumbu district, Kami Rita has spent decades working as a high-altitude guide on Everest and other Himalayan peaks. Beyond climbing, he has also spoken extensively about the impact of climate change on the Himalayas, especially the rapid melting of glaciers and threats to mountain ecosystems.

In another major milestone for Nepalese mountaineering, Lhakpa Sherpa, often referred to as the “Mountain Queen,” successfully climbed Mount Everest for the 11th time, setting a new world record for the highest number of Everest ascents by a woman.

Born in Nepal’s Sankhuwasabha district, Lhakpa Sherpa’s latest achievement further strengthens Nepal’s legacy in global high-altitude mountaineering.