Kami Rita Eyes New Everest Record with 31st Ascent

Veteran Sherpa climber Kami Rita is gearing up for a historic climb of Mount Everest. The 55-year-old, renowned as one of the world's foremost mountain guides, is aiming to reach the summit of the world's highest peak for an unmatched 31st time, with the possibility of a 32nd ascent during this spring climbing season.

Rita began his journey from Kathmandu on Sunday, leading a climbing expedition towards the 8,849-meter (29,032-foot) summit. He expressed his readiness, stating he is mentally, emotionally, and physically prepared for the climb and is in peak physical condition.

Currently, Kami Rita holds the record for the most successful ascents of Mount Everest, with a total of 30 climbs. Last May, he successfully summited the peak twice. His primary focus is ensuring his clients reach the summit, after which he will assess whether to climb the peak multiple times during the season, depending on weather and mountain conditions.

His closest competitor for the most Everest climbs is fellow Sherpa guide Pasang Dawa, who has successfully ascended the mountain 27 times. Kami Rita's first Everest climb was in 1994, and he has been making the ascent nearly every year since. He is one of many Sherpa guides whose expertise is crucial for the safety and success of foreign climbers.

His father was among the first Sherpa mountain guides. In addition to his Everest climbs, Kami Rita has also scaled several other high-altitude peaks, including K2, Cho Oyu, Manaslu, and Lhotse.

This climbing season, which concludes in May, Nepal's Department of Tourism has issued permits to 214 climbers to attempt Mount Everest from the Nepali side. The optimal climbing period for Everest and nearby Himalayan peaks is typically April and May, when weather conditions are most favorable.

The first successful ascent of Everest was achieved in 1953 by New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Nepali Sherpa Tenzing Norgay.