A Nepali mountain guide has broken his own record for the most summits of Mount Everest, reaching the top for the 32nd time on Sunday. Kami Rita Sherpa, known as the “Everest Man,” led clients up the 29,032-foot peak, while Lhakpa Sherpa, the “Mountain Queen,” also broke her own record with her 11th ascent.
Both climbers achieved their records on the same day, with Sherpa, 56, and Lhakpa, 52, making history on the world’s tallest mountain. Nepal’s tourism department and the country’s prime minister have congratulated the pair on their achievement.
Everest Climbing Records
Kami Rita Sherpa first summited Everest in 1994 and has made it to the peak almost every year since, sometimes climbing it twice in a year. He was guiding clients for the 14 Peaks Expedition company when he set the new record. Lhakpa Sherpa, who first summited Everest in 2000, is the first Nepali woman to successfully reach the peak and descend the mountain.
This climbing season has been particularly busy, with a record number of permits issued to Everest aspirants and delays in opening the route to the peak. Nearly 500 foreign climbers have been granted permits to scale Mount Everest this year, raising safety concerns about potential “traffic jams” on the mountain.
Kami Rita Sherpa’s achievement has been recognized by Nepali Prime Minister Balendra Shah, who praised the climber’s courage, self-discipline, and dedication to his work. Lhakpa Sherpa is also the subject of a 2023 documentary about her multiple Everest summit climbs and life as a single mother.
Climbing Safety Concerns
The large number of climbers on Mount Everest this year has raised concerns about safety, with delays caused by a large, dangerous chunk of glacier blocking the route up the mountain from Base Camp in Nepal. Most foreign climbers attempt the ascent with at least one Nepali guide, who do not require permits.
The records set by Kami Rita Sherpa and Lhakpa Sherpa are a testament to their skill and experience as climbers, and their achievements have been recognized by the Nepali government and the climbing community. As the climbing season continues, safety will remain a top priority for climbers and guides on the world’s tallest mountain.
The records set by these veteran climbers will likely inspire others to take on the challenge of climbing Mount Everest, and their achievements will be remembered as a significant part of the mountain’s history. The success of Kami Rita Sherpa and Lhakpa Sherpa serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and dedication in achieving greatness.
