Who Is Kami Rita Sherpa? Meet The Climber Who Summited Everest 32 Times

Last Updated:May 18, 2026, 08:53 IST

Kami Rita Sherpa had climbed Mount Everest, known as Sagarmatha in Nepali, twice each in 2023 and 2024.

Renowned Nepali Sherpa guide Kami Rita Sherpa scaled Mount Everest for a record 32nd time on Sunday, surpassing his own milestone set last year, officials said.

The 56-year-old reached the 8,849-metre peak at 10:12 a.m. local time while guiding climbers with the 14 Peaks Expedition company, according to Nepal’s Department of Tourism. Authorities congratulated him on the “historic milestone" and praised his contribution to mountain tourism.

Who Is Kami Rita Sherpa?

Born in Thame village in Nepal’s Solukhumbu district, the same village as legendary Everest climber Tenzing Norgay, Kami Rita first climbed Everest in 1994. He has summited nearly every year since, except during 2014, 2015 and 2020, when expeditions were suspended for various reasons.

The Department of Tourism congratulated Sherpa, saying his achievement reflects a significant contribution to Nepal’s mountaineering sector and its international profile.

Kami Rita Sherpa had climbed Mount Everest, known as Sagarmatha in Nepali, twice each in 2023 and 2024. He completed his 31st ascent on May 27, 2025. Apart from Everest, Kami Rita has also summited several other peaks above 8,000 metres between 1994 and 2025, including K2 and Lhotse once each, Manaslu three times, and Cho Oyu eight times.

His achievement drew praise from fellow climbers and mountaineering experts. Ang Tshering Sherpa, former president of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, said, “Kami Rita is not only a strong climber, but he also has good technical skill in the field of mountaineering."

“Without being a strong and dedicated climber, one cannot scale Everest for 32 times," added Ang Tshering, who also served as president of the Asian Mountaineering and Climbing Federation.

‘Unsung Heroes’, Says PM Shah 

Another Nepali climber, Lakhpa Sherpa, 52, also summited Everest on Sunday, marking her 11th ascent, the highest number recorded by a woman.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah congratulated them and said, “Such historic success can only be achieved through unwavering courage, rigorous self-discipline, and honest dedication to one’s work."

In a post on X, Shah said, “Mt Everest is not merely a geographical elevation; it is the supreme symbol of Nepal’s self-respect, courage, patience, and Himalayan civilisation. On this glorious mountain today, Nepali climbers have once again written history."

The prime minister lauded the contribution of the Sherpa community to Nepal’s mountaineering history as “extraordinary and unparalleled."

Calling the Sherpas as “truly the unsung heroes of the Himalayas," he further said, “Without their courage, knowledge, and labour, the glory of the mountains remains incomplete. I am confident that this supreme achievement of theirs will make Nepal’s mountain tourism even more credible, prestigious, and attractive, while further illuminating Nepal’s identity on the global stage."

Everest was first climbed in 1953 by Tenzing Norgay and New Zealand mountaineer Edmund Hillary. Among non-Sherpa climbers, British guide Kenton Cool holds the record with 19 Everest summits, followed by American climbers Dave Hahn and Garrett Madison with 15 ascents each.

Nepal has issued 492 climbing permits for Everest during the current March-May season. Three Nepali climbers have died on the mountain so far this month.

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