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Nepali Sherpa Kami Rita Sherpa has etched his name in the annals of mountaineering history by summiting Mount Everest for an unprecedented 29th time, surpassing his own previous record of 28 ascents. This remarkable achievement was confirmed by Nepali government officials, who hailed Kami Rita as the sole individual to accomplish such a remarkable feat.
Setting out on his latest expedition to conquer the world’s tallest peak in the last week of April, Kami Rita joined a mountaineering expedition team comprising 28 climbers. His ascent to the summit on May 1 marked a momentous occasion not only for himself but for the global mountaineering community.
Speaking ahead of his summit attempt, Kami Rita expressed his modesty and dedication, stating, “This year, I have set out to climb Sagarmatha for the 29th time. I have no plan of climbing Sagarmatha for any specified number of times. Let me ascend the summit.” His words reflect a deep-seated passion for mountaineering that transcends the pursuit of records.
At 54 years of age, Kami Rita’s endurance and resilience continue to inspire awe. Despite his numerous accomplishments, he remains focused on the task at hand, prioritizing the safety and success of his team members over personal accolades. As he himself declared after achieving his 28th summit, “I will continue to climb as long as my body allows.”
Kami Rita’s mountaineering journey began in 1994 with his first ascent of Mount Everest, and since then, he has conquered the formidable peak every year without fail. His unparalleled expertise extends beyond Everest, as he has also scaled several other of the world’s highest peaks, including K2, Cho Oyu, Manaslu, and Lhotse, further solidifying his status as a legendary figure in the realm of mountaineering.
In addition to Kami Rita’s historic ascent, a team of 10 Nepalese Sherpas recently achieved a significant milestone by summiting Mount Everest. Led by Dendi Sherpa, the team, entrusted with the critical task of rope-fixing, reached the summit at 8:15 pm, further underscoring Nepal’s rich mountaineering heritage and the indomitable spirit of its Sherpa community.
Mountaineering tourism plays a vital role in Nepal’s economy, with the country earning a substantial royalty from climbing permits. In the latest fiscal year, Nepal garnered a royalty of Nepali Rs 674.7 million, with a significant portion stemming from permits to summit Mount Everest, highlighting the economic importance of mountaineering in the Himalayan nation.
