Kami Rita, an experienced Sherpa guide from Kathmandu, has summited Mount Everest a record 31 times. In doing so, he has shattered his own previous record and made history all over again! Now at 55, he’s still proving at an advanced age that he’s one of the most talented and resilient athletes on the planet in the cruelest of mountain environments. At first light the next morning, he guided a team of paying customers to the summit. Thanks to them for a historic climb on both counts!
Rita’s climbers’ achievement, no doubt, builds upon his great unclimbed spectacular heritage. This would make for his third successful Mount Everest ascent within the past year alone. Only days before this historic-mountain-high climb, he took the fall. Adverse weather turned him back on a second summit bid. Even with these challenges, Rita’s tenacity & expertise were key in accomplishing this incredible milestone.
Born into the family of a treasured mountaineering legacy, Rita’s father had been one of the earliest Sherpa alpine guides. This heritage has undoubtedly influenced his career and honed his skills as one of the most respected figures in the climbing community. Besides Everest, he has bagged other daunting summits, like K2, Cho Oyu, Manaslu, and Lhotse.
Rita’s impressive expertise will be key to ensuring that success comes to fruition. It’s responsible for the safety and success of foreign climbers who rely on Sherpa guides. That’s the kind of care he provides his clients as they navigate through treacherous terrains and unexpected storms, preparing them for the rigors of high-altitude expeditions. His closest competitor, Pasang Dawa, has made 29 successful ascents of Everest, but Rita’s recent achievement solidifies his position as the leading climber on the world’s highest mountain.
In 2021, Rita showcased his adventurous spirit by posing for a picture at Everest Base Camp, further endearing him to both climbers and enthusiasts alike. His story tells a larger tale of individual victory. It highlights the cultural and historical importance of Sherpas in the Himalayan climbing community and the world of mountaineering.
