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Kami Rita Sherpa Climbs Mount Everest for 32nd Time, Sets New World Record

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On 17 May 2026, Nepali Sherpa guide Kami Rita Sherpa achieved a historic milestone by summiting Mount Everest for the 32nd time. This ascent was confirmed by Nepal’s Department of Tourism at Everest Base Camp, making Kami Rita the mountaineer with the highest number of Everest summits. Born on 17 January 1970 in Solukhumbu, Nepal, Kami Rita first climbed Everest in 1994 and has since completed multiple ascents of other major 8,000-metre peaks including Cho Oyu and Manaslu. His record-breaking achievement highlights his extraordinary endurance and pivotal role in Nepal's mountaineering legacy.

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Key Facts

  • Date of 32nd ascent: 17 May 2026 at 10:12 a.m. Nepal Time
  • Location of Mount Everest: Border of Nepal and Tibet Autonomous Region, China
  • Elevation of Mount Everest: 8,848.86 metres (29,031.69 feet)
  • Route taken: Southeast Ridge, the standard route from Nepal
  • Age of Kami Rita Sherpa at ascent: 56 years old
  • Place of birth: Thame village, Solukhumbu district, Koshi Province, Nepal
  • First Everest summit by Kami Rita Sherpa: 1994, aged 24
  • Kami Rita’s previous summit record: 31 ascents as of 27 May 2025
  • Other notable 8,000-metre peaks climbed: Cho Oyu (8 times), Manaslu (multiple times), plus ascents of K2 and Lhotse
  • Kami Rita holds world records for most Everest summits and most 8,000-metre peak summits (44 total)
  • First confirmed ascent of Everest was by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay on 29 May 1953 at 11:30 a.m.
  • Mount Everest is part of the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas
  • Lhakpa Sherpa, known as “Mountain Queen,” completed her 11th Everest summit on 17 May 2026

Background & Context

Kami Rita Sherpa is one of Nepal’s most legendary Sherpa mountaineers, widely recognized for his endurance, expertise, and leadership in high-altitude mountaineering. He began his professional career in 1992 and has guided numerous expeditions to the world’s highest peaks. His consistent ability to summit Mount Everest multiple times over three decades has made him a symbol of Nepal’s rich mountaineering heritage. The Southeast Ridge route, taken on his latest ascent, is the most frequently used approach from Nepal, traversing the South Col before the final push to the summit.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

This record is significant for geography, current affairs, and general knowledge exams that focus on world records, notable personalities, and important geographical landmarks. Kami Rita Sherpa’s achievements highlight Nepal’s prominence in mountaineering and adventure tourism, subjects frequently tested in competitive exams. Understanding Everest’s geographical context, as well as historical first ascents, is critical for exam preparation.

Points to Remember

  • Kami Rita Sherpa summited Everest 32 times as of 17 May 2026, the highest number in the world
  • Mount Everest’s officially recognized elevation is 8,848.86 metres (29,031.69 feet) as per the 2020 Nepal-China survey
  • First successful Everest climb: Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay on 29 May 1953 at 11:30 a.m.
  • Everest lies on the international border between Nepal and Tibet Autonomous Region of China
  • Kami Rita’s 31st summit was made on 27 May 2025
  • Other Himalayan peaks climbed by Kami Rita include Cho Oyu (eight times) and Manaslu (multiple ascents)
  • Lhakpa Sherpa, the record-holding female mountaineer, completed her 11th summit on the same day
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