Kathmandu, Nepal – Sherpa guide Kami Rita has made history by reaching the summit of Mount Everest for the 31st time, breaking his own record for the most ascents of the world’s highest mountain.

The 55-year-old climber, known affectionately as the ‘Everest Man’, achieved the feat while leading the Indian Army Adventure Wing Everest Expedition, organised by Seven Summit Treks.

“Massive congratulations to the legendary Kami Rita Sherpa on his 31st successful ascent of Everest — the highest number of ascents by anyone in history,” said the expedition company.

A lifetime of climbing

Born in the Solukhumbu region, the heartland of Nepal’s Sherpa community, Kami Rita first reached Everest’s summit in 1994. Since then, he has climbed the 8,849-metre (29,032-foot) peak almost every year, guiding mountaineers from around the world.

Despite his record-breaking achievements, Kami Rita remains humble. Speaking after his 29th and 30th summits last year, he said, “I am glad for the record, but records are eventually broken. I am more happy that my climbs help Nepal be recognised in the world.”

Close competition among sherpas

Fellow Sherpa Pasang Dawa is the closest to Kami Rita’s record, having successfully summited Everest 29 times.

Kami Rita’s remarkable career has made him a national hero in Nepal and a global symbol of the enduring spirit and skill of the Sherpa mountaineering community.