Kami Rita Sherpa Aims for 31st Everest Summit at Age 55

Kami Rita Sherpa Aims for 31st Everest Summit at Age 55

Nepali mountaineering legend Kami Rita Sherpa is getting ready to climb Mount Everest for the 31st time next month. At 55 years old, he continues to break his own world record for the most ascents of the world’s highest mountain.

Kami Rita was born in January 1970 in Thame, a small village in Nepal’s Solukhumbu District known for producing great climbers like Tenzing Norgay. He grew up in a big family in a one-room house. His father was one of the first Sherpa guides after Everest opened to foreign climbers, and his brother has also climbed Everest 17 times.

As a boy, Kami Rita once thought about becoming a monk and even stayed in a monastery for a while. But to support his family, he chose a different path—mountaineering.

He started working on Everest at a young age, first as a porter and then helping in base camp kitchens. In 1994, at the age of 24, he reached the summit of Everest for the first time.

Since then, he has climbed Everest nearly every year—sometimes twice in a single season. On May 22, 2024, he reached the summit for the 30th time, setting a world record.

In addition to Everest, Kami Rita has also climbed other very high mountains like Cho-Oyu, Lhotse, and K2. In total, he has summited 8,000-meter peaks 40 times.

He works with Seven Summit Treks and he is collaborating with brands . He is respected not just for his climbing skills but also for speaking out about the risks Sherpas face and the need for better support.

Even though his wife wishes he would retire, Kami Rita says he will keep climbing as long as his body allows. His motivation comes from his love for his family, his people, and his country.

Kami Rita Sherpa’s story is one of courage, hard work, and dedication. His efforts have brought pride to Nepal and respect to the Sherpa community all over the world.