Veteran Nepali climber Kami Rita Sherpa made history on May 17, 2026, when he reached the summit of Mount Everest for a record 32nd time. The 56-year-old topped out at 8,849 metres at 10:12 a.m., a feat confirmed by the Department of Tourism’s field office at Everest Base Camp.
Kami Rita was leading a team organized by 14 Peaks Expedition. The tourism department publicly congratulated him, saying the milestone highlights his extraordinary contribution to Nepal’s mountaineering tradition and raises the country’s profile in the global climbing community.
Born in January 1970 in a village of Solukhumbu district, Kami Rita turned professional in 1992 and first stood on Everest in 1994. His previous record-setting ascent, the 31st, was completed on May 27, 2025.
Also marking a landmark day on the mountain, Lhakpa Sherpa — often called the “Mountain Queen” and the first Nepali woman to summit Everest — reached the top at 9:30 a.m., completing her 11th successful ascent and breaking her own record. The Department of Tourism confirmed her climb as well.
Both achievements were verified by the department and reported by local media. Together, these climbs underscore the enduring skills and leadership of Nepal’s Sherpa climbers and their ongoing role in high-altitude mountaineering.
