For thousands of people worldwide, summiting Everest is at best a once-in-a-lifetime achievement. Kami Rita Sherpa, however, likely has a different perspective.
This morning, the 54-year-old sherpa guide reached the highest point in the world for the 30th time, beating his own record. It’s also his second Everest summit this month, as Kami Rita continues to ferry clients up and down the mountain during its busiest season.
According to Khim Lal Gautam, a government official at Everest Base Camp, Kami Rita reached the 8,849m summit at 7:49 am Wednesday for the 30th time.
On May 12, he summited for the 29th time. In a brief interview at the time, the Sherpa seemed to shrug off the accomplishment. According to CBS News, Kami Rita’s closest competitor for the title of “most Everest summits” goes to fellow sherpa Pasang Dawa, who has made 27 successful ascents.
“I glad for the record, but records are eventually broken,” he said. “I am more happy that my climbs help Nepal be recognized in the world.”
A lifetime of Himalayan climbing
Kami Rita first reached Everest’s summit in 1994 and has done so almost every year since, according to Seven Summits Treks, where he works as a Senior Guide. The company said in an Instagram post earlier this month that he has “become synonymous with the world’s highest peak.”
“Kami Rita’s achievements extend beyond Everest, as he has also conquered other formidable peaks, including K2, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Manaslu,” Seven Summits Treks wrote.
It has already been a busy season on Everest, and Nepali officials said more than 450 climbers have already completed their expeditions this year.
Often honored for his achievements, Kami Rita Sherpa is still at it. Photo: Seven Summit Treks
The original version of this story appeared on GearJunkie.
