Kami Rita Sherpa did not start climbing to set records, but after nearly three decades working in the Himalaya, he is nearing a major, if unintentional, achievement. Currently the world record for successful Everest summits is shared by Kami Rita Sherpa, Phurba Tashi Sherpa and Apa Sherpa at 21. Kami Rita will move into sole position at the top of the list if he summits again this season.
“My goal is to reach the summit at least 25 times.” Photo: Facebook
Kami Rita Sherpa was born to a mountaineering family in the village of Thame, in the Khumbu region of Nepal. His father worked in the industry till severe frostbite ended his career early, while his older brother became the first Nepali climber to complete the seven summits in 2009, as well as achieving his own haul of 17 Everest summits.
Kami Rita Sherpa first climbed Everest in 1994, one of only 49 successful summits that season. By his 21st summit in 2017, the season’s grand total had ballooned to 600. This year, he will be working as a senior climbing guide for Seven Summits Treks. The Nepali operator is leading an Everest expedition featuring the season’s youngest climber, 16-year-old Shivangi Pathak, along with several other commercial clients.
Kami Rita Sherpa has also climbed Cho Oyo (8 times), as well as Lhotse, K2 and Manaslu. Photo: AFP
The expedition team flew to Lukla on April 15 and the clients are currently acclimatizing in the Khumbu Valley. Kami Rita Sherpa will be helping lead the group via the Southeast Ridge, and is now engaged in fixing the route via the South Col.
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Spring 2018 Himalaya Expeditions
Top 7 Expeditions in the Spring 2018 Himalaya Season
