Nepali mountaineer Kami Rita Sherpa has reached the summit of Mount Everest for an extraordinary 32nd time, extending his own world record for the most successful ascents of the planet's highest peak. The 54-year-old guide, who made his first Everest summit in 1994, completed the climb as part of the spring climbing season that has seen favorable weather conditions on the mountain.
In the same climbing window, Lhakpa Sherpa, known as the Mountain Queen, broke her own women's record by reaching the 8,849-metre summit for the 12th time. The dual record-breaking achievements were celebrated across Nepal, with the country's Prime Minister praising what he called the unshakeable courage of Nepal's climbing community.
Kami Rita's career on Everest spans three decades and represents an unparalleled achievement in the history of high-altitude mountaineering. His intimate knowledge of the mountain's routes, weather patterns, and hazards has made him one of the most sought-after guides for commercial expeditions. Each successful summit adds to a legacy that most mountaineers consider unlikely ever to be surpassed.
For Lhakpa Sherpa, the 12th ascent carries additional significance. She has campaigned throughout her career for greater recognition of the role that Nepali women play in mountaineering, a field traditionally dominated by men. Her record stands as both a personal achievement and a symbol of the expanding possibilities available to women in one of the world's most physically demanding professions.
The spring 2026 Everest season has been marked by unusually stable weather, allowing more climbing teams to attempt the summit than in previous years. However, the mountain remains dangerous, with altitude sickness, avalanches, and sudden weather changes posing constant threats to even the most experienced climbers. Several other mountaineers were reported to have reached the summit in the same period.
The commercial mountaineering industry on Everest continues to generate debate about environmental impact and safety standards. Critics argue that the growing number of climbers is degrading the mountain's fragile ecosystem, while supporters point to the economic benefits for Nepal's mountain communities. Kami Rita has spoken in the past about the need to balance commercial interests with respect for the mountain.
Nepal's climbing heritage remains a source of immense national pride. The Sherpa community, from which both record-holders hail, has been integral to Himalayan exploration since the earliest attempts to climb Everest in the 1920s. Today, Sherpa guides are recognized globally for their skill, endurance, and essential role in making high-altitude climbing possible for international clients.