Sherpa Aims for 31st Everest Ascent, Eyes Record

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    KATHMANDU, Nepal — An esteemed mountain guide is gearing up for a remarkable achievement as he prepares to conquer Mount Everest for possibly the 31st and 32nd time, aiming to surpass his own already impressive record.

    Kami Rita, age 55, departed Kathmandu on Sunday, embarking on a journey to lead a team of climbers who are eager to scale the 8,849-meter (29,032-foot) peak during this spring’s climbing season. As an experienced climber, Rita expressed confidence at the airport, asserting, “I am mentally, emotionally, and physically prepared to climb the mountain,” highlighting his readiness and prime physical condition.

    Holding an unmatched record of 30 successful ascents, Kami Rita is determined to guide his clients safely to the summit. He climbed Mount Everest twice just last May, showcasing his enduring capability and dedication. His determination is unwavering as he focuses on his clients’ success first, stating, “My first priority is to get my client to the summit of the peak.” He remains open to the possibility of scaling the peak more than once during the season, with his decision contingent on the weather and other conditions on the mountain.

    In terms of rivals, fellow Sherpa guide Pasang Dawa is the closest, having accomplished 27 ascents. Kami Rita’s first ascent was in 1994, and he has since made nearly annual journeys to the summit, standing as a cornerstone of expertise and reliability for foreign climbers seeking to achieve the ultimate experience of reaching the peak.

    His family’s history is deeply entwined with this rich tradition; his father was among the pioneering Sherpa mountain guides. Beyond Everest, Kami Rita has achieved significant feats by conquering other formidable peaks such as K2, Cho Oyu, Manaslu, and Lhotse.

    This climbing season, the Department of Tourism in Nepal has granted 214 permits for attempts from the southern Nepali side, indicating a busy period ending in May. The months of April and May offer optimal weather conditions for scaling Everest and its neighboring Himalayan giants, making them the preferred time for such endeavors. The legacy of Everest began in 1953 with the historic climb by New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Nepali Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, setting the standard for all future attempts.