Veteran Sherpa guide Kami Rita achieved his 31st Everest summit, solidifying his legacy as the unrivaled King of the Himalayas. The 55-year-old led a team, including the Indian Army’s Adventure Wing, to the 8,849-meter peak early Tuesday, as confirmed by Mingma Sherpa of Seven Summits Treks. The Indian team was led by Lieutenant Colonel Manoj Joshi.
This pre-dawn climb at 4 a.m. marks another milestone in Kami Rita’s career, which began in 1992 as support staff. He’s now a global mountaineering legend.
A Record of Determination
“Kami Rita’s 31st ascent embodies Sherpa endurance, humility, and courage,” said Mingma Sherpa. “No climber matches his consistency.”
Despite a failed attempt days earlier due to bad weather, Kami Rita succeeded once conditions cleared. Beyond Everest, he’s summited K2, Lhotse, Manaslu, and Cho Oyu, with eight Cho Oyu ascents, three of Manaslu, and one each of K2 and Lhotse.
A Family Legacy
Climbing runs in Kami Rita’s family; his father guided foreign climbers on Everest. Kami Rita first summited in 1994 and has climbed nearly every year since, mentoring dozens of global climbers. His closest rival, Pasang Dawa, trails with 29 ascents.
Honoring Heroes on Everest Day
As Kami Rita descended, Nepal celebrated International Everest Day on May 29, marking Hillary and Norgay’s 1953 summit. Tourism Minister Badri Pandey honored over 100 climbers, including ten Indians, in Kathmandu for their contributions to Himalayan mountaineering.
More Than a Mountain
For Kami Rita, Everest is a lifelong commitment and a sacred Sherpa legacy. As the spring climbing season ends, his story inspires. He’s now descending to base camp, perhaps planning his 32nd ascent.
Prabhash Kumar, University of Hyderabad, Intern.
