Renowned Nepali mountaineer and world record-holder Kami Rita Sherpa has once again etched his name in the annals of mountaineering history by successfully summiting Mount Everest (Sagarmatha) for the 31st time. This monumental achievement, accomplished early Tuesday morning at approximately 4 AM Nepal time, further cements his status as the individual with the highest number of Everest ascents in recorded history.
Born in the mountain village of Thame in Nepal’s Solukhumbu district, Kami Rita Sherpa has become a global symbol of mountaineering excellence. His unparalleled journey to the summit began in 1994, and since then, he has made Everest his second home, scaling the peak repeatedly and safely guiding climbers from around the world.
The Everest Man: Kami Rita Sherpa
This latest successful ascent was part of the prestigious AAW (Army Adventure Wing) Everest Expedition 2025, led by Lt. Col. Manoj Joshi of the Indian Army. Kami Rita served as the main Sirdar (lead guide) for the expedition, showcasing not only his unmatched technical expertise but also his ability to lead and inspire others in the most extreme conditions on Earth.
The expedition held special significance, as it commemorated the Silver Jubilee of the Indian Army’s first successful Everest expedition, marking 25 years of Himalayan mountaineering achievements by the Indian military. The 2025 mission included 22 Indian Army climbers, all of whom successfully reached the summit under the guidance of Kami Rita and his team.
The list of successful Indian summiters includes:
- Lt. Col. Bhanoo Pathak
- Mahak Mehta
- Anirudh Yadav
- Krishna Bahadur Kuwar
- Tashi Stanba
- Indra Singh Adhikari
- Sunil Singh
- Arjun Thapa Magar
- Shankar Nath Goswami
- Sunil Budhalakoti
- Kundan Singh
- Tundup Namgail
- Raghuveer Singh
- Urgain Padma
- Deepak Singh
- Rigzen Nurboo
- Tsewang Motup
- Balwant Singh
- Bhuvan Ale Magar
- Pradeep Singh
- Dharmendra Singh
- Kiran Bahadur Kuwar
In addition to Kami Rita Sherpa, the expedition was supported by Dawa Finjo Sherpa, a UIAGM-certified guide from Nepal, and other experienced Sherpa climbers who will be announced soon. Their combined efforts ensured the safety and success of the mission amidst challenging terrain and unpredictable weather.
The operation was expertly coordinated by Seven Summit Treks Pvt. Ltd., a leading mountaineering company in Nepal. The agency praised the team’s exceptional discipline, teamwork, and endurance, extending heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to all those involved.
Kami Rita’s contribution to mountaineering extends far beyond his record-breaking ascents. He is a dedicated advocate for improving safety standards in Nepal’s tourism and trekking industry and is vocal about the importance of protecting the Himalayan environment from the impacts of climate change and increasing foot traffic. His ongoing efforts help raise awareness about sustainable climbing practices and responsible tourism.
His remarkable resume includes multiple summits of other 8,000-meter peaks such as Cho Oyu, Manaslu, Lhotse, and K2, each of them climbed more than eight times. Yet, it is his relationship with Mount Everest that has made him a living legend. Known globally as The Everest Man, his physical and mental endurance, coupled with his unwavering commitment to mountaineering, have made him a role model for aspiring climbers worldwide.
This 31st summit is not just a personal achievement for Kami Rita but a symbol of the enduring partnership between Nepal and India in Himalayan exploration. Through collaborative missions like this, the two neighboring countries continue to strengthen their shared legacy in high-altitude mountaineering.
As news of his record-breaking climb spread, messages of congratulations poured in from around the world. “Wishing him a safe descent back to base camp,” expressed officials from Kathmandu, “and looking forward to welcoming him home where he belongs as a national treasure of Nepal.”
Indeed, Kami Rita Sherpa is not just a name in mountaineering. He is a movement. A symbol of human perseverance, humility, and heroism who continues to climb, lead, and inspire higher and farther every time.
