Veteran Nepali mountaineer Pasang Dawa Sherpa has successfully summited Mount Everest for the 30th time, becoming only the second climber in history to achieve the remarkable milestone on the world’s highest mountain.
The 49-year-old climber, Pasang Dawa Sherpa, popularly known as “Pa Dawa,” reached the summit at 8:25 am local time during the ongoing spring climbing season, according to Govinda Gurung, co-owner of TAG Nepal Treks and Expeditions. He was guiding an expedition operated by Climbing The Seven Summits.
With the latest ascent, Pasang Dawa Sherpa (Pa Dawa) has further cemented his status as one of Nepal’s most accomplished high-altitude climbers. Only legendary Everest climber Kami Rita Sherpa has scaled Everest more times. Kami Rita reached the summit for a record 32nd time on May 17, extending his own world record and continuing Nepal’s dominance in Himalayan mountaineering.
Nearly Three Decades on Everest
Born in Pangboche village in the Everest region, Pasang Dawa Sherpa (Pa Dawa) began his mountaineering career at a young age and has spent decades guiding climbers through the challenging Himalayan terrain. His first successful Everest ascent came in 1998 while assisting renowned British adventurer Bear Grylls during an expedition.
Since then, he has returned to the summit almost every climbing season, often completing multiple ascents in a single year. His Everest summit record reflects years of endurance, technical expertise, and experience in one of the world’s harshest environments.
According to expedition records, Pasang Dawa Sherpa (Pa Dawa) summited Everest in 1998, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004, twice in 2006, twice in 2007, 2008, 2009, twice in 2010, 2011, 2012, twice in 2013, 2016, 2017, twice in 2018, twice in 2019, twice in 2022, twice in 2023, and twice in 2025.
His achievement once again highlights the crucial role played by Nepali Sherpa climbers in global mountaineering. Sherpas are widely respected for their unmatched climbing skills, route-fixing expertise, and ability to guide international climbers safely through the dangerous slopes of Everest.
Beyond Everest: Success on Other Himalayan Giants
Although Everest remains his most celebrated accomplishment, Pasang Dawa Sherpa (Pa Dawa) has also built an impressive record on several other major Himalayan peaks. He has successfully climbed Cho Oyu, the world’s sixth-highest mountain, five times. In addition, he has summited Lhotse and Manaslu, both among the world’s highest mountains and known for their demanding climbing routes.
Despite his numerous achievements on the world’s tallest peaks, Pa Dawa has often described Ama Dablam as his favorite mountain. The iconic peak lies close to his hometown and has remained emotionally significant to him since childhood.
Located around one and a half hours from Pangboche, Ama Dablam is considered one of the most beautiful mountains in the Himalayas. Pa Dawa has climbed the peak more than 70 times, showcasing his deep connection to the Khumbu region and his extraordinary mountaineering career.
Nepal’s Mountaineering Legacy Continues
The latest achievement comes during a busy spring climbing season in Nepal, with hundreds of climbers attempting Everest and other Himalayan peaks. Nepal’s tourism and mountaineering industries continue to rely heavily on experienced Sherpa climbers, whose expertise is critical for successful expeditions.
Pasang Dawa Sherpa (Pa Dawa)’s 30th Everest ascent stands as another milestone for Nepal’s mountaineering community and reflects decades of dedication, resilience, and contribution to Himalayan climbing. As international attention remains focused on Everest records, climbers like Pa Dawa continue to inspire a new generation of mountaineers while strengthening Nepal’s reputation as the global center of high-altitude adventure tourism.
