Kami Rita Sherpa has once again made headlines by reaching the summit of Mount Everest, marking his 30th ascent of the world’s highest peak. This remarkable achievement took place during the 2023 climbing season, a time when many climbers flock to the Himalayas to conquer Everest.
Kami Rita’s closest rival for the Everest record is fellow Nepali Sherpa, Pasang Dawa, who has successfully climbed the mountain 29 times. Just last week, Dawa attempted to add to his tally, showcasing the fierce competition among climbers in this challenging environment.
For Kami Rita, climbing Everest is more than just a personal record. He views his climbs as part of his job. "I am glad for the record, but records are eventually broken," he told reporters last year. His focus is on helping Nepal gain recognition on the global stage through his achievements.
Earlier this month, Kami shared glimpses of life on Everest, including a Puja ceremony. This Tibetan Buddhist ritual is performed before expeditions to pray for safety and success on the climb. Such traditions highlight the cultural significance of these climbs beyond the physical challenge.
In the same week, British mountaineer Kenton Cool also made headlines by summiting Everest for the 19th time, breaking his own record for the most climbs by a non-Sherpa. This surge in climbing activity has been notable this season, with over 500 climbers and their guides successfully reaching the summit.
Nepal’s tourism department has reported issuing more than 1,000 climbing permits this season for Everest and other peaks. However, the increasing number of climbers has raised concerns about overcrowding and its environmental impact. In response, Nepal introduced new rules last year requiring climbers to carry their waste back to base camp for proper disposal.
As the climbing season comes to a close, the achievements of climbers like Kami Rita and the challenges they face highlight both the allure and the complexities of summiting Everest.