KATHMANDU, Nepal – Veteran Sherpa guide Kami Rita climbed Mount Everest for the 28th time on Tuesday, breaking his own record less than a week after setting it, as two guides made the most of the world’s highest peak. Compete with each other for the title of climbing higher.
Kami Rita, considered one of the greatest mountain guides of all time, reached the 8,849-metre (29,032-foot) summit at 9:20 a.m. local time on Tuesday, according to expedition organizer Seven Summits Treks.
His latest ascent came a day after fellow Sherpa guide Pasang Dawa matched his own record of 27 trips to the summit.
The race for the title began on 14 May with Pasang Dawa climbing the summit for the 26th time, equaling Kami Rita’s previous record. Kami Rita reached the summit three days later for the 27th time.
With a few more days left in the spring climbing season, both Sherpa guides were on the mountain to help their clients climb the snowy peak. May is the busiest month for dangerous climbing as the weather conditions are at their best.
Kami Rita first scaled Everest in 1994 and has been making the trek almost every year since then. He is one of many Sherpa guides whose expertise and skills are vital to the safety and success of foreign climbers each year who seek to stand on top of the mountain.
His father was among the first Sherpa guides. In addition to her Everest climb, Rita has also scaled several other peaks that are among the highest in the world, including K2, Cho Oyu, Manaslu, and Lhotse.
Nepali veteran Sherpa guide Kami Rita arrives in Kathmandu, Nepal May 20, 2018. Highest ascent of the highest peak in the world. Credit: AP/Niranjan Shrestha
Hundreds of climbers have scaled Mount Everest this month, or are planning to make their attempt.
Nepalese authorities have issued around 480 climbing permits to foreign climbers, the most ever issued for any year. At least as many local Sherpa guides will accompany them during the climbing season.
So far 10 people have died in this year’s spring climbing season on Everest.
