On May 22, 2025, Kami Rita Sherpa reached the summit of Mount Everest for the 31st time. This amazing achievement is not just a world record — it’s the story of a man who has dedicated his whole life to the mountains.
After climbing Mount Everest 31 times, He is now known around the world as the “Everest Man.”
Kami Rita was born on January 17, 1970, in Thame, a small Sherpa village in the Solukhumbu district of Nepal. Thame is the same village where the great Tenzing Norgay was born. From a young age, Kami Rita walked the mountain trails and dreamed of climbing high. His father was also a Sherpa guide on Everest, so climbing was in his blood.
Like many Sherpas, he began his journey as a porter, carrying heavy loads for foreign climbers. Slowly, he worked his way up to become a professional mountain guide.
On May 13, 1994, Kami Rita stood on the summit of Everest for the first time. Since then, he has returned again and again — guiding climbers, fixing ropes, and supporting teams on the mountain. His job is risky, but he does it with a full heart and strong dedication.
Here is a summary of his major achievements:
✅ Mount Everest: 31 times
Other major summits:
In total, he has climbed many 8,000-meter peaks, all while working as a guide, not just for personal records, but to help others succeed and to support his family.
When people ask Kami Rita why he keeps climbing, his answer is simple: “I was born in the lap of the Himalayas. Climbing mountains is in my blood.”
“This is my job. It’s how I support my family. I don’t climb for records, I climb because it’s my life.”
Even after climbing Everest more than anyone in history, he remains humble and focused. He doesn’t chase fame. He respects the mountain deeply and is aware of its dangers. He has dedicated his life to mountaineering and promoting the skills, bravery, and dedication of the Sherpa community.
Kami Rita is a symbol of the strength, skill, and sacrifice of the Sherpa community. Most foreign climbers on Everest rely on Sherpas, and many don’t realize how much work they do behind the scenes.
And people like Kami Rita have done this hundreds of times, in some of the harshest conditions on Earth. For many, a visit to the Khumbu region is not just a physical journey, but a chance to reflect on the spirit of resilience and humility that Kami Rita embodies.
Kami Rita’s story is not only about climbing. It’s about passion, discipline, and staying true to your roots. He inspires people around the world — not just mountaineers, but anyone who follows their dreams through hard work. His dedication and resilience have not only earned him international acclaim but have also inspired countless aspiring climbers and drawn attention to the Sherpa community’s significant contributions to mountaineering.
At Sali Trekking, we’re proud to follow in the footsteps of legends like Kami Rita. While you may not aim to climb Everest, your journey to places like Everest Base Camp or Annapurna can still be life-changing.
