Kami Rita Sherpa, the Nepali mountaineer widely known as the 'Everest Man,' reached the summit of Mount Everest for a record 32nd time on 17 May 2026 at 10:12 a.m. Nepal time, shattering his own world record for the most ascents of the world's tallest peak. Nepal's Department of Tourism confirmed the achievement in an official statement, noting the ascent was completed while leading an expedition organised by 14 Peaks Expedition.

The Record-Breaking Ascent

The 55-year-old veteran climber, born on 17 January 1970 in Thame, Solukhumbu District, reached the 8,848.86-metre summit during the Spring 2026 mountaineering season. The Department of Tourism stated the confirmation came directly from its field office at Everest Base Camp. Kami Rita was operating under Climbing Permit No. 70 issued by the department.

14 Peaks Expedition also confirmed the feat, saying: 'Congratulations to the legendary Kami Rita Sherpa on achieving an incredible 32nd successful ascent of Mount Everest today at 10:12 a.m. on May 17, 2026.' The organiser added: 'At 55 years old, he once again proves that determination, experience, and resilience can continue to achieve success even at the highest peaks on Earth.'

A Rivalry That Pushes Boundaries

Kami Rita's closest rival, Pasang Dawa Sherpa, has summited Everest 29 times — three fewer than the new record. The two Nepali mountaineers have long been engaged in a closely watched competition for the most Everest ascents, with each successive season raising the bar for what is considered humanly possible at altitude. Kami Rita first summited Everest in 1994 and has since become one of the most celebrated figures in global mountaineering.

Beyond the Summit: Advocacy and Legacy

Kami Rita is also recognised as an advocate for environmental sustainability in the Himalayan region. He has undertaken several initiatives to help preserve Mount Everest and its surrounding ecosystem, and has been actively raising awareness about the effects of melting glaciers driven by climate change on local communities. His contributions extend well beyond personal achievement, making him a significant voice in the global conservation conversation.

Lhakpa Sherpa Sets Women's Record

In a parallel milestone during the same season, Lhakpa Sherpa — popularly known as the 'Mountain Queen' — scaled Mount Everest for the 11th time at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, setting a world record for the highest number of Everest ascents by a female climber. Born in 1973 in Makalu-2, Sankhuwasabha district, Nepal, Lhakpa's achievement adds another landmark chapter to Nepal's mountaineering history.

Together, the twin records from the Spring 2026 season reinforce Nepal's unrivalled dominance at the top of the world's highest mountain — and signal that the limits of high-altitude endurance are still being rewritten.