Two of Nepal’s greatest mountaineering icons have once again pushed the boundaries of human endurance on Mount Everest, rewriting the record books from the top of the world.
Veteran climber Kami Rita Sherpa, widely known as the “Everest Man,” reached the summit of the 8,849-metre (29,032 ft) mountain for a record-breaking 32nd time on Sunday. The 56-year-old Nepali guide was leading clients toward the summit when he achieved the historic milestone, surpassing his own previous record.
On the same day, Lhakpa Sherpa, celebrated as the “Mountain Queen,” created her own piece of history. The 52-year-old climber successfully completed her 11th Everest ascent, extending her record as the woman with the most climbs of the world’s highest peak.
Nepal’s tourism department praised both climbers, calling their achievements a “historic achievement.”
Nepali Prime Minister Balendra Shah also congratulated the pair, saying they had “once again written history”.
“Such historic success can only be achieved through unwavering courage, rigorous self-discipline, and honest dedication to one’s work,” he wrote on X.
Kami Rita first stood on Everest’s summit in 1994 and has returned almost every year since, sometimes reaching the top twice in a single season. Born in Nepal’s Solukhumbu region into a family connected with mountaineering, he has spent decades guiding climbers through one of the most dangerous environments on Earth.
In 2018, he became the first person to climb Everest 22 times, breaking a record he had previously shared with two other Nepali Sherpa climbers who later retired.
His latest record-breaking ascent came while guiding clients for 14 Peaks Expedition.
Meanwhile, Lhakpa Sherpa’s journey to Everest history began in 2000 when she became the first Nepali woman to successfully reach the summit and return safely. Her remarkable life and mountaineering achievements were featured in the 2023 documentary Mountain Queen, which highlights her Everest climbs and experiences as a single mother.
The 2026 climbing season has been unusually crowded, with nearly 500 foreign climbers receiving permits to attempt Everest. Most climbers rely on Nepali guides, who do not require climbing permits.
The season also faced delays after a large and dangerous section of glacier blocked part of the route from Everest Base Camp, raising concerns about possible congestion and safety issues on the mountain.
Despite the challenges, Everest’s latest chapter belongs to two climbers who continue to redefine what is possible above the clouds.