Sun Apr 20 17:11:37 UTC 2025: ## Record-Breaking Sherpa Aims for 31st Everest Ascent
**Kathmandu, Nepal –** Renowned Sherpa mountain guide Kami Rita is set to make his 31st ascent of Mount Everest, potentially breaking his own record for the most successful summits of the world’s highest peak. The 55-year-old departed Kathmandu on Sunday, April 20, 2025, to lead a group of climbers during the spring climbing season.
Rita, who currently holds the record with 30 successful ascents (including two in May 2024), expressed confidence in his physical and mental preparedness. While his primary focus is guiding his clients to the summit, he indicated a possible second ascent depending on weather conditions. His closest competitor, fellow Sherpa guide Pasang Dawa, has 27 successful ascents.
Rita, whose father was also a pioneering Sherpa guide, first conquered Everest in 1994 and has climbed it almost annually since. His expertise is crucial to the safety of numerous foreign climbers attempting the challenging feat. Beyond Everest, he has also scaled other significant peaks including K2, Cho Oyu, Manaslu, and Lhotse.
This year, 214 climbers have received permits to attempt Everest from the Nepali side. The April-May period offers the most favorable weather conditions for climbing Everest and other Himalayan peaks. The first successful ascent of Everest was achieved in 1953 by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay.
First Piper 