On May 17, the Nepali mountain guide has successfully scaled the world’s highest peak for a record 32nd time, further cementing his place in mountaineering history.

According to his expedition agency, 14 Peaks Expedition, the 56-year-old reached the summit of Mount Everest at 10.12am local time while leading an international climbing team.

Tourism officials stationed at Everest Base Camp also confirmed the achievement.

Born in the mountain village of Thame in Nepal’s Solukhumbu district, Kami Rita grew up surrounded by the Himalayas and followed in the footsteps of his father, who worked as a sirdar, or head Sherpa guide, on Everest expeditions.

In his youth, he reportedly considered becoming a monk and spent some time at the Thame Dechen Chokhorling monastery, but decided not to proceed with this vocation.

He first summited Everest in 1994 at age 24 and has returned almost every year since, apart from seasons disrupted by avalanches, severe snowstorms or the pandemic.

Kami Rita has held the world record for the highest number of individual Everest ascents since 2018. His latest ascent comes just a year after his 31st summit last May, continuing a streak that has seen him redefine what is possible in extreme mountaineering.

Among Sherpa communities in Nepal, Kami Rita’s achievements are seen as a source of pride and inspiration, especially at a time when the climbing industry faces growing challenges.

Rising temperatures, unstable ice conditions, and increasingly unpredictable weather have made Himalayan expeditions more dangerous in recent years, with many experienced climbing guides facing uncertain working conditions and limited social protections.

Despite the global recognition, Kami Rita has repeatedly downplayed the record-breaking aspect of his climbs, insisting that guiding others safely remains his primary responsibility.

“Taking clients to the summit is my duty. I’m doing that,” he reportedly said before returning to Everest Base Camp.