Nepali Climber Set New Record for Climbing Everest by Reaching Summit for 31st Time

On Tuesday, a Nepali climber reached the peak of the world's highest mountain, Everest, for a record 31st time more than three decades after his first summit.

Seven Summit Treks, the expedition organizers, said, "Massive congratulations to the legendary Kami Rita Sherpa on his 31st successful ascent of Everest -- the highest number of ascents by anyone in history."

"Kami Rita Sherpa needs no introduction. He is not just a national climbing hero, but a global symbol of Everest itself," it added.

Sherpa reached the top of Mount Everest for the first time in 1994 when working for a commercial expedition. 

He has climbed Everest almost every year since, guiding clients.

Sherpa, speaking a year ago after he had climbed the mountain for the 29th and 30th times, said that he was "just working" and did not plan on setting records.

"I am glad for the record, but records are eventually broken," he told Agence France-Presse (AFP) in May 2024.

"I am more happy that my climbs help Nepal be recognised in the world."

Seven Summit Treks said he completed the climb on Tuesday as the leader of the Indian army team, adding that he "not only reached the summit himself, but also led and guided the last remaining members of the team to the top".