Mount Everest witnessed history being made on Sunday as Nepali sherpa Kami Rita Sherpa completed his 29th ascent of the world’s tallest mountain, setting a new record for the most summits ever. At the same time, British climber Kenton Cool achieved his 18th peak, setting a new record for a foreigner.
Kami Rita Sherpa, 54, who has been a guide for over two decades, first conquered Mount Everest in 1994 and has been making the trek almost every year since then. He surpassed his own world record with this latest climb, reaching the 8,849m (29,000ft) summit at around 07:30 local time.
Meanwhile, Kenton Cool, hailing from Gloucestershire, also successfully summited on Sunday, adding to his impressive climbing resume. Despite his achievements, Cool has humbly downplayed his success, acknowledging the numerous ascents made by Sherpas.
The climbing season on Mount Everest has just begun, with hundreds of climbers expected to attempt the trek in the coming weeks. Nepal’s government has issued around 400 mountaineering permits for the spring season, which runs from April to June, with almost all climbers accompanied by local guides.
Last year, more than 600 people reached the peak of Mount Everest, but it was also one of the deadliest climbing seasons, with 18 fatalities recorded. As climbers continue to push their limits on the world’s highest mountain, the achievements of Kami Rita Sherpa and Kenton Cool serve as a testament to the enduring allure and challenges of Mount Everest.