Kathmandu, May. 23 (US): Veteran Sherpa guide Kami Rita climbed Mount Everest for the 28th time on Tuesday, beating his own record less than a week after it was set, as two guides vie with each other for the title of most climbs of the world’s tallest peak.
Kami Rita, considered one of the mountain’s greatest guides, reached the 8,849-meter (29,032-foot) summit at 9:20 a.m. local time Tuesday, according to expedition organization Seven Summits Treks, the Associated Press reports.
His latest ascent comes a day after fellow Sherpa guide Pasang Dawa matched his own record of 27 trips to the summit.
The race for the title began with Pasang Dawa climbing its peak for the 26th time on May 14, tying Kami Rita’s previous record. Kami Rita went on to peak three days later for the 27th time.
With a few more days left in the spring climbing season, the Sherpa guides are on the mountain helping their clients ascend to the snow-capped summit. May is the busiest month for serious ascents due to the best weather conditions.
Kami Rita first summited Everest in 1994 and has made the trek nearly every year since. He is one of many Sherpa guides whose experience and skills are vital to the safety and success of foreign climbers each year who seek to stand atop the mountain.
His father was among the first Sherpa guides. In addition to climbing Mount Everest, Rita has climbed several other peaks that are among the highest in the world, including K2, Cho Oyu, Manaslu, and Lhotse.
Hundreds of climbers have climbed Mount Everest, or plan to make their attempt, this month.
Nepali authorities have issued about 480 climbing permits to foreign climbers, the most issued for any year. At least several local Sherpa guides will accompany them during the climbing season.
So far, 10 people have died during this year’s spring climbing season on Everest.
MI