Born in Thame, Solukhumbu, Nepal
Kami Rita Sherpa
Also known as Everest Man
Holds the world record for the most ascents of Mount Everest (32 as of May 2026) and the most ascents of peaks above 8,000 metres (43)
Currently Senior Guide, Seven Summit Treks
About
Kami Rita Sherpa grew up in Thame, a small village in the Khumbu region. Tenzing Norgay, the first man to climb Everest, was born in the same village. By age 12, Kami Rita was already carrying gear toward Everest Base Camp.
His father was one of the first professional Sherpa guides. This was after Nepal opened its borders to foreign climbers in 1950. His older brother climbed Everest 17 times.
Kami Rita says he never tried to break records. He just saw the climbing as his job. But over 30 years, he climbed Everest again and again, sometimes twice in one season. This made him the most successful Everest climber ever.
Quick facts
- Born
- 1970-01-17
- Birthplace
- Thame, Solukhumbu, Nepal
- Profession
- Mountaineer, High-altitude guide
- Current role
- Senior Guide, Seven Summit Treks
- Nationality
- Nepal
- Status
- Alive
Current roles
Senior Guide
Seven Summit Treks
Career & life timeline
- 1970-01-17
- 1994-05-13
First summited Mount Everest, working as a high-altitude support climber
- 2018
Became the sole holder of the record for most Everest ascents
- 2024-05-22
Reached his 30th Everest summit
- 2025-05-27
Reached his 31st Everest summit
- 2026-05-17
Reached his 32nd Everest summit
Achievements
Set the world record for most ascents of Mount Everest (32 as of May 2026)
Holds the record for most ascents of peaks above 8,000 metres (43)
Received a Guinness World Records certificate for 42 high-altitude 8,000m+ summits
2025
Organizations & affiliations
- Seven Summit Treks
Last updated: 2026-09-02