Nepali 'Everest Man' breaks own record with 31st summit

A 55-YEAR-OLD Nepali climber dubbed “Everest Man” reached the peak of the world’s highest mountain for a record 31st time yesterday, more than three decades after his first summit.

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

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

Sherpa first stood on the top of Mount Everest 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 8 849m peak 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 said in May last year.

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