Legends of Khumbu: Rewriting Everest Records at the Top of the World

Nepal’s legendary mountaineers Mr. Kami Rita Sherpa and Ms. Lhakpa Sherpa have once again made history on Mount Everest during the 2026 spring climbing season.

Kami Rita Sherpa climbed Everest for the 32nd time on May 17, 2026, extending his own world record for the highest number of Everest summits by any person in history. The 56-year-old climber reached the summit at around 10:12 AM while guiding climbers through a commercial expedition.

Originally from Thame village in Solukhumbu district, the same village connected to Everest pioneer Tenzing Norgay, Kami Rita first climbed Everest in 1994. Since then, he has returned almost every year, missing only a few seasons due to avalanches, earthquakes, or the COVID-19 pandemic.

Over the years, he has steadily built one of the greatest records in mountaineering history. He reached his 10th summit in 2005, crossed 20 summits in 2013, became the first person to climb Everest 22 times in 2018, and later continued increasing his own record almost every season.

Kami Rita is not only famous for Everest. He has also climbed several other 8,000-meter peaks, including Cho Oyu and K2. His career represents decades of experience guiding climbers through dangerous sections of the mountain like the Khumbu Icefall and South Col route.

At the same time, Lhakpa Sherpa successfully climbed Everest for the 11th time, continuing her own record as the woman with the most Everest summits in history.

Lhakpa Sherpa first summited Everest in 2000 and became the first Nepali woman to successfully climb and descend the mountain. Over the years, she built a remarkable climbing career despite facing financial struggles and limited opportunities compared to many international climbers. She is now widely known around the world as the “Mountain Queen.”

Her story became even more popular after international documentaries and media coverage highlighted her journey from working as a kitchen helper and porter to becoming one of the world’s most respected female climbers. She has also climbed K2, one of the most difficult mountains in the world.

The achievements of both climbers are especially important for Nepal’s mountaineering industry. Every year, Sherpa guides play a huge role in fixing ropes, carrying supplies, supporting climbers, and leading expeditions safely to the summit. During the 2026 spring season alone, Nepal issued nearly 500 Everest permits, making it one of the busiest seasons in recent years.

While thousands of people dream of climbing Everest once in their lifetime, Kami Rita and Lhakpa Sherpa continue to show an extraordinary level of dedication, strength, and connection to the Himalayas. Their records are not just numbers but they are a reflection of Nepal’s long mountaineering history and the unmatched experience of Sherpa climbers on the world’s highest peaks.