Nepali Sherpa climber Kami Rita Sherpa has achieved a remarkable feat by reaching the summit of Mount Everest for the 27th time, surpassing his previous record. This accomplishment solidifies his status as one of the world’s most accomplished mountaineers. On Wednesday morning, accompanied by a Vietnamese climber, Kami Rita Sherpa successfully scaled the 8,849-meter mountain using the traditional southeast ridge route.
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Nepali climber Kami Rita Sherpa has achieved a remarkable feat by reaching the summit of Mount Everest for the 27th time, surpassing his previous record. This achievement not only solidifies Kami Rita Sherpa’s place in mountaineering history but also highlights the remarkable skills and expertise of Sherpa climbers in Nepal. The ascent took place on Wednesday morning, with Kami Rita Sherpa guiding a Vietnamese climber along the traditional southeast ridge route. This accomplishment comes after another Nepalese Sherpa tied his record by reaching the summit for the 26th time just a few days earlier.
Kami Rita Sherpa’s Mountaineering Journey
Kami Rita Sherpa, 53, hails from Thame village in the Solukhumbu district of Nepal, a region known for producing accomplished mountaineers. He began his mountaineering career in 1992 as a support staff member on an Everest expedition. Since then, Kami Rita Sherpa has fearlessly pursued his passion for climbing, conquering numerous peaks including Everest, K2, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Manaslu. His dedication to the mountains has led him to scale Everest almost every year since his first ascent in 1994, with the exception of 2014, 2015, and 2020 when climbing activities were halted due to various reasons.
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Reclaiming the Record
In 2018, Kami Rita Sherpa took the title for the most Everest summits when he reached the top for the 22nd time, surpassing the previous record shared by two other Sherpa climbers who have since retired. His unmatched determination and expertise in guiding expeditions have solidified his position as the “Everest Man” and a role model for Sherpa climbers. On Sunday, another climber, Pasang Dawa Sherpa, matched Kami Rita’s record by reaching the summit for the 26th time, temporarily sharing the title. However, Kami Rita’s recent summit marked his triumphant return to the top, securing the record for himself once again.
Contributions of Kami Rita Sherpa
Kami Rita Sherpas, particularly the ethnic Sherpas residing in the valleys around Everest, play a critical role in the climbing industry. Their mountaineering expertise and local knowledge are essential for the safe passage of hundreds of climbers who ascend Everest each year. These Sherpa guides take on immense risks, carrying equipment, food, fixing ropes, and repairing ladders. Kami Rita himself has led the first rope-fixing teams to open routes to the summit multiple times. The achievements of Sherpas like Kami Rita highlight their invaluable contributions to the climbing community.
Climbing Season and Overcrowding Concerns
Nepal, home to eight of the world’s ten highest peaks, including Everest, welcomes hundreds of climbers each spring, which is the ideal time for summiting. This season, a record number of permits, 478, have been issued to foreign climbers. The popularity of Everest has raised concerns about overcrowding and the safety of inexperienced climbers. In 2019, nine climbers died near the summit due to queues and exhaustion. The Nepalese government has faced criticism for allowing too many climbers on the mountain.
Nepal has faced criticism for allowing too many climbers, including inexperienced ones, to attempt Everest’s summit. Dangerous overcrowding can occur, especially at challenging sections such as the Hillary Step, just below the summit. Tragically, in 2019, nine climbers lost their lives due to exhaustion and queues that formed as climbers ascended and descended. The government of Nepal has been urged to address these concerns and ensure the safety of climbers on the mountain.
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Financial Impact and Criticism
Nepal, home to eight of the world’s ten highest peaks, including Everest, attracts hundreds of adventurers each spring when favorable weather conditions prevail. This year, a record-breaking 478 permits have been issued to foreign climbers, each costing $11,000 as part of the total expenses ranging from $45,000 to $200,000 for a summit attempt. With the majority of climbers requiring a guide, the number of individuals attempting to reach the summit has exceeded 900, setting a new record for the season.
Overall
Kami Rita’s accomplishment not only highlights the remarkable achievements of Sherpa climbers but also brings attention to the ongoing challenges and discussions surrounding mountaineering on Everest. While Kami Rita’s record-breaking ascent is a cause for celebration, it also raises important questions about sustainability, safety, and responsible tourism in the Himalayas.
Efforts are being made to address the concerns of overcrowding and safety on Everest. The Nepalese government has implemented stricter regulations and requirements for climbers, including a mandatory minimum experience of climbing at least one 6,000-meter peak in Nepal before attempting Everest. This is aimed at ensuring that climbers have the necessary skills and experience to navigate the challenging conditions they will encounter on the world’s highest mountain.
In addition, various initiatives have been launched to educate climbers and promote responsible mountaineering practices. Training programs and workshops are conducted to enhance climbers’ understanding of the risks involved and to foster a culture of safety and respect for the mountain environment. These efforts are crucial for the sustainable future of mountaineering in the region.
Furthermore, the achievements of climbers like Kami Rita shed light on the economic and social impact of mountaineering in Nepal. The climbing industry provides livelihoods for many Sherpa communities, who serve as guides, porters, and support staff. It is through their skills and expertise that climbers from around the world are able to attempt their dreams of reaching the summit. Supporting sustainable tourism practices and ensuring fair compensation for the local communities involved is essential for the continued development and well-being of these regions.
Kami Rita Sherpa’s 27th summit of Mount Everest is a testament to the indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication of Sherpa climbers. It serves as an inspiration for aspiring mountaineers and a reminder of the immense challenges that come with conquering the world’s highest peaks. As the mountaineering community continues to strive for safety, sustainability, and responsible tourism, the achievements of climbers like Kami Rita will continue to be celebrated while also fueling important discussions on the future of mountaineering in the Himalayas.
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