Kathmandu— In an astonishing display of endurance and skill, British climber Kenton Cool, 50, and Nepali guide Kami Rita Sherpa, 54, have shattered their own records for the most climbs of Mount Everest, the world’s tallest peak. According to Rakesh Gurung, director of Nepal’s Department of Tourism, Cool achieved his 18th ascent, while Kami Rita reached an unprecedented 29th summit.
Operating on separate expeditions, they were leading clients up the formidable mountain. “He just keeps going and going… amazing guy!” remarked Garrett Madison of Madison Mountaineering, who had previously joined forces with Kami Rita in 2014 to conquer Everest, Lhotse, and K2.

K2, situated in Pakistan, is the planet’s second-highest peak, while Lhotse in Nepal ranks as the fourth-tallest. Lukas Furtenbach of Furtenbach Adventures hailed Cool’s achievement as remarkable, emphasizing his integral role in the Everest guiding industry.

Both climbers opted for the Southeast Ridge route, a path made famous by the pioneering efforts of Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay in 1953, which remains the preferred route to the Everest summit.

Kami Rita’s climbing journey began in 1994, and since then, he has conquered Everest nearly every year, except during closures imposed by authorities. Last year alone, he summited the peak twice, solidifying his reputation as one of the foremost mountaineers of our time.

The significance of mountain climbing extends beyond personal achievement, serving as a vital tourism activity and economic engine for Nepal, renowned for hosting eight of the world’s 14 highest peaks, including Everest. With Nepal issuing 414 climbing permits, each priced at $11,000, for the current climbing season, it underscores the enduring allure of conquering the world’s tallest mountain.