Kathmandu, Nepal (Reuters) – On Sunday, Nepal’s Department of Tourism confirmed that British climber Kenton Cool, 50, and Nepali guide Kami Rita Sherpa, 54, have surpassed their own records by successfully ascending Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, for the 18th and 29th times, respectively.
The climbers achieved this remarkable feat during separate expeditions while guiding their clients, reaffirming their endurance and expertise in high-altitude mountaineering.
Garrett Madison, representing U.S.-based expedition organizer Madison Mountaineering, expressed admiration for Kami Rita Sherpa’s relentless pursuit of mountaineering excellence, stating, “He just keeps going and going… amazing guy!”
Madison had previously collaborated with Kami Rita in 2014 to conquer the summits of Everest, Lhotse, and K2, the world’s second-highest mountain located in Pakistan and Nepal’s fourth-tallest peak, respectively.
Austrian expedition operator Lukas Furtenbach of Furtenbach Adventures applauded Kenton Cool’s achievement, describing him as a pivotal figure in the Everest guiding industry, stating, “He is a fundamental part of the Everest guiding industry. Kenton Cool is an institution.”
Both climbers utilized the Southeast Ridge route, pioneered by Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay in 1953, which remains the most popular path to the Everest summit.
Kami Rita Sherpa’s climbing journey began in 1994, and he has summited Everest almost every year since then, with the exception of three years when the mountain was closed due to various reasons. Last year alone, he conquered the peak twice.
Nepal heavily relies on mountain tourism for income and employment, being home to eight of the world’s 14 highest peaks, including Everest. This climbing season, Nepal issued 414 climbing permits, each priced at $11,000, with the season coming to a close this month.
The achievements of Kenton Cool and Kami Rita Sherpa underscore their dedication to mountaineering and highlight the enduring allure of Everest for climbers around the world.