Sherpa’s management breaks its own Everest record for 26th time | WGN Radio 720

KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) – An experienced Nepalese Sherpa climber climbed Everest for the 26th time, breaking his own record for the number of climbs to the world’s highest peak, the organizers of the expedition said on Sunday.

Kami Rita reached a peak of 8,849 meters (29,032 feet) on Saturday night led by a group of Sherpa climbers who secured ropes along the route so hundreds of other climbers and guides could make their way to the top of the mountain later this month.

Rita and 10 other Sherpa guides made it to the top without a hitch and returned safely to the lower camps, said Mingma Sherpa of Kathmandu-based Seven Summit Treks.

The group reached the summit around 7pm on Saturday, which by late climbing standards is late. At night there is a risk of worsening weather conditions and beating of climbers on the descent.

Sherpa said all the guides were very experienced climbers.

Hundreds of foreign climbers and as many Sherpa guides will try to climb Everest this month. May is the best month to climb Everest, as it has the best weather conditions. Usually on the highest part of the mountain in May there are only a few windows for good weather that allow climbers to reach the top.

The 52-year-old Rita first climbed Everest in 1994 and has since traveled almost every year. He is one of many Sherpa guides whose experience and skills are vital to the safety and success of foreign climbers who head to Nepal every year to climb to the top of the mountain.

His father was one of the first Sherpa leaders, and Rita followed in his footsteps, and then some. In addition to Rita climbing Mount Everest 26 times, Rita has climbed several other peaks that are among the highest in the world, including K-2, Cho-Oyu, Manaslu and Lhotse.