Nepali mountaineering icon Kami Rita Sherpa has once again made history, reaching the summit of Mount Everest for a record 31st time and further extending his world record for the most ascents of the world’s highest peak.

The 55-year-old climber stood atop the 8,848.86-metre summit at around 4am on Tuesday under stable weather conditions, according to Mingma Sherpa, chairman of Seven Summit Treks, the expedition organiser.

Kami Rita was serving as the lead climbing guide for the Indian Army Adventure Wing Everest Expedition, led by Lieutenant Colonel Manoj Joshi.

“This new feat cements his status as the record holder for the highest number of ascents to the top of the world — a record that no one else has come close to,” said Mingma.

“Kami Rita is safe and stable after his summit. He has started his descent and is on his way back to base camp,” he added. “As always, Kami has demonstrated his unmatched skills and professionalism on the mountain. We are immensely proud of his achievement and the legacy he continues to build.”

Born in the Solukhumbu region, the heartland of the Sherpa community that has long powered Himalayan expeditions, Kami Rita first climbed Everest in 1994 while working as a support staff member. Over the decades, he has become one of the world’s most accomplished high-altitude climbers.

Following him is Pasang Dawa Sherpa, who has reached the summit of Everest 29 times, including two ascents during this spring season.