Nepali high-altitude specialist and alpine guide Kami Rita Sherpa has received an official Guinness World Records certificate after completing 42 ascents of mountains above 8,000 metres, including an unprecedented 31 summits of Mount Everest.

The 55-year-old climber from Thame in Solukhumbu is already recognised globally as the most successful Everest summiteer in history. Of his 42 ascents on the world’s highest mountains, 31 were made on Everest alone—a record unmatched by any climber.

Kami Rita reached the summit of Everest for the 31st time on May 27, 2025.

Beyond Everest, he has also climbed other major 8,000-metre peaks including Manaslu, Lhotse, Cho Oyu and Pakistan’s K2.

The latest recognition marks another celebrated chapter in Nepal’s mountaineering history. Speaking to the Post on Wednesday morning, the record-holding climber described the honour as “the result of lifelong dedication, hard work and the spirit of the Sherpa community.”

He said he was dedicating the certificate to Nepal, the Sherpa people, his family and “everyone who believes in commitment and humility”.

Kami Rita noted that dozens of other Nepali Sherpas have also achieved more than 40 ascents collectively across the 8,000-metre range, underlining the community’s unmatched role in global mountaineering.

The newly certified Guinness record holder said his climbing career is far from over. He confirmed that he plans to return to Everest in the upcoming spring season for what would be his 32nd ascent of the world’s highest peak.