Sherpa Guide Breaks Record with 30th Everest Summit
Nepali sherpa guide Kami Rita Sherpa has scaled the summit of Mount Everest for an unprecedented 30th time, shattering his previous record and setting a new milestone in mountaineering history. The 54-year-old reached the 8,849-meter (29,032 foot) peak on Wednesday via the traditional southeast ridge route, according to Nepali tourism official Khim Lal Gautam. Sherpa had previously summitted Everest for the 29th time on May 12, breaking his own record set in 2019.
Two Climbers Missing on Descent
While Sherpa's ascent marked a triumph of human endurance, tragedy struck the mountain as a British climber and a Nepali guide were reported missing on Tuesday. The climbers disappeared near the South Summit, located in the mountain's death zone where oxygen levels are dangerously low. They were descending after successfully reaching the summit when they slipped and fell.
Sherpa's Remarkable Journey
Sherpa's first Everest ascent was in 1994, and he has summitted the mountain nearly every year since, with the exception of three years when the mountain was closed due to various reasons. His unwavering determination and exceptional skill have made him a legend in the mountaineering community.
Mountain Climbing in Nepal
Mountaineering is a pivotal tourism activity in Nepal, generating significant revenue and employment opportunities. The country is home to eight of the world's 14 highest peaks, including Everest, attracting climbers from around the globe.
Tragedy on Everest
The news of the missing climbers follows the recent deaths of two Mongolian climbers on Everest last week, underscoring the inherent dangers of high-altitude mountaineering. The unforgiving conditions, altitude sickness, and unpredictable weather can pose serious risks even to experienced climbers.
