KATHMANDU: A 49-year-old mountaineer has reached the top of Mount Everest for the 30th time, becoming only the second person in history to achieve that many ascents of the world's tallest peak.

Pasang Dawa Sherpa, also known as Pa Dawa, hails from Pangboche and reached the summit at 8:25 am local time, according to Govinda Gurung, co-owner of TAG Nepal Treks and Expeditions. He was part of an expedition organized by 'Climbing The Seven Summits'.

The record for most Everest ascents is held by legendary climber Kami Rita Sherpa, who scaled the mountain for the 32nd time on May 17, breaking his own previous record.

Pa Dawa first stood atop Everest in 1998, supporting British adventurer Bear Grylls. His complete list of summit years includes: 1998, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004, twice in 2006, twice in 2007, 2008, 2009, twice in 2010, 2011, 2012, twice in 2013, 2016, 2017, twice in 2018, twice in 2019, twice in 2022, twice in 2023, and twice in 2025.

While Everest is his most famous achievement, Pa Dawa has also conquered other towering peaks. He has summited Cho Oyu (the sixth-highest mountain) five times, as well as Lhotse and Manaslu. His favorite mountain since childhood, however, is Ama Dablam, located just 1.5 hours from his home—he has climbed it over 70 times.