KATHMANDU: Veteran climber Kami Rita Sherpa is preparing for what he says will likely be his final climb of Mount Everest, aiming to scale the world’s highest peak for a record 32nd time this spring.

The 55-year-old climber said he returned to Kathmandu from the United States about a month ago to prepare for the expedition.

“I have come back to prepare for my 32nd Everest ascent this spring season,” Kami Rita told The Tourism Times. “This will probably be my last attempt on the world’s highest peak.”

He said he had been urged by friends and family to retire several years ago but now feels the time has come.

“I am already 55. After retiring from Everest climbing in 2026, I plan to continue trekking and other adventure activities,” he said.

Kami Rita added that he will likely climb without guiding foreign clients this season. Instead, he will support the expedition teams of 14 Peaks Expedition at Everest Base Camp before attempting the summit in mid-May.

Born on January 17, 1970 in Solukhumbu, Kami Rita works as a senior climbing guide with 14 Peaks Expedition and Seven Summit Treks. He has held the record for the most ascents of Everest since May 2018.

His most recent summit was his 31st ascent on May 27, 2025, extending the record he had previously set on May 22, 2024.

Beyond Everest, Kami Rita also holds the record for the most ascents of mountains above 8,000 metres, with a total of 44 summits. These include eight climbs of Cho Oyu, five ascents of Manaslu, and one ascent each of Lhotse and K2.

Kami Rita first summited Everest in 1994 and has since climbed the peak repeatedly over three decades, becoming one of the most accomplished high-altitude guides in the Himalayas.

Kami Rita’s Mt Everest Ascents include 1994, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 (2 Times), 2012, 2013 (2 Times), 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 (2 Times), 2024 (2 Times), 2025.