KATHMANDU: Legendary climber Kami Rita Sherpa has departed for the Everest region to attempt his record-breaking 32nd ascent of the world's highest peak, leading an international team for 14 Peaks Expedition this spring season.

"Heading to Lukla for my 32nd summit of Mount Everest with the 14 Peaks Expedition team, Spring 2026. Another journey begins toward the top of the world," Kami Rita wrote on social media as he set off for the mountains.

He later confirmed a safe arrival at Lukla Airport, writing: "We have safely landed in Lukla Airport, the gateway to the Himalaya. Our journey now continues toward Phakding as I lead an international team for the 14 Peaks Expedition 2026. This marks the beginning of my 32nd summit attempt on Mount Everest — a journey built on experience, passion, and the spirit of the mountains. Step by step, we move closer to the dream."

Photo: Kami Rita Sherpa

Tashi Lakpa Sherpa, owner of 14 Peaks Expedition, confirmed the departure, saying Kami Rita had left for the Everest region to lead the company's international expedition.

The 55-year-old climber, who returned to Kathmandu from the United States earlier this year to prepare for the season, has described this as what will likely be his final attempt on Everest. "I have come back to prepare for my 32nd Everest ascent this spring season. This will probably be my last attempt on the world's highest peak," he told The Tourism Times in March.

"I am already 55. After retiring from Everest climbing in 2026, I plan to continue trekking and other adventure activities," he added. He noted that friends and family had urged him to retire years ago, but said he now feels the time has come.

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, completed on May 27, 2025 — extending the record he had set on May 22, 2024.

Beyond Everest, Kami Rita also holds the record for the most ascents of peaks above 8,000 metres, with 44 summits in total, including eight climbs of Cho Oyu, five of Manaslu, and one each of Lhotse and K2. He first summited Everest in 1994 and has returned to its slopes repeatedly over three decades.

His Everest summit years are: 1994, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 (twice), 2012, 2013 (twice), 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 (twice), 2024 (twice), and 2025.

14 Peaks Expedition marked the occasion with a tribute on social media: "For most, Everest is a dream. For some, it becomes a journey. For Kami Rita Sherpa, it's a legacy — now heading for his 32nd summit of Mount Everest. He represents trust, experience, and the highest level of mountaineering leadership. May the mountain welcome you once again."