KATHMANDU: The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) received legendary climber Kami Rita Sherpa at Tribhuvan International Airport on his return from Lukla, honouring the man who has now stood atop Mount Everest more times than anyone in history.

NMA President Fur Gelje Sherpa welcomed Kami Rita with a khada at the airport, extending congratulations on behalf of the association for what he called an extraordinary achievement that continues to inspire the global mountaineering community.

Kami Rita, 56, summited Everest for the 32nd time on May 17, breaking his own world record for the most successful ascents of the world's highest peak. Climbing with 14 Peaks Expedition and without a foreign client to guide this season, he launched his push from South Col and reached the summit at approximately 10:12 AM.

Born in Thame village, Solukhumbu, Kami Rita began his Everest journey in 1992 as expedition support staff. He has held the record for most Everest ascents since May 2018. His broader Himalayan resume includes 32 Everest summits, eight ascents of Cho Oyu, three of Manaslu, and single ascents of K2 and Lhotse — all between 1994 and 2026, according to 14 Peaks Expedition Managing Director Tashi Lakpa Sherpa.

With the season still open, Tashi Lakpa noted that Kami Rita will decide after returning to base camp whether to attempt a 33rd summit.