KATHMANDU: Nepali mountaineer and international IFMGA Mountain Guide Abiral Rai is now one peak away from completing the Seven Summits, after successfully climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, on Tuesday.

Rai reached the 5,895-metre summit of Kilimanjaro at 9:00 am with singer Raju Lama, adding the African peak to his climbing record and taking his Seven Summits tally to six continents.

Only Denali, the highest peak in North America, remains on Rai’s Seven Summits list.

Rai has so far climbed the highest peaks of six continents: Everest (8,848.86m) in Asia, Aconcagua (6,961m) in South America, Carstensz Pyramid (4,884m) in Oceania, Mount Vinson (4,892m) in Antarctica, Mount Elbrus (5,642m) in Europe and Kilimanjaro (5,895m) in Africa.

He has climbed Everest three times, in 2022, 2024 and 2026. He climbed Aconcagua on February 22, 2025, Carstensz Pyramid on October 10, 2025, Vinson on January 6, 2026, Elbrus on July 5, 2026 and Kilimanjaro on August 11, 2026.

Rai is also described as the first IFMGA Mountain Guide and first Everest summiteer from the Thulung Rai community. He has more than 15 years of experience in mountaineering, expedition leadership, rescue, training and international expeditions

Beyond climbing, Rai works as a photographer and videographer and has contributed to publications including National Geographic and Outside, as well as numerous national and international media outlets and expeditions. He currently serves as treasurer of the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association.

Rai said his collaboration with former Gurkha soldier and mountaineer Hari Budha Magar has been instrumental to his Seven Summits campaign. The two travelled together on expeditions to the highest peaks of four continents, with Rai contributing as a mountain guide, photographer and videographer.

Kilimanjaro was also the second international expedition jointly undertaken by Rai and Lama. The two had previously climbed Mount Elbrus together.

Lama, who is pursuing his own Seven Summits campaign to raise awareness about climate change through music across the seven continents, has now climbed the highest peaks of four continents—Everest, Carstensz Pyramid, Elbrus and Kilimanjaro.

Rai and Lama plan to continue collaborating on international expeditions, including a possible expedition to Denali, which would also be Rai’s final peak in his Seven Summits campaign.

With Kilimanjaro behind him, Rai’s next target is therefore clear: Denali and the completion of the highest peaks of all seven continents.