Renowned Nepali guide Kami Rita Sherpa, 56, has eclipsed his own world record by reaching the summit of Mount Everest for a 32nd time. Leading clients for the 14 Peaks Expedition on Sunday, the veteran mountaineer—often called the “Everest Man”—once again proved his dominance on the 8,849‑meter peak, a record he first set in 2018 when he surpassed his previous tally of 21 ascents.

On the same day, fellow Sherpa Lhakpa Sherpa, 52, known as the “Mountain Queen,” claimed her own milestone, completing an 11th successful climb of Everest. Her achievement extends the record for the most summits by a female climber, a title she first earned in 2022. Lhakpa, who first reached the summit in 2000 as the first Nepali woman to do so, has become the subject of a 2023 documentary that chronicles her multiple ascents and life as a single mother.

The 2024 climbing season has been exceptionally busy, with Nepal issuing a record number of permits to foreign aspirants—nearly 500 this year—while Nepali guides, who do not need permits, continue to accompany most expeditions. The surge in traffic has raised safety concerns, especially after a large glacier chunk blocked the route from Base Camp, causing delays and fears of congestion on the mountain.

Both climbers were congratulated by Nepal’s tourism department and Prime Minister Balendra Shah, who praised their “historic success” as a testament to courage, discipline, and dedication. Their record‑breaking feats underscore the enduring skill and resilience of Nepal’s Sherpa community in the world’s most demanding high‑altitude arena.