Kami Rita Sherpa, the eminent Nepali mountaineer and guide, recently made history by conquering Mount Everest for the 31st time on Tuesday, setting a new world record for the highest number of successful summits. At 55 years old, Mr. Rita has dedicated more than three decades to guiding climbers from around the globe, helping them realize their dreams of standing atop the world's tallest mountain. In an exclusive interview with The New York Times following his record-breaking climb, he shared insights about his career, the evolving landscape of high-altitude expeditions, and concerns regarding climate change impacting Mount Everest.
Upon acknowledging his remarkable achievement, Mr. Rita expressed pride in facilitating climbers' aspirations and relayed the challenges he faced during this latest ascent. He noted that harsh weather conditions have made climbing more difficult over the past two to three years, highlighting the changing climate's toll on this iconic peak. Rita also observed an increase in luxury expeditions and the use of advanced technologies, such as xenon gas to aid climbers.
Reflecting on the future, Mr. Rita warned of the possibility of snowless peaks and a declining need for guides due to the ramifications of global warming. As glaciers continue to recede and unpredictable weather patterns emerge, he urged the climbing community and the world to acknowledge the urgency of climate action and conservation efforts to protect these majestic mountains. His experiences bring to the fore not only the triumphs of climbing but also the pressing challenges posed by an environment in transition.
