Famed Sherpa guide attempts to climb Mount Everest for 31st time

Belfast Telegraph - 20/04
One of the greatest mountain guides will attempt to scale the world’s highest peak for the 31st time, and possibly the 32nd as well, and break his own record.

Kami Rita, 55, flew to Mount Everest on Sunday from Kathmandu to lead a group of climbers who will try to reach the 29,032ft summit during the spring climbing season.

“I am mentally, emotionally and physically prepared to climb the mountain,” Kami Rita told The Associated Press at Kathmandu’s airport. “I am in my top physical condition right now.”

He holds the record for the most successful ascents of Mount Everest, at 30 times. In May last year he climbed the peak twice.

An airport official and friend takes a selfie with renowned Sherpa mountain guide Kami Rita (Gopen Rai/AP)

“My first priority is to get my client to the summit of the peak. Then I will decide on whether I will climb the peak more than one time during the season. ...
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