Everest guide scales peak for 29th time

One of greatest climbing guides on Mount Everest has scaled the world’s highest peak for the 29th time, extending his own record for reaching the summit.

Kami Rita reached the 29,032ft peak at 7.25am local time on Sunday along with other climbers, said Mingma Sherpa of the expedition organiser Seven Summits Treks.

He was said to be in good health and already on the way down to lower camps.

Kami Rita climbed Everest twice last year, setting the record for most climbs on the first and adding to it less than a week later.

He and fellow Sherpa guide Pasang Dawa have been competing with each other for the title of most climbs of the world’s highest peak.

Pasang Dawa has 27 successful ascents of the mountain.

Kami Rita first climbed Everest in 1994 and has been making the trip nearly every year since. He is one of many Sherpa guides whose expertise and skills are vital to the safety and success each year of foreign climbers who seek to stand on top of the mountain.

His father was among the first Sherpa guides.

In addition to Everest, Kami Rita has scaled several other peaks that are among the world’s highest, including K2, Cho Oyu, Manaslu and Lhotse.

Nepalese authorities have issued hundreds of climbing permits to foreign climbers for this climbing season, and at least as many local Sherpa guides will be accompanying them.