PM Shah greets Kami Rita, Lakpa for their record Everest summits

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Balendra Shah has extended congratulations to Kami Rita Sherpa for successfully climbing Mount Everest for the 32nd time and to Lhakpa Sherpa for becoming the first woman to summit Everest for a record 11th time.

Writing a post on X, Shah said he was confident that these remarkable achievements would further strengthen Nepal’s mountain tourism sector, making it more credible, prestigious, and attractive while enhancing Nepal’s identity on the international stage.

Kami Rita successfully scaled Mount Everest for a record 32nd time at 10:12 am on Sunday, while Lakpa recorded her 11th summit at 9:30 am.

“The world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, is not merely a geographical height but the greatest symbol of Nepal’s self-respect, courage, endurance, and Himalayan civilization. Today, Nepali climbers have once again written history on this glorious mountain,” Shah said. “Such a historic success can only be achieved through unwavering courage, strict self-discipline, and honest dedication toward one’s work.”

Shah also said the contribution of the Sherpa community to Nepal’s mountaineering history has been extraordinary and unparalleled. He described Sherpas as the “invisible heroes” of the Himalayas who worship mountains like gods, accept risks as responsibilities, and safely guide climbers from around the world to the summit. Without their courage, knowledge, and hard work, he said, the glory of the mountains would remain incomplete, he said.