Famed Sherpa guide will attempt to climb Mt. Everest for a 31st time, breaking his own record

Los Angeles Times - Apr 20th, 2025

Renowned Sherpa guide Kami Rita, 55, is set to attempt his 31st ascent of Mt. Everest, with the possibility of a 32nd climb, breaking his own record. Rita, who currently holds the record for the most successful ascents of the world's highest peak at 30, flew to Everest from Kathmandu to lead a group of climbers aiming for the summit this spring. The climbing season runs through May, and Rita emphasized his primary goal is the safety and success of his clients before potentially making multiple ascents, contingent on favorable weather and conditions.

Kami Rita's record-breaking endeavors highlight the crucial role of Sherpa guides in the climbing community, providing expertise and ensuring the safety of foreign climbers on challenging Himalayan expeditions. Since his first ascent in 1994, Rita has made almost annual climbs, contributing to a family legacy of pioneering Sherpa guides. With 214 climbers permitted for the Nepali side of Everest this season, Rita's achievements underscore the enduring allure of Everest, first conquered by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953, and the ongoing significance of skilled Sherpa guidance in mountaineering.

Mount Everest Nepal Kami Rita Sherpa Guides Record Breaking Climbs Spring Climbing Season Pasang Dawa Mountaineering

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides an accurate and engaging account of Kami Rita's record-breaking attempts to climb Mt. Everest. It scores highly in clarity and readability, making it accessible to a broad audience. The use of a reputable source like the Associated Press adds credibility, though the article could benefit from additional perspectives to enhance balance and source quality. While the story is timely and holds public interest for those fascinated by mountaineering, its impact is largely inspirational rather than transformative. The narrative is unlikely to provoke controversy, maintaining a neutral tone throughout. Overall, the article is a well-crafted piece that highlights human achievement and the dedication of Sherpa guides.

Accuracy

The article accurately reports that Kami Rita is attempting to climb Mt. Everest for the 31st and possibly 32nd times, which is consistent with his known record of 30 ascents. The claim that he holds the record for the most successful ascents of Mt. Everest is verifiable through multiple sources, including the Nepal Department of Tourism. The article also correctly identifies his closest competitor as Pasang Dawa, who has made 27 ascents. However, while the article mentions that 214 climbers have been issued permits, it doesn't specify the year, which might require verification for precision. Overall, the article presents factual information that aligns with known records, but the lack of specific year data for the permits could be a minor oversight.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on Kami Rita and his achievements, providing a singular perspective centered around his personal and professional endeavors. While it does mention his closest competitor, Pasang Dawa, it lacks broader context about the climbing community or the challenges faced by Sherpa guides. The story could be more balanced by including perspectives from other climbers or stakeholders in the mountaineering community, which would provide a more comprehensive view of the climbing season and its dynamics.

Clarity

The article is well-written, with clear and concise language that effectively conveys the main points. The structure is logical, beginning with the current news of Kami Rita's upcoming climbs and then providing background information about his record and the climbing season. The tone is neutral and informative, making the content accessible and easy to understand for a general audience.

Source quality

The article cites the Associated Press as its source, which is a reputable and reliable news organization known for its journalistic standards. The direct quotes from Kami Rita add authenticity and credibility to the story. However, the article could enhance its source quality by including additional voices, such as officials from Nepal's Department of Tourism or other climbing experts, to corroborate the claims and provide a broader context.

Transparency

The article is transparent in its reporting, clearly attributing quotes to Kami Rita and stating the source as the Associated Press. However, it lacks detailed information on how the data was gathered or the methodology behind the reported statistics, such as the number of climbing permits issued. Greater transparency could be achieved by explaining the basis for these figures and any potential limitations or biases in the data collection process.