UK climber breaks record for most times Everest climbed by non-sherpa

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
20 May 11:04

Mount Everest was climbed for the 17th time by Kenton Cool, British-born guide who had previously set the record for most times a non-sherpa scaled Mount Everest.

Kenton Cool, pictured after his 16th successful Mount Everest ascent in 2022. (AP)

A British mountaineer guide at Mount Everest set the bar higher for the most times the highest peak in the world was scaled by a non-sherpa guide.

Mount Everest was climbed for the 17th time by Kenton Cool, a British-born guide who had previously set the record for the most times a non-sherpa scaled Everest 16 times.

Cool, who recorded his first successful climb in 2004, told reporters that records of the sort should not be attributed to mountains, noting that mountains are greater than such achievements. He did nonetheless express his satisfaction with a great climb and safe return.

While Cool holds the record for the most times Everest was scaled by a non-sherpa guide, Nepali sherpas hold the record for the most times the mountain was climbed.

Pasang Dawa Sherpa, a Nepali guide trekker, became the second person in the world on Sunday to climb Mount Everest 26 times, a world record that was previously held by Kami Rita Sherpa, who had just recently scaled the 8,000 km peak.

At present, Rita and Dawa are still on the mountain with their respective groups, possibly aiming for another summit before the end of the Spring season.

Nepali guides are considered the backbone of the climbing industry in the Himalayas, carrying the majority of equipment and food, fixing ropes, and repairing ladders.

According to authorities, about 470 climbing permits have been issued for the current season.

Since the start of the year, several fatalities have been recorded, including four Sherpa guides.

Cool was expected to mark his 17th climb a few years prior, but delays caused him to postpone his landmark achievement.

In 2014, the climbing season was annulled because of an avalanche that killed several people, including 16 Sherpa guides.

In 2015, an earthquake-triggered avalanche resulted in the deaths of 19 individuals.

And on 2020, the climbing season was canceled due to the pandemic.