Kenton Cool, a British climber, reaches the summit of Everest for the 19th time, the highest number by a non-Sherpa.

Kenton Cool Climbs Everest for the 19th Time

KATHMANDU – British climber Kenton Cool achieved a remarkable feat on Sunday by reaching the summit of Mount Everest for the 19th time, marking a new record among non-Sherpas, according to hiking officials.

At 51 years old, Cool reached the peak, which stands at 29,032 feet, in the morning hours, as reported by Rajan Batalai, a guide from the Nepali expedition group, Himalayas.

This accomplishment has been celebrated by fellow climbers, who regard him as a “legend.”

“His experience, charisma, and strength make him an invaluable part of the Everest community,” stated Adrian Ballinger from Alpenglow Expeditions, a U.S.-based organization.

Ballinger, who has summited Everest nine times and is currently leading a team on the Chinese side, remarked, “He’s the right person to share a 20-year story about the mountain.”

Cool first summited Everest back in 2004 and has made nearly annual climbs since then. This time, he was accompanied by Sherpa Dorji Galjen.

Meanwhile, the record for the highest number of summits remains with the Nepali Sherpa Kami Rita, who has reached the top 30 times.

Cool utilized the South East Ridge route, or South Col, the standard path to the summit that was first navigated by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953. This route remains the most favored among climbers.

Since its first ascent over 70 years ago, more than 8,000 individuals have summited Everest.

Climbing stands as a significant part of Nepal’s tourism, contributing to both the economy and providing employment opportunities, with eight of the world’s tallest peaks located in the country.