A new wave of Himalayan summits has begun, led by veteran Sherpas setting personal records on Everest. Kami Rita Sherpa, 56, reached the summit for the 32nd time, extending his own world record for the most ascents of the mountain. He was joined by Lakpa Sherpa, 52, known as the 'Mountain Queen,' who summited for the 11th time—her first since 2022. Both climbers were part of larger expeditions involving multiple 8,000-meter peaks.

The activity extends beyond Everest. Kristin Harila of Norway summited Nuptse without supplemental oxygen and plans to climb Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse in a single season with Sherpa support but no bottled oxygen. Rope-fixing teams have also reached the summit of Lhotse, enabling future attempts. Last week, Bartek Ziemski of Poland summited Lhotse solo, without oxygen, fixed ropes, or Sherpa support, then skied back to Base Camp.

These climbs highlight the ongoing role of Sherpa climbers in high-altitude mountaineering, as well as growing interest in oxygen-free ascents and multi-peak challenges. While records draw attention, the season also underscores the physical and logistical demands of climbing at extreme altitudes, where experience and support systems remain critical.