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Last October, Kami Rita successfully led a group of Vietnamese tourists to conquer Everest Base Camp. This was reportedly his first time working with Vietnamese clients. Following the trip, Kami Rita shared his feelings, future plans, and other professional insights with Travellive magazine.
Hello Kami Rita! How did you feel leading a Vietnamese delegation for the first time?
I have a lot of experience working with international teams, so I had no difficulty communicating. Also, if there were things I couldn't express verbally, I used body language to help them understand my point of view. Overall, the trip was successful, and thankfully everyone was able to complete it in good health. It's great that even when we were stranded for four nights in Mathali due to bad weather, everyone remained optimistic and didn't easily lose hope.
Kami Rita and the Vietnamese delegation.
What was his impression of Vietnamese tourists?
Coming from a Buddhist background, I've always believed that if we treat everyone well, good things will come to us. I understand that Buddhism is one of the main religions in Vietnam, so perhaps that's why we connect so easily. Furthermore, as the team leader, they greatly respect my decisions.
Having coached professional climbers many times, what are the differences (besides physical fitness) between professional and amateur climbers?
Sometimes amateur climbers don't follow the schedule because they're unaware of the distance they need to cover, and this affects the whole group's schedule. We have to remind them repeatedly about things like eating and drinking on time, wearing warm clothes because they can't change until the group reaches the lodge or hotel, and going to bed on time because lack of sleep affects physical fitness, not to mention that waking up late means not having enough time for breakfast.
Kami Rita chatted with members of the group at the rest stop.
What was the pressure like for him as a guide for experienced mountaineers attempting to conquer Mount Everest?
If I said I didn't feel any pressure, that would be a lie. When leading a group, I want everyone in the group to have a successful climb, but there are still some things that affect the schedule that we can't control.
When bad weather threatens to cancel flights, as the group leader, I have to quickly and decisively prepare contingency plans. After landing, we also need porters to help passengers with their luggage. There are also some passengers who are emotionally vulnerable, so I have to keep their spirits up, because if they become depressed, it could negatively impact the entire group.
How did he convince his family to continue the Everest expedition?
My wife worries a lot whenever I go on expeditions or mountain climbing, but my family members understand that this is my job and respect it.
Kami Rita remains committed to her work leading mountain climbing expeditions.
The mistakes made by the climbers on the 1996 trip were easily discernible. What was the reason he didn't participate in guiding that trip?
I also participated in the expedition in 1996, but not with the group that was involved in the accident. At that time, I worked as a Sherpa, assisting with essential tasks for the climbing team.
Our group had to abandon the expedition from Camp 4 for several reasons. I remember the group leader and some of our guides at the time assisted with the rescue while I and the other Sherpa guides handled the transportation.
Which conquest impressed him the most?
Personally, I think all my expeditions were similar, but if I had to single out a few moments, I would say the 2014 and 2015 trips. Sadly, 16 Sherpa guides lost their lives in an ice accident in Khumbu in 2014, and in 2015 there was a major earthquake that claimed many lives.
He had witnessed many of his friends suffer unfortunate accidents, but he persevered in his profession.
Could you share some information about your next Everest expedition?
I can't say anything about future plans right here and now. But I might go on an expedition next spring.
What is his next mountain climbing goal?
I would love to attempt a trip to conquer the Seven Peaks (the seven highest mountains in each continent) if I could find suitable sponsors and supporters. I've already conquered a few of them.
What motivates him to continue working as a guide for Everest expeditions?
What motivates me is that I can help people fulfill their dreams of climbing Everest and other mountains. As guides, we understand how hard our clients work just to save up for this adventure. And when we see people's smiles and emotions, when their dreams come true, it's like my own dream has come true too.
Kami Rita aspires to complete the conquest of the Seven Peaks.
What was his biggest fear when climbing mountains?
No expedition is 100% safe because there are many external factors. These include all the natural disasters like avalanches, bad weather, or earthquakes that we all fear when climbing mountains.
Thank you for sharing!
Kami Rita, born in 1970, is a Sherpa from the Himalayan region of Nepal. In 1994, he first successfully conquered Mount Everest as a support member of a climbing team. His achievements continued steadily over the years, and in 2022, he successfully conquered Everest for the 26th time. Kami Rita stated that he will continue climbing until his health no longer permits it, and that his number of ascents of the world's highest mountain will not stop at 26.
