British mountaineer Kenton Cool climbed to the top of Mount Everest for the 20th time on Friday, breaking his own record for the most ascents by non-Sherpa climbers.
Together with Cool, 29 Sherpa guides and 13 expedition members, a total of 42 climbers, reached the summit todayhe stated Khimlal Gautamin charge of the field office of the Department of Tourism in Everest Base Camp, for dpa.
Cool (52)who is considered one of the world’s leading high mountain climbers, climbs the high peak almost every year 8,849 meters since its first ascent in 2004.
Renowned British mountaineer Kenton Cool @KentonCool has reached the summit of Mt. Everest (8848.86 m) for the 20th time this morning, 22.05.2026 NPT, extending his own record for the most ascents by any foreign climber on the world’s highest mountain. CONGRATULATIONS!
Photo ©:… pic.twitter.com/VWW2dNrVwM
— Everest Today (@EverestToday) May 21, 2026
According to data from his website, the challenge is over The Seven Peaks and he is the only known Briton who skied down from two peaks higher than 8,000 meters.
Kenton Cool @KentonCool is now descending below Camp III (~7,200 m) after successfully reaching the summit of Mt Everest (8,848.86 m) for the 20th time, extending his own record for the most ascents by any foreign climber on the world’s highest mountain.
Alongside him, Dorji… pic.twitter.com/ult6aBz790
— Everest Today (@EverestToday) May 22, 2026
Hundreds of climbers and guides conquered the top
During the spring climbing season of 2026, Nepal’s Department of Tourism has issued permits to climb Everest for 494 climbers who pay a fee, on the south side of the mountain in Nepal.
They are accompanied by hundreds of guides and support staff. Until Friday at least 600 climbers and guides won the top.
While Cool holds the record among non-Sherpa climbers, Nepalese Sherpa guides still dominate the overall ascent records on Mount Everest.
(Fena | Photo: X)
