British mountain guide Kenton Cool has once again etched his name in mountaineering history by scaling Mount Everest for the 19th time, breaking his own record for the most ascents by a non-Sherpa climber.
The 51-year-old adventurer reached the 8,849-meter (29,032-foot) summit on Sunday, May 18, 2025, alongside several other climbers. Cool has been a regular presence on Everest since 2004, missing only a few seasons due to extreme circumstances such as avalanches and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite his remarkable achievement, Cool remains humble, acknowledging that Nepali Sherpa guides have scaled the peak more times than him. The current record-holder for the most Everest ascents is Kami Rita, who has climbed the mountain 30 times and is expected to attempt another summit soon.
Cool’s latest climb was smooth, though he noted that many climbers were attempting the summit on the same day, making the journey more crowded. He has hinted at future climbs, possibly reaching 20 or even 21 ascents, before shifting his focus to other mountains in Nepal.
His legacy extends beyond Everest—Cool was the first British guide to lead a client to the summit of K2, the world’s second-highest mountain, and he previously completed the Everest triple crown, scaling Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse in a single push without returning to base camp.
A true mountaineering legend, Kenton Cool continues to inspire climbers worldwide with his resilience and passion for high-altitude exploration.
