KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Balendra Shah has congratulated Kami Rita Sherpa and Lhakpa Sherpa on their record-breaking Everest summits on Sunday, calling the achievements a proud moment for Nepal and a tribute to the indomitable spirit of the Sherpa community.

Taking to social media, Shah described Everest as far more than a geographical landmark, calling it the supreme symbol of Nepal's self-respect, courage, perseverance, and Himalayan civilisation. "Today, Nepali climbers have once again written history on this glorious mountain," he wrote.

Shah noted that Kami Rita reached the Everest summit for a record 32nd time at 10:12 am, renewing his own world record for the most ascents of the peak, while Lhakpa Sherpa, known as the Mountain Queen, summited at 9:30 am for an unprecedented 11th time, setting a new world record among women climbers.

The Prime Minister paid special tribute to the Sherpa community, calling them the invisible heroes of the Himalayas. "They worship the mountains as divine, accept risk as responsibility, and guide climbers from around the world safely to the summit. Without their courage, knowledge, and labour, the glory of the Himalayas would be incomplete," he wrote.

Shah expressed confidence that the twin historic achievements would further strengthen Nepal's mountain tourism sector and brighten the country's identity on the international stage. He extended congratulations on behalf of all Nepalis to both climbers, the Sherpa community, and all those dedicated to the mountaineering sector.