Kami Rita Sherpa, known as the "Everest Man," scaled Mount Everest for the 32nd time Sunday, a new record. Meanwhile, Lhakpa Sherpa, the "Mountain Queen," summited the world's highest peak for the 11th time, breaking her own women's record.

"This is another milestone in Nepal's mountaineering history," said Himal Gautam, spokesperson for Nepal's Tourism Department, in an interview with Agence France-Presse (AFP).

Kami Rita Sherpa, 56, first reached the summit in 1994 while working for a commercial expedition. Since then, he has climbed Everest almost every year, guiding clients. Lhakpa Sherpa, 52, first stood atop Everest in 2000, becoming the first Nepali woman to successfully summit and descend the peak.

"Their record gives greater excitement to other climbers," Gautam added. "By breaking records through healthy competition on Everest, it helps make climbing safer, more dignified, and better managed."

A climbing boom since Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa's first ascent in 1953 has made mountaineering a lucrative business. This season, Nepal has issued a record 492 Everest permits, with a city of tents set up at the foot of Everest for climbers and support staff. As most mountaineers attempt the ascent with the help of at least one Nepali guide, about a thousand climbers are expected to head for the summit in the next few days.

However, the high numbers have rekindled concerns about overcrowding on the mountain, especially if poor weather shortens the climbing window.