First person to climb Mount Everest | Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa Story

Sir Edmund Hillary

Sir Edmund Hillary was born in Auckland, New Zealand, on July 20, 1919. He was a New Zealand mountaineer climber, Antarctic explorer, and philanthropist, who with the Nepali mountaineer Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, was the first New Zealander in space men to reach the summit of Mount Everest. In addition, he dedicated most of his life to mountaineering, exploring, and motivating new mountaineers.

For many years, he trekked and climbed in New Zealand, developing his physical stamina and mountaineering skills. His first significant climbs were in the Southern Alps and the Himalayas of New Zealand.

On May 29, 1953, Hillary and Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay became the first climbers confirmed to have reached the summit of the highest peak Mount Everest. Furthermore, his life changed forever when they were part of the Ninth British Expedition to Everest, led by Colonel John Hunt. Additionally, they faced extreme weather, physical exhaustion, and dangerous conditions, but they persevered and reached Mount Everest.

In the 1960s Hillary returned to the mountains to help with health facilities and build schools for the Sherpas people of Nepal through the Himalayan Trust, which he established. He is credited with the many school and hospital constructions in Nepal. From 1985 to 1988 he became New Zealand’s high commissioner to India and Bangladesh concurrently as Ambassador to Nepal.

Sir Edmund Hillary was not only a pioneering mountaineer but, also a symbol of bravery, adventure, and philanthropy, and he was actively contributing his efforts to provide education and health care to the homeland of Sherpas, Nepal. Hillary had numerous honors conferred upon him, including the Order of the Garter in 1995. Upon his death on January 11, 2008, he was given a state funeral in New Zealand.

Tenzing Norgay Sherpa

Tenzing Norgay Sherpa was born in 1914 in the Everest Region of Tengboche Khumbu, northeastern Nepal. He was raised in a village near the Base of Everest and developed an early affinity for the mountains. Later, he worked as a guide and porter on numerous expeditions in the Himalayas.

Tenzing Norgay Sherpa got an opportunity to join the 1953, British-led expedition, and meet Sir Edmund Hillary who began the last summit drive. This was a pivotal moment in Norgay's career although he was not initially chosen for the team, Norgay's friend, Ang Tharkay, recommended him after other climbers failed medical tests. Finally, they successfully reached the top summit of Mount Everest, on the morning of May 29, 1953, making them official climbers.

Following the climb, Norgay became an international hero and a symbol of sherpa resilience and skill. Additionally, after years of his ascent, Norgay became a global ambassador for mountaineering and the Himalayan people. He helped to improve conditions for Sherpas and contributed to the development of the mountain region. Furthermore, he was director of field training at the famous HMI Institute established in Darjeeling and trained future generations of climbers. Unfortunately, the man is no longer alive, he passed away in 1986 but remains one of the most revered figures in mountaineering history.

Hillary and Norgay’s Bond on Mount Everest

Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s bond on Everest was built on trust and teamwork, crucial for their treacherous journey, during the 1953 ascent of Mount Everest. They reached the summit, their bond was built on mutual respect and trust, which proved to be climacteric for success. Throughout the climb, New Zealand mountaineer Edmund Hillary, and Nepali sherpa Tenzing Norgay sherpa, share the mountainous challenges of high altitude battling fierce winds, climbing, physical exhaustion, and freezing temperatures.

Their unity and cooperation showcased the true spirit of teamwork, a requisite lesson for adventures in the world. While Tenzing had unparalleled local knowledge and expertise, Hillary’s technical skills complemented, their partnership a perfect symbol of collaboration. The friendship between Hillary and Norgay remains an enduring reminder of the human spirit’s strength when united in pursuit of a common goal.

How Hillary and Norgay made History

Sir Edmund Hillary New Zealand mountaineer, and experienced sherpa Tenzing Norgay, of Nepal, made history by becoming the first successful climber to reach the Summit of Mount Everest on May 29, 1953. Their achievement was a monumental milestone in Mountaineering history.

The British Expedition team led by John Hunt. After some weeks of climbing, both Hillary and Norgay reached the world's highest point Mount Everest, which is standing at 8,848.86 meters above sea level. They spent some minutes at the Everest summit, taking some pictures and making the occasion before descending.

This successful climbing was a historic moment not only in mountaineering history but, this is also in the broader context of human endurance and determination. This event was celebrated, especially after it was announced on June 2, 1953, coinciding with the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, which added to its significance. This achievement inspired climbers and adventures around the world.

Celebrations

The successful summit of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hilary and Tenzing Norgay on May 29, 1953, was celebrated with great enthusiasm and appreciation worldwide. Tenzing and Hillary spent 15 minutes at the summit of Everest and Edmund took a Tenzing with his ice axe but, Tenzing has never used a camera, so he could not take a picture of Hillary. However, they also took pictures looking down the mountain to prove they had reached the top. They were met back at camp by their colleague W.G, Lowe, to whom Hillary reputedly said, “Well, Gorge, we knocked the bastard off”.

After they completed climbing Mount Everest, overnight Sir Edmund and Tenzing Norgay gained worldwide popularity. In addition to national celebrations, the timing of their ascent coincided with the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, which added to the significance of the achievement.

Tenzing Norgay Sherpa also celebrated in Nepal, was revered as a symbol of strength and courage, and a source of immense national pride for Nepal. King Tribhuvan presented his order for the start of the Nepal medal, while the Indian government awarded him Padma Bhusan (the third highest civilian award in India).

Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa's life after the summit

Sir Edmund Hillary

After reaching life, he underwent significant changes as he gained global recognition. Furthermore, he returned to New Zealand and continued his work in the field of exploration, taking part in numerous expeditions, including treks to the South Pole. He also spent time on the lecture circuit, sharing experiences, and promoting the adventure. In 1960, Edmund Hillary launched the Himalayan Trust, which supported healthcare, education, and infrastructure development in the mountain area, to benefit the Sherpa communities who had supported the Everest Climb.

Sir Edmund Hillary built the Lukla (Tenzing Hillary Airport), but faced many problems in the field. However, he bought the all-local land from the sherpas and hired the local people to make the airport.

Sir Edmund Hillary often spoke about the importance of teamwork in the success of his Everest ascent, sharing the credit with his climbing partner, Tenzing Norgay. Some years later, Hillary also served in various political and public roles in New Zealand. Sir Edmund Hillary passed away in 2008, leaving behind a legacy of courage, compassion, and adventure.

Tenzing Norgay Sherpa

After summiting Everest, Tenzing became the director of field training at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling. He worked to promote climbing and adventure tourism in the Nepal mountains. In addition, he trained countless climbers, fostering a new generation of mountaineers and solidifying his legacy.

Outside of climbing, Tenzing focused on his family and shared his story by writing the book Man of Everest, which recounted his journey from a humble sherpa to an international hero. He is the goodwill ambassador, promoting peace and collaboration between nations, and contributing to mountaineering Sherpa culture. Tenzing Norgay died in Darjeeling in India in 1986.