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Key Glance Summary: Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hillary [First Ascent of Mount Everest (1953)]
Category | Details |
Event | First successful ascent of Mount Everest |
Date | May 29, 1953 |
Summiteers | Tenzing Norgay Sherpa (Nepal) and Sir Edmund Hillary (New Zealand) |
Mountain | Mount Everest (8,848.86 m / 29,031.7 ft) |
Route Taken | South Col Route (Nepal side) |
Expedition Leader | Colonel John Hunt (British Everest Expedition) |
Final Camp | Camp IX (at ~8,500 m / 27,900 ft) |
Time on Summit | Approx. 15 minutes |
Cultural Symbols Left on Summit | Tenzing: sweets as a Buddhist offering; Hillary: small Christian cross |
Who Stepped First? | Hillary (confirmed by Tenzing later), but both considered it a joint achievement |
Tenzing Norgay's Legacy | Hero of Nepal and India, mountaineering trainer, author, father of climber Jamling Tenzing Norgay |
Edmund Hillary's Legacy | Philanthropist, explorer, founder of Himalayan Trust, knighted by Queen Elizabeth II |
Awards | Tenzing: George Medal, Padma Bhushan; Hillary: Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) |
Historic Coincidence | News of the ascent reached London on the same day as Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation |
Modern Impact | Sparked global interest in Himalayan mountaineering; legacy continues in sustainable trekking and Sherpa empowerment |
Mount Everest, the highest mountain on Earth, has stood as a symbol of strength, challenge, and human ambition. At 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet), it rises above the clouds, calling to adventurers, climbers, and dreamers from all over the world.
While many have tried to conquer it, the first people who stood on its summit were Tenzing Norgay Sherpa of Nepal and Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand on May 29, 1953.
This historic climb did not just mark a great achievement in mountaineering; it also became a symbol of teamwork, courage, and cross-cultural friendship. This article will tell the full story: who they were, how they did it, and why it still matters today.
Mount Everest was first identified as the highest peak on Earth in 1852 by Radhanath Sikdar, an Indian mathematician working for the British. This was confirmed in 1856 by Andrew Waugh, the British Surveyor General of India. Since then, Everest became a dream for climbers, but it was not an easy mountain to climb.
In the 1920s and 1930s, British expeditions tried to reach the top through Tibet, but all failed. Famous climbers like George Mallory and Sandy Irvine disappeared during a 1924 attempt.
After World War II, the southern route through Nepal was opened, and French and Swiss expeditions explored it in the early 1950s. But it was the 1953 British Mount Everest Expedition, led by Colonel John Hunt, that finally succeeded.
Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, born in 1914 in Tengboche, Nepal, was the son of Tibetan parents. His birth name was Namgyal Wangdi, but it was later changed to Tenzing Norgay, meaning "wealthy and fortunate follower of religion." As a child, he herded yaks and later worked as a porter on Himalayan expeditions.
Tenzing first joined an Everest reconnaissance expedition in 1935 at the age of 20. He was not the first choice, but was selected for his cheerful personality, strength, and stamina. Over the years, he joined many expeditions, gaining experience and respect.
In 1952, he climbed with a Swiss team and reached an altitude of 28,210 feet, just 800 feet short of the summit. He became famous for his skill at high altitude and his ability to lead others through the dangers of ice, snow, and thin air.
After Everest, Tenzing became a hero across the world. He was honored with awards like the George Medal and Padma Bhushan. He worked to train future climbers through the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling, India, and wrote his autobiography, Man of Everest.
Edmund Hillary was born in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1919. He was a tall, shy boy who found confidence in the mountains. At 16, he began climbing in New Zealand’s Southern Alps. During World War II, he served in the New Zealand Air Force as a navigator.
After the war, Hillary climbed Mount Cook and other peaks, eventually preparing for the Himalayas. In 1951, he joined a British reconnaissance expedition to Everest. His determination and skill impressed the team, and he was invited to join the 1953 expedition led by John Hunt.
Hillary was known for his strong work ethic, practical thinking, and humility. After Everest, he continued his adventurous life, reaching the South Pole in 1958 and the North Pole in 1985. He also founded the Himalayan Trust, helping to build schools and hospitals in Nepal.
He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 and appeared on New Zealand’s $5 note. He passed away in 2008, leaving behind a legacy of adventure and service.
During the 1953 British Expedition, team leader Colonel John Hunt wanted experienced Sherpas to support the climb. Tenzing was invited due to his altitude experience and previous attempts. Hillary and Tenzing were paired together during the expedition and formed a strong bond based on mutual respect and shared challenges.
Their trust grew during the dangerous climbs, especially when Hillary saved Tenzing from a crevasse fall. This teamwork would prove essential on summit day.
The expedition had a large team of climbers, scientists, Sherpas, and support staff. They established a series of camps up the mountain, including Base Camp, Camp IV (South Col), and Camp IX, the final camp before the summit.
The first summit attempt was made by Tom Bourdillon and Charles Evans, but they had to turn back due to oxygen problems. The second team was Hillary and Tenzing.
On May 28, 1953, Hillary and Tenzing left Camp IX at 27,900 feet (8,500 meters). They faced deep snow, icy slopes, freezing winds, and low oxygen. At one point, Hillary had to cut steps into a steep 40-foot rock face, now called the Hillary Step.
After hours of climbing, they reached the summit of Mount Everest at 11:30 a.m. on May 29, 1953. They spent only about 15 minutes on the summit, taking photos and celebrating quietly.
Hillary took a photo of Tenzing holding an ice axe, but no photo was taken of Hillary. Tenzing left sweets as an offering, and Hillary left a small cross.
This question has caused debate, but both men always emphasized that they reached the summit together as a team. Tenzing later wrote that Hillary stepped onto the top first, but said it did not matter; they had done it together.
News of the successful climb reached London on June 2, 1953, the same day as the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Hillary was knighted, and Tenzing was awarded the George Medal and the Order of the Star of Nepal.
Their climb was celebrated across the world as a triumph of human spirit, teamwork, and courage.
After Everest, Tenzing continued to climb and train young mountaineers. He led expeditions to Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Gasherbrum I. He became the Director of Field Training at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, mentoring many climbers.
He co-wrote his autobiography and traveled the world sharing his story. His son, Jamling Tenzing Norgay, also became a famous climber, summiting Everest in 1996.
Tenzing died in 1986, but his legacy lives on. The Tenzing Montes on Pluto are named after him.
Hillary remained active in exploration, leading the Trans-Antarctic Expedition in 1958 and reaching the South Pole. He also explored the Arctic and continued to climb in the Himalayas.
Through the Himalayan Trust, he helped build over 30 schools, hospitals, and airstrips in Nepal. He became New Zealand’s High Commissioner to India and Nepal from 1985 to 1988.
He passed away in 2008 at the age of 88, and his work continues through his foundation.
Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary are famous for being the first people to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Their story is known around the world and is a symbol of what people can achieve through bravery, teamwork, and respect.
They also showed how climbers and Sherpas, from different cultures, could work together to reach a common goal.
Sir Edmund Hillary is remembered not only for reaching the top of the world but also for his humanitarian work. He used his fame to support the Sherpa community and protect the Himalayan environment. His work has improved the lives of thousands in Nepal.
Myths | Facts |
Tenzing and Hillary raced each other to the top | They climbed together as a team and always gave credit to one another |
Tenzing was only a helper | Tenzing was an experienced mountaineer and equal partner in the climb |
Hillary took a photo of himself at the summit | Only Tenzing’s photo was taken; Hillary preferred not to be photographed |
Everest was first climbed in the 1990s | The first successful ascent was in 1953 |
Since 1953, thousands have climbed Everest, and many use modern gear and oxygen systems far better than those used by Tenzing and Hillary. But the mountain remains dangerous. In 1996, a storm killed eight climbers, reminding everyone of Everest's deadly power.
Today, Everest has become more crowded due to commercial expeditions, and concerns about waste, pollution, and overcrowding have grown. Still, the spirit of the 1953 climb inspires climbers and trekkers from around the world.
If you’re planning a trek to Everest Base Camp, Trek Me Nepal offers guided trips to EBC led by Experienced Guides who share not only the trail but also the rich history of the mountain and its people. We believe in sustainable trekking and support local communities along the way through our One Guest One Tree initiative.
The story of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hillary is more than just a record of reaching the world’s highest point. It is a powerful lesson about working together, crossing boundaries, and pushing human limits.
Their journey inspires us to believe that even the tallest mountain can be climbed with respect, effort, and trust.
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